Spirituality is an essential element of all forms of art. This idea, quintessentially Indian, receives its creative interpretation in this product which is a compilation of the live recital in the 80s by Dr.Vyjayantimala Bali, the legendary Bharatanatyam exponent. Employing authentic and arresting Bharatanatyam idioms, she recreates the magic of Syama Sastri's Kamakshi Swarajathi in Bhairavi bringing the beauty of the raga, laya and sahitya in their pristine form. Her graceful movements, paise and dynamic facial expressions make the viewers capture the goddess of Kanchi exactly the way she was visualized by the composer.

The danseuse also expounds on the technical aspects of dance enlightening the viewers on the basic structure of the lyric, the tala to which it is set and how it offers ample scope for performing sancharis, the difference between Swarajathi and Jathiswaram etc.Aesthetic and informative this product will appeal to lovers and students of classical dance alike.

Kamakshi swarajathi Bhairavi-Misra chapu

In this product, Aaichiyar Kuravai, a segment of Silappadikaram, the Tamil literary classic has been adapted for Bharatanatyam by Dr.Vyjayantimala Bali, the celebrated danseuse. Backed by her dynamic face and nimble movements, she marshals the best elements in Bharatanatyam repertoire to provide a visual interpretation of ilango Adigal's verses in praise of Krishna and his myriad exploits. Here again, art, literature and spiritualism coalesce to create an aesthetic experience beyond compare.

• Kanru Kunilaa'
• Mohanam-misra chapu

• 'Irumen saayal'
• Madhyamavathi-Adi

• 'Kadir thigiri yaan'
• Hindolam-Adi

• 'Vadavaraiyai matthaakki'
• Suddha Saveri-Rupakam

• 'Moovulagum eeradiyaan'
• Suddha dhanyasi-Misra chapu.

Nrittanjalis & Sthutis by Lavanya Ananth

This product unfurls the features and finer aspects of Nrittanjali, a unique invocatory piece in the pure dance genre which involves an arresting array of body movements and footwork.

Here Lavanya Ananth, one of the foremost among the new generation of Bharatanatyam dancers of India (and the disciple of Gurus S.K.Rajarathnam, K.J.Sarasa, Kalanidhi Narayanan and Bragha Bessel) performs three pulsating Nrittanjalis followed by Sthutis or devotional compositions for dance.

In this product, sacred texts by ancient Indian saints in praise of Ardha Nariswara (the half woman manifestation of Shiva), Harihara (the form of Shiva who is half Vishnu) and Amba (the Universal Mother) have been adapted for music and dance.

Each presentation is a fine synthesis of superior music, dance and lyrics and sets a new benchmark for aspiring dancers. The performance is preceded by a coherent introduction of the item and word-by-word description of the lyrics, context and the mood portrayed in it.

An aesthetic experience that will linger long after you watch it!

Nrittanjali 1 - Vaasanthi & Kalyani - Adi
followed by Ardhanarishwara Sthuthi - Ragamalika - Adi
(verses from Sri Adi Shankara"s "Ardhanari Ashtakam")

Nrittanjali 2 - Saraswathy & Bahudari - Adi
followed by Hariharan Sthuthi - Ragamalika - Adi
(verses from Sri Adi Shankara"s "Shivananda Lahari")

Nrittanjali 3 - Brindavana saranga & Varamu - Adi
followed by Amba Sthuthi - Ragamalika - Adi
(verses from "Rajarajeshwari Ashtakam")

Nattuvangam - M.S.Sukhi & Lavanya Ananth
Vocal - Murali Parthasarathy & Deepu Nair
Mridangam - M.S.Sukhi
Violin - R.Kalaiarasan
Veena- Ananthanarayanan
Sound recorded, mixed & mastered by Sai Shravanam at Resound India Ltd.