CHENNAI: Bharathanatyam and classical ballet. Sounds poles apart? Well, it did to us as well — until we visited the Rukmini Arangam at Kalakshetra last weekend. Knot The Path, a multidimensional classical extravaganza, organised by the NaMaargam Dance Company, converged the two distinct dance styles on stage, along with a touch of reiki and tai chi!
All beautifully interwoven, the fusion performance made the audience go rapt. And it was not one of the shows where the gathering comprised solely dance aficionados and grey haired aunties and uncles. People from all walks of life, including several teenagers and expats, were present at the auditorium to enjoy the show.
With seven performers, the production was choreographed with theatre and high energy dance sequences played onstage against a concept of high aesthetic values. The use of Bhutanese gongs, edakka, bongo and chenda, apart from a variety of conventional instruments in the background, made the performance lively and mesmeric. The stage, based on the architectural settings of spectacular temples in different moods, provided a dynamic dimension to the show. The dancers led by Krithika Subrahmanian were from prominent dance schools of outstanding artistic lineage.
The recital put forth some pertinent questions related to philosophy and life. Apart from portraying the current spiritual scenario in our times, the dance interpreted age-old philosophies in a whole new dimension. And the message was loud and clear. The recital beautifully conveyed that each of us was moving on a different path and it was the plurality with which we view others that defined us. Music, rhythm, poetic self-expression, adornment and love are ways through which we can connect with our inner being to attain spiritual progress. And it is only when we find joy in ourselves and embrace the artiste within us, that we get closer to god.