In a lovely moment between performances at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center’s James Armstrong Theatre, as the program shifted gears from Company to student performances, dancers Namitha and Ananya Ananth offered the deepest bow I’d ever seen – a prostration at a worthy individual’s feet, with head and hands to the floor. As unfamiliar as the gesture might be to hand-shakers and huggers, there was no mistaking the great dignity and respect it embodied. Even now, days after the moment, I remain touched by its simple elegance and profound emotion.
An Unfortunate Late Start…
Perhaps it wasn’t the wisest of decisions to add a supplemental 1p.m. show to the originally scheduled 4p.m. performance last Sunday, however great (and understandable) the demand. Compounded by a one-and-a-half hour delay, back-to-back performances – along with the difficult task of managing a good number of children – proved an unsurprising strain. But even the densest logistical fog couldn’t withstand the piercing sunlight that is the Shakti School of Bharata Natyam’s joyful spirit of dance. While the delay, to my great regret, made it impossible for me to watch the entire performance, the two-thirds or so that I did watch was every bit the magic I’ve come to expect from Shakti.
…but a Wonderful Performance Showcase
Notable for its diversity, the program consisted, not of a formal recital per se, but of showcase performances featuring students from across the spectrum of ages and abilities. The School’s youngest students, adorable little girls tentatively taking their first steps into the larger world of Bharata Natyam, shared the staged with seasoned students and adult practitioners. These were performances to overcome pesky stomach butterflies, celebrate accomplishments, make teachers proud. It was instructive as well enchanting. Seeing students outside of the Shakti Dance Company – the school’s performing arm – perform provided a glimpse at the journey students take, whether their path leads to their own arangetram (a solo debut cum graduation) or simply to their own personal fulfillment. Several dances were alarippu, opening pieces for Bharata Natyam recitals in which the dancer demonstrates technical mastery while invoking the divine. Others were pushpanjali, an offering of flowers to the divine that also serves to welcome audiences to a recital. Both, I learned, are dances taught to beginners.
In a special guest appearance, Namitha Ananth — a UAE-based teacher and dancer —charmed the stage with a Thillana, a rhythm-oriented nritta dance. Her use of soft power in a precise, restrained, but by no means timid, style, was elegant, engaging, leaving me wanting to see more. Her accomplished 9-year-old daughter Ananya, still full of the cockiness of youth enamoured by the limelight, also performed. A dynamic mother-daughter duo; one of many pleasant surprises in the program. (Another would be the “Shakti Cheer”, a gleeful blend of Bharata Natyam and cheerleading developed and presented by students.)
The Dance Company also offered several spirited dances, demonstrating beautifully, as always, the essence of Bharata Natyam where elements of rhythm and expression combine to form lush artistic interpretations. While performances were mostly divided into the junior and senior sections, the full company did come together to illustrate the dramatic death of the demon Mahishasura at the (many) hands of the goddess Durga – a masterwork choreographed by Viji and Mythili Prakash. The costumes, flowing materials and pleated fans, were objects of art in themselves; red, black, with the shine of metallic detailing. The music – a carnatic delight. Overall: a colourful spectacle of fast-moving feet, expressive hands and bodies in precise, synchronized motion. Even without the close intimacy of venues like the Electric Lodge, the connection established between dancers and audience was dynamic, visceral, real.
An On-Going Journey
Viji Prakash, artistic director and founder of both the Shakti School of Bharata Natyam (in 1977) and the Shakti Dance Company (in 1985), was the recipient of that most reverential of bows. I can understand why: Shakti’s students are wonderful, and a great many have promising careers in dance to look forward to.
But I think there’s more to the Shakti School and Dance Company’s success than teaching the art of dance to the next generation. There’s also Shakti’s open heart and generosity of spirit, reasons why I’ve come to love Bharata Natyam so much. Through Shakti’s efforts to share Bharata Natyam in L.A.’s culturally diverse environment, I’ve been introduced to something rich and beautiful. The annual program was a great way to gain a better “behind the scenes” understanding. Even better, it offered a solid kick in the motivation to learn more about the fine and complex art of Bharata Natyam, of which there is still much to discover. It’s a journey I look forward to continuing.
For more on the Shakti School of Bharata Natyam and the Shakti Dance Company, including upcoming performances, visit www.shaktidancecompany.com
