Nritya Natya Kala Bharati's Annual Recital Precocious Display by Young Talent- Atlanta Dunia -

Nritya Natya Kala Bharati's Annual Recital
Precocious Display by Young Talent

Photos & Review: Girish Modi

Students from Nritya Natya Kala Bharati (NNKB) celebrated their 10th annual dance recital on March 6th at Woodruff Arts Center in Atlanta with lots of fanfare. NNKB presented a spectacular dance program produced and directed by Kumud and Sandeep Savla. The melodious recital was a delightful amalgam of contemporary, folk and classical dances set to musical compositions.

When the curtain rose, Kumud and Sandeep Savla came on stage, accompanied by their Son Sil and daughter Samta. They stood together reverentially to light the traditional diya and invoke God’s blessings. Kumud and the girls thereafter performed dance ritual to Hanuman Chalisa, that has the potency to remove all obstacles.

The main program began with the traditional classical dance segment with live musicians playing in the back ground. The Savlas have always been true traditionalists in having this segment performed to live music unlike the present trend of using CD tracks.

This year’s recital showcased imaginatively crafted dance form of Sanskrit epic play Meghdoot of the legendary 16th century poet-playwright Kavi Kalidas. Chorographed by Kumud and directed by Kumud and Sandeep, it spanned into 16 episodes starting with Yakshini playing with her friends and ending when message is delivered. Over 100 students participated in the sixteen episodes. Each episode was an optic feast presented on stage by diverse age groups.

The story goes like this: Overpowered by intense feeling of love, Yaksha, an employee of Kuber incurs the wrath of his master, when he neglects his duties He is sentenced to a year-long exile and is separated from his wife Yakshini. Yaksha conveys his message in ecstatic poetry form that describes Meghdoot’s (cloud messenger) journey from Ramgiri Mountain to Alkapuri. Meghdoot’s travel include crossing of mountains, forests, rivers, city of Ujjain, Kurukshetra, Himalaya and Kailash. Yaksha is played by Aditya Prem, Yakshini by Samta Savla, Megh by Priya Choksi, Kuber by Raheem Budhan and Sutradhar by Vasanta Chivukula.

Kathak is a time-honored classical dance form originating from Northern India and is characterized by rhythmic footwork, spectacular spins, and the curious admixture Hindu scriptures and Urdu poetry.

Perhaps the most endearing thing about Kathak as a dance form is its free flowing style which provides you with abundant freedom to perform without transgressing tradition.
Kathak is one of the six major classical dance forms of India and through song, dance and mime, complex rhythmic footwork, and dexterous spinning - it depicts epic poems and myths in a dramatic form.

Audience witnessed enchanting little girls from ages four upwards to the experienced teenagers who have learnt at the Academy for a few years perform the basics to the more complex movements with vigor. The dancers performed to raga-based taranas and geets while a live orchestra comprising of accomplished musicians created the mood. Many in audience felt that Kumud and her team, who had envisioned the production many years back and had invested more then three months of rigorous practice, had remarkably succeeded in recapturing the rich imagery Kavi Kalidas had visualized in his epic poem.

It was a unique experience of listening to the fusion of the traditional Indian music instruments with Western instruments. The orchestra was led by music director Sandeep Savla on the keyboard, which was ably supported by his talented team. Preeti Uttam (daughter of Bollywood’s famous music Director Uttam Sing who composed music for Dil To Pagal Hai and other films) was the lead female singer, while Ahin Das was the lead male singer. The team lifted the orchestra to new heights with the entire music hall going agog that evening.

In the second half the NNKB dance recital, students offered a variety of colorful folk dances, and scintillating Bollywood movie dances depicting themes of Earth, Sky, Water, Fire, Air. It is evident that starting with simple Kathak steps, Kumud trains her students to holistically master complex footwork, fast rhythmic circles, facial expressions, and total body language. The guests were treated to an astounding array of dances performed by alluring young girls from different parts of the country. Radha Kaise Na Jale was the highlight as the costume depicted Radha on the front side and Krishna on the back side (similar to Sandhya’s dance number Are Jare natkhat in V. Shantaram’s Film Navrang.)

The last item before the grand finale was a bhangda dance performed by young boys and girls to the tune from Film Rang De Basanti. The grand finale topped the whole show as the patriotic song Mere Desh ki Dahrti from Upkar was being played. All the participants systematically entered the stage in groups and continued dancing till the end. Even the bullock cart was brought on stage to lend a touch of realism.

These students demonstrated grace and poise and regaled the audience throughout the show sharing their knowledge gathered at the dance institute. They expressed their love for Kumud Savla, the dance instructor, choreographer and mentor. The cutest visuals were, without a shadow of doubt, the little ones. Dressed in colorful Indian outfits, they stood there, wide-eyed and showing their gaping mouths with missing teeth or braces while smiling and voicing the bols under the guidance of Kumud.

The emcee for the evening was the charming Viren Mayani whose hospitality, knowledge of music and easiness on stage kept the audience enthralled. Viren and Sandeep offered vote of thanks to all the participants, their parents, volunteers and sponsors for their unwavering support. It was past 9 pm when the show ended to vociferous applause and standing ovation.

NNKB has instituted a dance and music certification program affiliated with Gandharva Mahavidyalaya of Pune and its mission is to produce world-class artists. One can contact Sandeep or Kumud Savla at 678-467-0837 for further information.