The dance of expression: Harshitha’s Kuchipudi Rangapravesam triumph
- 28 October 2024
Harshitha’s repertoire consisted of Vani Puruku. It is an invocation dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the Goddess of Learning, wisdom, and the arts. In the tradition of Kuchipudi, every recital opens by paying homage to Saraswati, seeking her blessings for knowledge, creativity, and success; Ananda Narthana Ganapathim (a vibrant dance piece dedicated to Lord Ganesha); Sankara Srigiri is a renowned composition by Swathi Tirunal. The Keerthana captures the spiritual intensity and joy of surrendering to the divine will, invoking a sense of devotion and reverence for the mighty Lord of Dance, Nataraja. Lalitha Lavanga is a poetic gem from the Gita Govinda, composed by the 12th-century poet Jayadeva. This piece is part of the revered Ashtapadi capturing Radha’s emotional yearning for her beloved Krishna. Bhamakalapam the Pravesha Daruvu marks Satyabhama’s grand introduction in the drama. In this piece, she presents herself as a youthful, regal woman, full of pride and self-assurance, a narrative dance highlighting themes of love and valor. Harshita has performed with maturity as Satyabhama showing the themes with ease. Parulanna Maata is a lyrical Javali that beautifully explores the theme of love and persuasion, and Harshita performed the item gracefully and captivated the audience. Dhanasree Thillana composed by Swathi Tirunal was a lively and rhythmic dance form characterized by intricate footwork and fast-paced music by Harshita; Krishnam Kalayasakhi is a well know Tarangam composed by Narayana Theertha and Harshitha demonstrated her remarkable artistry by dancing on the rims of a brass plate, a traditional and challenging aspect of Tarangam dedicated to Lord Krishna and concluding in Mangalam.
When Meghna transformed into Satyabhama
- October 25 2024
Witnessing Meghna’s Devi item during Navrathi was a highlight for many – in the ‘Mahishasura Mardini Strotram’, Meghna effortlessly depicted the physical battle between Durga and the demon Mahishasura, switching between the divine beauty of the goddess and the haughty arrogance of the demon. The highlight of the recital (for audiences and for Meghna herself), was the ‘Bhamakalapam’, a celebrated work in the Kuchipudi repertoire. In this, Meghna showcased her incredible nritta (dance), abhinaya and spoken word skills. She embodied Satyabhama (one of Krishna’s consorts) in 3 acts, which collectively journal Satyabhama’s love for Krishna. Satyabhama is a proud and regal presence, and Meghna transformed into this avatar before our eyes. Her long and adorned braid was an accessory to her graceful walk, and the confidence of her beauty radiated from her posture. She then depicted Satyabhama’s vulnerability when searching for her Krishna, through a series of to and fro conversations on stage with her friend Madhavi (beautifully voiced by Dr Divya Jammalamadaka). Meghna showcased impressive breath control and the skill of a voice artist- even those who could not understand the Telugu language, could see how shy and endearing Satyabhama was in responding to Madhavi’s questions about Krishna. Unable to take his name in front of so many people, she instead described his instantly recognisable features – his luscious locks and his peacock feather. In the third act, Satyabhama is consumed by her love for Krishna and Meghna was able to convey the intensity of her character’s pangs of love with much aplomb
The Indian Telegraph, December 2015
KUCHIPUDI EXTRAVAGANZA
- Sydhwaney. November 30, 2015
Kuchipudi, a classical dance artform that originates from a village called Kuchipudi in Andhra Pradesh in India is an ever graceful dance form. Watching Kuchipudi presentedby Mayura Academy under tutelage of Guru Venkata Ramana in collaboration with Jeeyar Educational Trust (JET) Australia Foundations was a treat. Especially because we see much less of this form of classical dance style in Sydney as opposed to its other counterpart Bharathanatyam.Jet Australia were raising funds for the visually impaired children Nethravidyalaya holding the Kuchipudi Extravaganza at the Bahai Centre in Silverwater on the 28 November 2015... Read More
MAYURA STUDENTS LIVE UP TO THEIR NAME!
- Indian Link. November 11, 2013
There are not enough words to describe the beautiful, elegant and enchanting traditional Kuchipudi dance performance by the students of Mayura Academy Sydney on their annual day performance held on October 19, at the Baha’i Centre in Silverwater. Guru Venkata Ramana has been a very dedicated and committed Kuchipudi guru and the performances of the students vouch his greatness, and the hard work and efforts he has made with them. Mayura Academy indeed follows the ancient tradition of Guru-Shishya parampara where the students who attend the classes are trained to preserve, nourish and promote the elegant Kuchipudi dance tradition... Read More
MAYURA ACADEMY ANNUAL DAY CELEBRATIONS
“Inspiring and soulful” - Indian Herald. October 26, 2013
‘A magnificent show that brought out the soul of India on Sydney soil’ – this could well be described as the summary of the Annual Day celebrations of Mayura Academy at the Sydney Bahai Centre on the 19th of October, 2013. Mayura Academy, a School of Performing Arts, focuses on keeping ancient art forms alive by teaching the practical and theoretical aspects of a classical Indian Dance called ‘Kuchipudi’. This dance form is highly expressive, intense and beautiful. The Academy consists of enthusiastic and devoted people who live their passion for the arts. It has branches in India and in Sydney, and the Sydney Branch is led by Guru Venkata Ramana, who is a specialised Kuchipudi dancer and classical singer... Read More