Kalakshithi, the Bharatanatya school run by M R Krishnamurthy, once again proved its worth as one of the finest institutes of culture, as distinct from a mere classical dance centre, when Aparna Mahabaleshwara took her bow as a soloist at the JSS Auditorium Friday last. The Rangapravesha was representative of everything a debut recital should be, leaving one with a sense of hope and optimism that there are still islands of merit working tirelessly to preserve tradition, and which also have adherents.
A Rangapravesha is more a reflection on the Guru. Although an established teacher such as Krishnamurthy does not have to prove his credentials time and again, what needs to be tested is not only the aptitude of the dancer, but whether the high standard of the school, as is the case with Kalakshithi, has been maintained.
A certain dignity and reposefulness enveloped the entire evening, from the music and aaharya, to the very bearing of the dancer, which spoke of a grooming in entirety, where dance is taught as a part of a larger cultural nucleus.
The even-paced 30-minute Swarajathi varna ‘Sakhiye Inda’ (Anandabhairavi- Adi), the descriptive ‘Girija Kalyana’ (Ragamalika- Adi), from Kalidasa’s Ku m a r a Sambhava, padam ‘Mug at t a i Kaatiye’ (Bhairavi-Adi), and Purandaradasa’s ‘Brindavana Devi’ (Mayamalavagoula- Adi), showcased Aparna’s equal ease with nritta and abhinaya, where vocalist Hari Prasad, of the Kalakshetra Foundation, Chennai, touched a deep chord with the audience. Neat and complete pirouettes, well-etched hastas, and clear footwork were the pluses, while slightly rough teermanams, indistinguishable ardis, an araimandi with feet apart, besides infusing more liveliness into her dance, are areas needing attention.
Sumana Nagesh’s controlled nattuvangam, with matching intonations by Anil Kumar (mridangam), also from Kalakshetra, and Ganesh (violin) and Mahesh (fute), made the Rangapravesha as much a musical outing. The costume was simple yet stunning in effect. In make-up, skilful lip-contouring could help give Aparna a more smiling visage. No aspect of the programme was overdone.