Artistes constantly need to reinvent and adapt themselves to the changing sensibilities of the audience, and Aayana Dance Company from Bengaluru has excelled in this endeavor. Their performance, featuring the pieces ‘Dhruva and Ellige,’ on the concluding day of the Yagnaraman centenary celebrations at Sri Krishna Gana Sabha, was a testament to this adaptive spirit. The group delivered a captivating performance that seamlessly blended tradition with contemporary elements.
From the outset, the group’s energy radiated across the stage, creating a spectacle of color, light, music, and movement. The show commenced with a Valmiki Namana and a Vayu Pushpanjali in raga Nattai, with the dancers’ movements vividly evoking the dynamism of the wind. The audience was spellbound by the visual impact and emotive power of the performance, enhanced significantly by intricate lighting arrangements.
Lighting, masterfully designed by Surya Rao, played a critical role throughout the performance. Effective illumination can transform a dance show, and this was exhibited in how the interplay of light and shadow added depth and intensity to the spectacle. The lighting not only highlighted the dancers’ movements but also enhanced the storytelling aspect, making the narratives more compelling.
A notable segment of the performance was the portrayal of Hanuman and Tyagaraja, both ardent devotees of Rama. Seated under two spotlights at either side of the stage, two artistes through intense abhinaya drew profound parallels between these two iconic figures using the chosen line ‘Vegara karuna sagara.’ This evocative portrayal was soon joined by a group of dancers who explored the kriti ‘Vandanamu Raghunandana.’ However, the continual presence of a large group of dancers led to some moments of visual monotony, indicating a need for streamlined entries and exits in future group productions.
The performance of the Hanuman Chalisa was particularly remarkable for its group formations and robust footwork.
. The lines of the Chalisa that speak of conquering fear were powerfully depicted with apt lighting and makeup, heightening the dramatic effect and engaging the audience deeply.
‘Ellige,’ the second major piece, delves into fundamental existential questions: Who are we? What are we doing? Where are we going? This segment was thoughtfully divided into three choreographic pieces. The exploration of the panchakanyas — Sita, Draupadi, Ahalya, Tara, and Mandodari — through appropriate stotras addressed to their male counterparts and depicted via a panchajathi alarippu was a highlight. This narrative-focused dance extended its scope to themes of women empowerment, skillfully interwoven into the alarippu, transcending traditional storytelling to convey a powerful contemporary message.
The group concluded their performance with the traditional mangalam ‘Pavamana,’ providing a fitting end to a show that was both rooted in classical Bharatanatyam and enriched with modern sensibilities.
Aayana Dance Company needs to be commended for their innovative efforts in expanding the scope of Bharatanatyam by infusing it with contemporary ideas. Throughout the evening, the meticulous lighting design by Surya Rao illustrated the importance of giving equal attention to every facet of a group production. The careful balance between the classical and the contemporary made for a delightful viewing experience, showcasing the potential for traditional dance forms to evolve and remain relevant in modern times.
The performance highlighted the importance of evolving art forms to keep pace with societal changes and audience expectations. Aayana Dance Company’s mix of traditional Bharatanatyam with innovative concepts is a significant step toward ensuring this classical form continues to resonate with contemporary audiences. They demonstrated how traditional choreographic design could be given a contemporary touch, making classical dance accessible and engaging to newer generations while retaining its innate beauty and depth.
By combining classical narratives with modern themes, Aayana Dance Company has set a benchmark in the world of classical dance. Their success is a testimony to the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of art, where tradition and innovation coalesce to create new artistic expressions. Through their performance, they have not only showcased their artistic prowess but also highlighted the transformative power of dance, weaving together the past and the future in a seamless and captivating dance narrative.
