A tribute to classical dance

Muvva - Nritya Raaga Nigamam, an institution that trains students in Kuchipudi, conducted their annual programme Laasya Ravali on Sunday.

The programme began with an invocation prayer to Goddess Saraswati, after which students recited the Naatyaarambha slokas from ‘Naatyashastra’. It was followed by dance performances by students of Muvva.

The first item was Gajaananayutam Ganeshwaram, a composition by Mutthuswami Deekshitar, praising Lord Ganesha, choreographed by Dr Hima Bindu, set to vegavaahini raagam and aadi taalam, which was performed by Dr Hima Bindu, Suri Srivalli, Suri Sriranjani, Dr Sree Ranjani, Divya and Snigdha.

Jatiswaram, a traditional Kuchipudi item, set to athana raagam and aadi taalam, was performed by Chinmayee, Sahishna, Pranathi, Akshaya, Ikshita, Haasini, Laasya, Nirjhari, Vynavi, and Maanyasri.

Cheliye Kunjanamo, composed by Maharaj Swathi Thirunal, set to Brindavana Saranga raagam, was performed by Dr Hima Bindu. Also performed were Brindavana Nilaye, composed by Oothukkaadu Venkatasubbaiyyer, set in Reeti Gowla raagam; Jaya Jayahe Bhagavathi Surabharathi, the lyrics of which were written by Hariram Acharya, and composed by Pt. Ravi Shankar.

The final item for the performance was the Tillana, a predominantly rhythmic composition. Presented at the end of the recital, it was a brisk and lively number where the dance comprised of the nritta. Composed by Kishore Palle, the item was set to Vasanta raagam.