Nrityadhara – Dwitya: A Journey Through the Timeless Elegance of Bharatanatyam
Aayam Institute of Performing Arts celebrated the captivating journey of Bharatanatyam, from a learner’s first steps to the pinnacle of mastery, at the second edition of Nrityadhara – Dwitya. Held at the Little Theatre Group (LTG) Auditorium, the event was a tribute to the timeless elegance and spiritual essence of Bharatanatyam, meticulously curated and choreographed by the visionary Guru Smt. Sindhu Mishra.
Rooted in the traditional bani of the esteemed Guru KN Dandayudhapani Pillai, Nrityadhara brought to life the intricate interplay of nritta (pure dance), bhava (expression), and tala (rhythm). The evening opened with Pushpanjali, a heartfelt floral offering to the divine, the guru, and the audience, set to the soulful Raagam Bowli and Talam Adi, composed and sung by Shri G. Elangovan. This was followed by the Dhyaan Shlokam, a reverential invocation to Lord Shiva, highlighting His omnipresence and cosmic grandeur, composed by Smt. Sudha Raghuraman.
Each performance showcased a beautiful blend of classical rigor and creative expression. Shivashtakam, a composition by Shri Adi Shankaracharya set to Raagam Bhupali and Talam Khand Chaapu, vividly depicted Lord Shiva as the mighty destroyer of Asuras, the loving father of Ganesha, adorned with the moon and stars, and smeared in sacred ash, embodying both cosmic power and ascetic serenity. The recital of Shri Ram Chandra, a Bharatanatyam interpretation of the bhajan by Goswami Tulsidas, set to Raag Sindhu Bhairavi and Adi Taal, was equally captivating.
Another highlight was the Padam – Yaro Ivar Yaro, an emotional abhinaya piece that beautifully portrayed Sita’s first encounter with Ram, set to Raag Bhairavi and Taal Adi, with composition by Shri Arunachala Kavirayar.
The evening also featured Bho Shambho, composed by Swami Dayananda Saraswati and sung by Shri G. Elangovan, which celebrated Lord Shiva as the cosmic force of creation and dissolution. Set to Raagam Revati and Talam Adi, it captivated the audience with its spiritual depth. The night concluded with Thillana, a rhythmic piece by Poochi Sreenivaasa Aiyyangaar, praising Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, set to Raagam Paras and Talam Adi, which left the audience spellbound with its intricate patterns and vibrant energy.
Speaking about the event, Guru Smt. Sindhu Mishra said, “Nrityadhara – Dwitya is a celebration of dedication, devotion, and the eternal beauty of Bharatanatyam. The overwhelming response from the audience reaffirms the timeless appeal of this classical art form. Through this journey from a learner’s first steps to mastery, we aim to preserve the rich traditions of Bharatanatyam and inspire the next generation to carry its legacy forward.”
More than just a dance recital, Nrityadhara – Dwitya was an immersive experience that showcased the richness and versatility of Bharatanatyam while honoring its deep-rooted traditions. The event left the audience spellbound, reaffirming the timeless beauty and universal appeal of this classical art form.
