As soon as her toes find the rhythm of the nagaswaram, mridangam and the veena playing in the backdrop, a scintillating flush of energy races up her body. Bharatanatyam dancer Krithika Subrahmanian’s soul has always found comfort in this dance form since she was seven. Staging a new performance titled Swappnam, with a talented group of dancers, Subrahmanian tries to dive deeper into the core of each movement to showcase an art form that’s been her constant companion.
Set to the music of composer Isaignani Ilayaraaja, this is the first-ever full length musical composition for a classical dance production. “It was specially created for my script and concept. I chose to work with him as he is India’s greatest composer and also a devout Shainite,” says Subrahmanian, adding when Ilayaraaja said he felt inspired after going through her researched script, she felt like nobody else could ever give her a better compliment.
Subrahmanian doesn’t give too much away while talking about her presentation. To see what it’s all about, you’ll have to watch it.
Along with her dance routine, there will be acts by handpicked classical dancers of dynamism and charisma from all over India, according to the dancer. “They are young and dynamic and chosen by me for their authentic lineage and training. The rehearsal and choreography sessions were a very symbiotic process with the involvement of dancer Vaibhav Arekar,” she says.
As an architect and designer by profession, working with space and time to create illusions with form, light and accessories, Subrahmanian says that as a dancer, she got the best training and complex choreographies to develop her skill. “It helped me work with dancers to create a dynamic ensemble of dance and theatre which even the uninitiated can enjoy. It’s a realisation of our dream. After all, the content of our dreams connects us to our past, anchors our present and reveals our inner self. That’s Swappnam for you,” she says.
Date July 30 Time 7 pm
Venue Kamani Auditorium, Copernicus Marg