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FOOTWORK NEEDS MORE POLISH

       
Yet another promising dancer, S Lakshmi, proved her talent in her performance at the Russian Cultural Centre, Chennai. Groomed in the Vazhuvoor style of Bharatanatyam by guru Vaidehi Lakshmipati, she is no doubt a rising star of tomorrow. The programme kicked off with the traditional Todayamangalam followed by Tisra Alarippu. Jatiswaram in Roopaka tala and the Padam 'Koovi azhaittal' (Malayamarutam) were the items in the pre-varnam session. Vocalist Sashidharan's rendition of these melodies made them sound extra melodious.    

     

The varnam 'Nee inda mayam' was the anchor piece, with crisp jatis to suit the dancer. Lakshmi was expressive in rendering this number, but her nritta (footwork) requires a finer polish. The post-varnam session comprised such popular numbers as 'Ananda Natamidum' (Kedaragowla) and 'Yaar enna sonnalum' (Manirangu). A few crisp sancharis would have added colour the programme. The guru must work on the sancharis too, which is definitely a multipurpose interlude making the dancer relax for a little while on the stage and thus preparing her for tougher nritta sequences.

Mridangist Kesavan was at his best and violinist Kalaiarasan and flutist Sunil Kumar did their jobs well by playing the relevant ragas during the stop gaps between each song, thus maintaining the pace of the programme. Lakshmi closed with a tillana in Jonpuri followed by the popular Tiruppavai ‘Vaaranamaayiram’.      

Lakshmi V N

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   Posted on 2nd March 2001