OJAS 2013: Bharatanatyam Program by Students of Manjeeram Academy of Fine Arts

Hyderabad, 6th April 2013: Manjeeram is a unique Bharatanatyam dance academy that brings to you the true essence of this great art form which is to enhance human potential. It aims to empower the mind, body and soul to optimize output in every field of life. The word Manjeeram is a distinctive derivative from Manjeera which is a synonym to Lord Shiva’s ankle bells.

Archana Karry, the Artistic Director, is a qualified Bharatanatyam Professional from the world renowned Institute ‘Kalakshetra’. She has more than 15 years of professional experience as a presenter, moderator and trainer. She has presented live performances for coveted sabhas in India & in the UK for over a decade. Being a Post Graduate in the Human resources (MBA), Archana applies ‘Think-out-of-the-Box’ concepts to Bharatanatyam adhering to traditional theories and techniques while bringing this dance form to the fore.

Manjeeram students are performing “OJAS” - A Bhartanatyam program at Ravindra Bharati on the 6th of April 2013 from 6.45 PM prior to which there is a Classical Music concert from 5.30 PM. by Kumari. T. Sreenidhi accompanied by Shri Sreekanth on the Mridangam, Shri. R.Dinakar on the Violin and Shri. M.S. Pavan Kumar oh the Tabla.

OJAS means ‘Continuation of a purposeful existence’ - the purpose being Excellence and Success at every step. This programs’ main objective is to create a platform for our students to perform so as to assess how far they have come and bow far they could go.
The program is presented by 15 dancers from ages 6 and above. The program is designed in such a way that there is a relevance or learning in most of the items that drives a useful message.

Program Flow:
Item 1: Triputa Mallari in Gambeera Nattai
The word mallari may be translated as “wrestling with the lord” i.e. before the idol the priests should “wrestle” with him to make him sit under the palanquin.

This composition is an inspiration from the Taer Mallari - that is when the deity is taken for procession.

Performers: Neethi Ravikumar K, U. Pravallika and S. Smriti

Item 2: Adavumala in Ragatalamalika
A customized item that takes one through the pedagogy of learning dance both theory and practical in the classroom. It tries to present the final outcome of the rasa with an analogy that we have all the emotions or navarasas within us and to be able to control and manage these emotions ultimately is the wonder which leads to peace within.

Original Music composition by Manjula Ponnapalli and choreography by Smt.Archana Karry
Performers: T. Shri Nitya, Rutva Raghuraman, Eesha Rao, D.Srinithya, K.V. Kanchan, Tanmayee Suresh, M. Shri Shreya, M. Shrijani, Raga Bhavana, S. Jaanavi, Shilpakartha, Neethi Ravikumar K, U. Pravallika and S. Smriti

Item 3: Shabdam Ragamalika in Mishra Chapu Thalam
An abhinaya item with small jathis in between that generally talks about anecdotes connected to Krishna’s childhood, This is a ninda sthuthi and a traditional piece choreographed by Rukmini devi.
Performer: S.Smriti

Item 4: This is a Keerthanam in Vasantha Ragam on Lord Shiva as the Nataraja in Chidambaram down south describing his ecstatic dance to please his devotees. This is a choreography by Smt. Rukmini Devi Arundale and Gopalakrishna Bharati’s composition.
Performer: Smt. Archana Karryltem

Item 5: Dasarapadam is a Purandaradasa composition where the mother and child relation is brought out in a very beautiful irony. As he is the protector of the world, he still is a child to Yashoda being protected.
Taken from a Bombay Jayashree album the choreography is by Archana Karry Performer: Smt.Archana Karry

Item 6: Shivashtakam
This is a piece on Lord Shiva as a salutation to him who balances creation and destruction.
A Kosmic musical production, choreography by Smt.Archana Karry.

Performers: T. Shri Nitya, Rutva Raghuraman, Eesha Rao, D.Srinithya, K.V. Kanchan, Tanmayee Suresh, M. Shri Shreya, M. Shrijani, Raga Bhavana, S. Jaanavi, Shilpakartha, Neethi Ravikumar K, U. Pravallika and S. Smriti.

Item 7: Thematic Presentation -The item deals with deforestation and draws attention to individual social responsibility that every individual who does their duty earnestly is an evolved soul and as every drop adds to the ocean, we salute to all those individuals who make or are making a difference to the society in an analogy “Endaro Mahanubhavulu andhariki vandanamulu”

Choreography by Manjeeram students who are performing the piece.

Performers & Choreographers: T. Shri Nitya, Rutva Raghuraman, Eesha Rao, D.Srinithya, K.V. Kanchan, Tanmayee Suresh, M. Shri Shreya, M. Shrijani, Raga Bhavana, S. Jaanavi, Shilpakartha, Neethi Ravikumar K, U. Pravallika and S. Smriti.