Program
Pushpanjali, Agajananam Sloka, Vedasara Shiva Sloka, and Khandam Alarippu
The Pushpanjali dance is often the first dance in a Bharatanatyam performance. The dancer offers symbolic flowers in salutation to the lord of dance Nataraja, as well as the teacher, the musicians, and the audience. An invocatory hymn to Ganesha is presented to remove any obstacles. This is followed by a devotional piece to Shiva as the Supreme Dancer, Nataraja. The hymns describe the river Ganges in his matted hairlocks, his form clad in tiger skin, with his three eyes representing the sun, moon and fire. He illuminates the universe by destroying ignorance. The Alarippu (Blossom) is a piece emphasizing the nritta, or rhythmic part of dance. This Alarippu is performed on a 5-beat cycle with sections in various speeds.
Raagam: Hamsanandi & Hamsadhwani
Talam: Rupakam & Khanda Chapu
Hymns: Adi Sankara
Music: Asha Ramesh
Language: Sanskrit
Navarasa Rama
Navarasa uses stories from The Ramayana to illustrate nine rasas (moods or emotions) from Lord Rama's point of view:
sringaaram (love, when Rama walks with Sita)
veerum (bravery, when Rama breaks the bow to win Sita's hand in marriage)
kaarunyam (c0mpassion, when Rama forgives the demon crow, Kakasura)
adhbuta rasam (wonder, when Rama marvels at the bridge built by monkeys)
haasyam (laughter at demon Surpanaka's advances towards him)
bhayam (fear, of the sins present in the world)
beebhatsam (disgust, at the thought of any other woman besides Sita
raudram (anger, as he confronts Ravana on the battlefield
shaantam (peace, as Rama gains solace from saints and yogis).
Raagam: Raagamaalika
Hymns: Adi Sankara
Music: Asha Ramesh
Language: Sanskrit
Varnam: Devar Munivar
Devar Munivar is a varnam in praise of Vishnu. As Lord of the world, He is revered by Gods (Devar) and sages (Munivar) alike. He appears as Kurma, his form as a tortoise, to stop the evil Asuras as they steal the amrita (nectar) churned from the ocean.
The Lord is compassionate to those who are humble, such as the cobbler who desires to make Him sandals which He later places in the temple for worship. In his heart resides his wife Lakshmi.
In His form as Vamana, he measures the earth and heavens with his steps, thereby defeating the Asura King Mahaabali.
Lord, as your devotees ascend the beautiful hills to the temple of Tirupati, you alone instill bliss as they catch a glimpse of your moon-like face, oh He who resides in Vaikuntha. You and your wife Padmavathi garland each other as part of a wedding procession.
Is it even possible to tell you all of His glory? Oh He who has 10 forms?
Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Narasimha, Vamana, Parasurama, Rama, Krishna, Kalki, Balrama/Buddha
As Vishnu, He holds the shankkh (conch shell) and chakra (discus), giving blessings with his right hand.
As Venkateswara, He is adorned in flowers; one needs 10 million eyes to take in his beauty!
As Krishna, He is the charioteer of Arjuna, guiding him towards his dharma (duty) in the Bhagavad Gita.
As Rama, He shoots an arrow through 7 trees to show His strength to defeat Vali.
Raagam: Shanmukhapriyaa
Talam: Adi
Composer: Sri Lalgudi G. Jayaraman
Language: Tamil
Intermission
Mella Mellane Bandane
This piece depicts a dialogue between the maidens (gopis) and Yashoda (Krishna's mother). The gopis complain to Yashoda that Krishna is up to his usual mischief, such as kissing their cheeks and running away or stealing their milk. Yashoda denies that her little angel Krishna could have done any harm and maintains that instead of complaining about him, he should be worshipped, for he is none other than the Lord Vishnu.
Raagam: Raagamaalika
Talam: Adi
Composer: Saint Purandara Daasa
Language: Kannada
Omkarakarini
A hymn to the Goddess Shakti, who is in the form of the syllable Om, traced as the sanskrit syllable. She subdues her enemies with a simple "Hum" and is the beloved consort of Shiva. Each jathi depicts the many armed goddess defeating asuras (demons) with her weaponry. She maintains her grace like the Lavanga creeper, granting boons and protection to all who seek her blessings.
Raagam: Lavangi
Talam: Adi
Composer: Sri M. Baalamurali Krishna
Language: Sanskrit
Chinnanchiru Kiliye
This piece depicts the adoring love between a mother and child. The mother expresses her love for her Kannamma (dear one) referring to her as a "little parrot" (kili) who has brought immense meaning to her life. "Oh Kannama, when you run towards me, my heart warms. I get intoxicated when you kiss my cheek and my troubles disappear when I hear you talk."
Raagam: Raagamaalika
Talam: Rupakam
Composer: Sri Subrahmanya Bhaaratiyaar
Music: Lalgudi G. Jayaraman
Language: Tamil
Hindolam Thillana
The Thillana is a joyous finale in a dance recital. Precise, rhythmic patterns and sculpturesque poses are presented with grace and fluidity. The concluding lyrics of this Thillana are in praise of Goddess Kamakshi. Embodying the autonomy of nature, She is defined as the Supreme Goddess of Beauty and Tranquility.
Raagam: Hindolam
Talam: Khanda Ekam
Composer: Sri Thirugokarnam Subbaiyer