Ramya Suresh performing at the Margazhi Dance Festival, 2022-23 of the Brahma Gana Sabha. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Pleasantly surprised by the performance of Brahma Gana Sabha dance ceremony by Indira Kadambi student Ramya Suresh at RK Swami Hall. From the bubbly Alarippu in Teesaram, which was preceded by the melodious ‘Vakra Thunda Mahakaya’, to the short but elegant Thillana (raaga Madhuvanti, Adi Taal, a composition by Lalgudi Jayaraman, set to dance by Leela Samson), the performance is precisely Was marked and an unhurried flow.
Dressed in a simple, vibrant red outfit gathered at the back, Ramya was in her element in the varnam ‘Sarasalanu Ippudu Marimanara’ (in the raga Karnataka Kapi, Rupak Taala, composed by Ponnaiah of Thanjavur Quartet, and choreographed by Indira Kadambi) Which is the test of both dance and emotion. Gifted with an expressive face, her performance brought alive every nuance.
Ramya was all gracious, and the portrayal of the heroine yearning for the blessings and presence of Brihadeeswarar was done with ease. A gentleness pervaded the dancer’s movements, be it a step or a soulful line. The Devaranama, ‘Buchi Bandide’, a composition by Purandarasara, was replete with Yashoda’s mock threats to Krishna, who refuses to sleep. This Ragamalika, Adi Taal piece was choreographed by Indira Kadambi, who was also on Nattuvangam.
Singer Raghuram’s singing added to the melody. Providing able support on the mridangam was Vinay Nagarajan, and the flute intervals by Vivek Krishna were appropriate, as was the focus on Krishna.