Bharatanatyam dancer and founder of Subbulakshmi’s Nrityashala, Subbulakshmi Rana is organising a two-day, Second Abhyudaya Dance Festival at Nishumbita Ballet and Theatre at Begumpet on Saturday June 24 and Sunday June 25. Speaking to Natyahasini, Subbulakshmi Rana says, “The main aim of starting this festival is to educate and inspire our students to see the infinite possibilities one can create with art forms which brings a tremendous joy to artists, rasikas and patrons.” She further says that Abhyudaya signifies the Sunrise, art which elevates the soul and ultimately brings happiness.
Disclosing the program details, the Bharatanatyam dancer, says that on Day One of the Festival, Mumbai-based Bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer, teacher and a trained Carnatic vocalist Sujatha Ramanathan will perform. The Bharatanatyam dancer received her initial training under Padma Shri Adayar K Lakshman in Chennai and later from Lata Raman from Mumbai. Sujatha Ramanathan holds a Masters (Alankar Poorna) in Bharatanatyam, BFA in Carnatic music from Annamalai university, completed Natyashastra Vivarnam from Dr Sujatha Mohan and is presently training in Kalarippayattu.
Subbulakshmi mentions that the evening’s other artist is Soundarya Koushik, a Kuchipudi dancer from Hyderabad. Soundarya, who has trained under Kuchipudi Exponent, Hamsa awardee Guru Dr. Maddali Usha Gayatri, is Choreographer, Performer, Researcher and Speaker. She is working as a Field Officer with CCRT, Ministry of Culture, Govt of India, where she is actively involved in Training Programmes Organized by CCRT and part of other Initiatives under MoC, Govt of India.Day 2 will begin with the performance of Subbulakshmi’s daughter, Kum Lasya Rana, a CCRT Scholarship awardee. Subbu adds that from the last year’s performers, Kalakshetra alumni couple, founders and directors of Indisha Fine Arts, Nidheesh and Indu, they have been able to rope in Indu Mohan. Indu, who teaches the art form at Kalakshetra takes care of every minutest detail and she has toured the globe presenting the Kalakshetra repertory. Kuchipudi & Vilasini Natyam dancer, Scholar, will share her knowledge with dancers and rasikas on nuances of Abhinaya.
