Energetic Performances By Dancers On 3rd Day Of UDVIGNA Dance Fest
The evening’s performance began on the third day of UDVIGNA 2021 by lighting of the lamp by Chief Guest Sri Errabelli Dayakar Rao, Honourable Minister for Panchayat Raj, Rural Development and Rural Water Supply, Telangana, Dr. G Ranjith Reddy MP, Sri Mammidi Harikrishna, Director, Dept. of Language & Culture, Govt of Telangana, Kalaratna Smt. Deepika Reddy, Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee. The distinguished guests recalled the country’s rich cultural heritage. Guru Deepika Reddy spoke about the curator of the Festival B Sudheer Rao, who took lot of pains to organise a national festival for the first time in Hyderabad. She also recalled Sudheer Rao garu’s role in her dance ballets and the efforts he takes in travelling up down from Warangal for learning & programmes.
On the auspicious occasion along with distinguished guests, Guru and Dancer Sudheer Rao and his wife Priya were also honoured. The artists of the evening led by senior student of Guru Deepika Reddy, Pooja Akanksha Reddy, Paramita Maitra & Troupe, Disciples of Rakesh Sai Babu, and M Surendra Nadh & Bijina Surendra Nadh were present for the felicitation.
Disciples of Kalaratna Smt. Deepika Reddy, of Deepanjali School of Dance, began the evening’s performance with ‘Vijaya Ganapatim’, seeking blessings of all the Gods & Goddesses. The piece choreographed by Guru Deepika Reddy and set to Music by DV Sastry was a feast for the eyes. The coordination of the artists was excellent. This was followed by a solo of Pooja Akanksha Reddy of ‘Chakani Taleki’, an Annamacharya Keertana. Next presentation was Bhakta Ramdas Keertana, ‘Takuve Meti Manuku Ramudu Vukkadu … ‘depicting the 10 incarnations of the Lord, set in Saurashtra Ragam and Adi Talam and beautifully choreographed by Guru Deepika Reddy. The Guru’s daughter Shloka Reddy helmed the narrator’s role for the presentation.
Kathak recital by Smt. Paramita Maitra and troupe was the evening’s second performance. Paramita Maitra, who runs dance schools in at least five centres both in Kolkata and other parts of West Bengal, made the audiences dance along with her. An “A” graded artist of Doordarshan and ICCR’s Group empanelled artist; SNA and National scholarship from Govt. of India, began with ‘Thunga Thunga’ followed by ‘Durga Stuthi’, ‘Tarana’ and ‘Ehsaas’. Paramita who showed her expertise in the dance, was also very quick in changing costume. Her solos were well-received by the Rasikas.
Chhau recital by disciples of Delhi-based Rakesh Sai Babu, was visual treat. The timing and presentation were well-timed. Chhau dance, is a semi classical Indian dance with martial, tribal and folk traditions origination from the East. The speciality of this dance form is that it is based on simple daily activities of humans in villages and the movements were developed from observing the work done by people using tools and other objects in their daily life. The students began the performance with ‘Chaali Uffli’ followed by ‘Vishnu mantra’, ‘Shakti’, ‘Nataraj’ and ‘War Dance’.
Kuchipudi recital by artists, Surendra Nath and Bijina marked the last performance of the UDVIGNA Festival 2021. Surendra Nadh and Bijina known for unprecedented grace and intensity with over two decades of experience exhibited their prowess in the energetic performance of ‘Ardhanaadeshwara Stotram’.
