Memorable three days at Chennai, offering our artistic abilities in front of a great Stalwart- Dr.Padma Subramaniam on April 30th, a unique choreography experience with the genius on May 1st & being present with our Guru Dr.Maya Rao on May 2nd at the Awards function where the legendary artist was honored with "Tagore Ratna" Award at the Music Academy- Chennai.
Just returned from Chennai this morning after a series of most memorable events.
April 30th - Utsav Music collaborated with Sri.Krishna Gana Sabha on the occasion of World Dance Day & invited us to perform.
We had the honor to dance at this wonderful sabha which has featured Stalwarts over 60 years & has amazing energy to the space.
It was indeed a pleasure to dance in front wonderful Rasikas & specially the Chief Guests - Dr.Padma Subramaniam who received the Utsav Ratna Award & the American Consul General -Chennai.
The audience response for the Varsha was so spontaneous ,specially when we were showing rain drops it felt like the audiences simply loved the feel of cool showers , it was perfect for the heat :)
This time we added some more imageries to this piece & it felt very very good.
Ta-Dha also had a great response as we could feel the "wow ! energy" from people specially during the unpredictable arresting pauses.
Paddu Akka said :
"Outstanding ! loved the grace, the way you enjoyed every moment & your music was extraordinary ! "
Pavithra ( Accomplished Dancer ) :
" I have seen so many couples dance but when you dance together ,the kind of love & respect you bring for each other brings in a feel of reverence in us ". Some of the young dancers said they " loooooooooooooooooved it " :) sweet of them !
It was also nice to meet Actor -dancer Vineet & Mohini attam dancer Jayaprabha Menon who were sharing the same stage on the occasion.
Thanks to Mr.Pandian & Radhika Shurajit for organising such a wonderful event.
May 1st - Coming into this world 41 years ago i wanted my birthday to be special & it turned out more special than i could imagine.
We went to Ramakrishna Ashram & met Swami Gouthamananda ji , it is amazing to see how even in his late seventies he is still glowing & enthusiastic about meeting the devotees , sharing inspiring talks & serving the Ramakrishna Mutt & gearing up to travel to the mutts located in different parts of the world.We had excellent Prasadam there.
That afternoon Dr.Padma Subramaniam called us to her place & gave us the MOST MEMORABLE GIFT of our life.
She said i want to do something for you both , i dont know what but just come & when you stand in front of me something will come ," God will make it happen" & she did something so beautiful, so beautiful that we were elevated.
She choreographed a Devaranama for the two of us.
She said i will give you the structure & you may do it in any style...it is "Bharatha's Natya " ,we realised she is beyond any style...she connects with the style of RASA.
We were simply awestruck by her ideas which are profound yet her moves are simple at the same time filled with Sathva ! her understanding of music , poetry ,spirituality, puranic stories, basic human emotions ...everything is sooooooooooooo deep & Classy!
She said this was her GIFT to me.
What can one offer to reciprocate the grace from a Guru , only total surrender i suppose !
We shall never ever forget this Birthday.
May 2nd - Birthday + Great day of Honor for our Guru.Dr.Maya Rao
Our dearest loveliest Guru Maya Didi, a person who is the force behind who we are today turned 83 on May 2nd & the Central Sangeeth Natak Academy chose this date to confer the Award of Tagore Ratna to Maya didi at the Music Academy.
This was Rajendra's & my dgreatest opportunity to be there when our Guru was being honored.
We were there then also when Didi got the Academy Award in Bangalore & these moments are sooooooo special for us.
Her knowledge coupled with dignity & humility is a great inspiration for us.
It is amazing that even at this Stature ,she along with other Awardees went for the rehearsal of the Awards.
The evening was a function which moistened our eyes as we could not stop admiring the people who came on stage.
The Awardees were all 75 yrs & above ,people who gave their life to Art ,whether they had two meals a day was immaterial but their passion & dedication for their chosen field brought them to this recognition.
Some came on the Wheel Chair, Many with walking sticks & some had people holding them as they walked to the centre of he stage.
As p
eople clapped their eyes & skin just glowed & to hold the award probably was like holding a tender baby which they nurtured with utmost love & care , incessantly for 75 -80 years & their hearts swelled.
Along with Maya didi were Kalanidhi mami, Flute Mestro Ramani sir, Nedhunuri Krishnamurthi, M.S.Goplakrishnan ,Jayalakshmi amma, Kathakali masters, musicians ,theatre personalities , veteran actors & theatre personalities.
They all glowed like full bloomed golden lotuses receiving honours from the creator & the look in their eyes for the heavenly applause was like music from the celestials.
These are the special energies whom we all have to look up to ,for ,
they have walked the path of Art for 75-80 years
without looking back ,
purely for the love for the Arts.
May their light fall upon us & lead us all to the glory of Arts.
Salutations !
Posted via email from Abhinava Dance Company
