Celestial Ballet – A Unique Blend of Indian Dance Styles Reshme Hegde Gopi and her talented group of dancers presented a spectacular display drawing from multiple Indian dance styles at the Celestial Ballet at the Winchester High School on Friday, July 25. The presentation, sponsored by the Art of Living foundation brought to life, complex concepts from Indian philosophy and mythology.

In the first half, through the featured presentation “Sahsrara”, the dancers portrayed the awakening of the Kundalini Shakthi or individual spiritual energy to its full potential. The motif of the seven yoga charkas was used to create an innovative blend of mysticism and the aesthetics of body language. In the invocatory piece, the Mooladhara Chakra Kalari (a martial art from Kerala) was used to depict the awakening of the Kundalini Shakti. Ajith Kumar a six time Kerala Kalari state champion performed magnificently.

In the other charkas, Bharatanatayam , Kuchipudi, Kathak and Mohiniattam were used to bring out subtle ideas. Mysore B. Nagraj impressed the audience with his skillful rendition of Ardha-Nareeshwari in the Kathak style.

In the second half, the story of Amrutha-Manthana, which according to the Natya Shastra is considered to be the first play to be staged, was presented. It is a larger-than-life rendition of Lord Shiva presiding over the war between the Suras (Gods) and Asuras (Demons) as they churn the Ocean of Milk (symbolizing love) for the nectar of life and immportality. In this presentation Rashmi integrated the two folk-styles of Yakshagana (from Karnataka) and Lavani (from Maharashtra). The choice of Badagu Thattu style of Yakshagana for depicting Gods and Thengu Thattu for depicticting demons was very creative. Lavani was used to depict Mohini. The choice of movements and their synchronization was clear evidence of the virtuosity and talent of the dancers and the choreographer. In the first half there was considerable difficulty with the auditorium audio system which took a little away from the presentation, and the audience was not able to appreciate the beauty of the dance. Also, while the use of Yakshagana for narration was creative, it was inappropriate for an audience that does not understand Kanada. The beauty of Yakshagana is the impromptu nature of the art that brings forth the wit and wisdom of the artists. Yakshagana to pre-recorded conversations lessened, to some extent, the grandeur of the style.

The event was a fundraiser to support the ‘Youth Leadership Program’, a unique initiative of the Art of Living foundation, which was formed to channel the energy in young people in a positive direction. Youth are trained so that they feel empowered and can create self-help groups in the areas that they live in. “We are indeed blessed to be a part of this, to be given the tools to help each other and ourselves to move on when we come up against obstacles, to have this happiness and this sense of belonging to the World” says Narayan Pandey, a graduate of this program who is making things better for his community.

The next event by the Art of Living foundation is the ‘Yoga of Breath’ course to be held August 14 though the 19th at the First Parish Church in Harvard Sq. Click here for more information.

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