Perfect synchronization and creative group choreography were the hallmark of Srishti - The Creation’s “Krishna Bhakthi Mala” presentation on Oct. 18 2008 in the Nashobha Valley Technical High School. The presentation which was done in collaboration with an American Ballet Troupe, “Encore Dance Ensemble” was a fundraiser to support CRY, an organization that works to support the rights of underprivileged in India.  The Acton Cultural Council provided funds to support the event. Nivedita Mallya, Sangita Raghunathan, Sridevi Jagannath, Suman Adisesh, Archana Navin Hema Vaidyanathan and the artists of the Encore group should be commended on a fabulous presentation.

From the get go the presentation was marked with a high level of professionalism. The high caliber of the performing artists along with the fact that they had trained under the same Guru enabled a Bharatanatyam presentation where the individual was able to showcase their skill while sticking to the framework of group choreography.

The presentation opened with a Pushpanjali followed by the Tulasidas Bhajan, Gayiye Ganapathi Jaga Vandana.  The presentation was brisk and brought that special sense of reverence that is needed  at the beginning to set the tone of a Bharatanatyam program. This was followed by the special creation of the evening where Encore and Srishti attempted to present their own interpretation of Jathis and Swarams in a pure dance composition.  Encore in a typical western style used the music to present moods and emotions through pure dance while Srishti stuck to the Indian classical idea of a pure Nritta piece being a showcase for movements rather than emotions.  The skilled moves of both set of dancers made this an interesting piece to watch though with more work the fusion could perhaps become more meaningful.

The highlight of the evening was a Hindi Varnam dedicated to Lord Krishna highlighting different aspects including playing with the Gopis, His birth and the Gajendra Moksha , killing of Kamsa and Draupadi Vastraharan. The sanchari bhavas were well executed and the Jathis were creative and complex. While it was wonderful to have a Varnam in Hindi and dancing was splendid, one missed the poetic excellence that is often characteristic of a Varnam. Encore came back with a Jazz number which was absolutely wonderful

In the second half a medley of popular songs including Swagatham Krishna, Nanda Nandana Govinda, Maiyya Mori, Yenna Thavam Cheythanai,  Madura Nagarilo and others were cleverly woven into a piece with  a refrain of Shyam Rang Lage in a folksy tune. Each piece was brilliantly executed with tales from Krishna’ s life brought to light.

Kudos to Srishti for their creative and brilliant execution of the presentation.   The hard work and talent of the participants was visible as was the fine training they have received under their guru.  We hope Srishti will return will more such pieces that serve to enthrall the audience.

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