Ganesa Natyalaya of Delhi, all of 51-year-old now (that's a shagun in North), the go-to place to learn Bharatanatyam now, has used the Swarna Saroja occasion - foundation day - as platform to project the purush ang (male dancer). This segment in Indian dance by definition and circumstances, societal and commercial aspects has been marginalised. Male dancing has been in the minority, increasingly with women power taking over. Even in all male forms like Kuchipudi, Sattriya or Kathakali, gender equality has tried to set in! Or got skewed with more women than men as in Kuchipudi. Thankfully Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Manipuri and contemporary have fair share of both genders. Of late, one sees role reversal when Mohiniattam is getting a few male proponents. Anyone try in Vilasini Natyam?
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Just happened to read your repoer on the Shivaaraghya fest of Feb 2025.Incidentally I read this on Methil Devika's Status of 28th .feb.The article was not just a comprehensive report on the Dance festival which was studded with performances of the Shishyas of eminent Gurus of the respective fields,It was almost a visual and an aural treat!Thank you for this wonderful write up.And I am truly overwhelmed by your writing style.It was a journey through the different periods of English Literature.You have used the pithiness of a Bacon,the lyricism and Romanticism of a Keats or a Shelley,the satiricism of the Augustans,may be a Dryden or a Popian,a Victorian detailing and matter of factness and a Modern no nonsense and down to earthness.I loved it and did read to the end.keep going!
ReplyDeleteSaraswati is extra kind to me, a very ordinary person. Without her gifts , NOTHING is possible. Lakshmi comes and goes, Saraswati stays on for long. It would help if your name was published and this lost was not from an ANONYMOUS source! You are yourself no less than KalidaShakespeare!
DeleteShivaaraghya (Male Dance Festival), organized by Ganesh Natyalaya and under the guidance of Guru Rama Vaidyanathan ji, is an event that generates immense excitement among audiences and performers alike. However, this year's edition left me with a sense of something missing.
ReplyDeleteWhile a few dancers delivered outstanding performances(as mentioned in the article too), many others failed to connect with the audience in my opinion. The electrifying energy, passion, and charm that made last year's festival so memorable felt missing this year to me. Undoubtedly it is a great platform where every male dancer wishes/dream to perform.
Thank you for sharing the beautiful insights of the festival sir.
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What a kick start of the day. Such detailed article and precise content. Some dancer's were really good in the festival and others tried to do justice. The article gives an idea about what to change and work on for a dancer. I heartily wish everyone to read the article, understand the depth meaning and work on more.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Rama vaidyanathan Ji for this wonderful festival for male Dancers and a Huge Thanks to Ashish Mohan Khokar Ji to write Such a positive and enlightening review for Dancers to encourage them 🙏
ReplyDeleteHeartfelt gratitude to you, Ashish Khokar Sir, for your thoughtful review and kind words about all of us male dancers. Your insightful observations and encouragement mean a lot to artists like me, inspiring us to continue our journey with even more dedication. Thank you for recognizing our efforts and for your invaluable contribution to the world of dance.
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ReplyDeleteNamaskar Ashis ji
I just read your review of the recently concluded Shivaagrahaya festival '25 in Nathaki blog
I must admit after a very long time I read such a detailed , true , candid without any favourism review .This review is very constructive criticism and genuine praiseworthy to deserving talents.
Yes nowadays I do find clapping hooting (even in Music Academy season) by fellow students and friends.
I really want such constructive review without bais towards any performer may she or he be shishya of any renowned guru.
Please do keep reviewing for betterment of our classical art form for the newer generations
Warm Rgds
Shankar Narayanaswamy
9830043590
layavinyas@yahoo.com
Always an admirer of Ashish ji's balanced and unbiased reviews. The festival, no doubt, is giving opportunities to male dancers to showcase their talent. It was a lovely event to attend. If the dancers take this criticism seriously, they will surely benefit a lot!
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ReplyDeleteYour views and criticism are very valuable for the artists as well as the audience. Thank you Ashish sir for being so truthful and authentic in your writing.
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