Tribute - Delving into the learning, life and legacy of Yamini Krishnamurti - Bibin Balan

The 3rd August marks the first death anniversary of the dancing diva Dr. Yamini Krishnamurti. A revered figure in the world of dance, she is recognised for her contributions to Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi. In her memory, the Nritya Kaustubha Cultural Society - the institution founded by Yamini Krishnamurti - is organising a tribute ceremony at the India International Centre, Delhi. During the ceremony, the first Yamini Poornatilaka award will be conferred on her first student and renowned dancer Rama Vaidyanathan. A short revisit to learning, life, and legacy accompanied by her best-ever disciple's memories.

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Anita says...August 2025

Hello everyone and welcome to August.

The above quote, from a dance writer, can also be applied to Indian classical dance. Every year, we seniors knit our eyebrows in concern about falling standards, shorter time spans to train a student and the relentless pull of influencers and social media in shrinking imaginations. However, the inflow of new students in dance classrooms does not reduce. More and more parents seem to want their offspring to learn the classical arts.

This month, I will discuss a diva's crossing over from centre stage to front page. A chameleon like cross dresser enduring across 7 decades, the growing menace of fake news exacerbated by technology and the power of movement to heal the plight of Parkinson's victims - there is a lot to unpack so let's dive right in! 

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Music Academy's annual Mid Year Dance Festival presents variety of competing young talents

The Madras Music Academy's annual Mid Year Dance Festival (July 17-19) at the mini hall, facilitated by the endowment of the family of late M.N. Subramaniam, projected a select group of young talents - comprising one Mohiniattam exception, amidst a predominantly Bharatanatyam group - all meticulously trained with good grasp over dance technique and line.

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Tribute - Vempati - The architect of Kuchipudi's soul - Aruna Rekha Varanasy

This morning, as I sat on my balcony sipping filter coffee, the Mumbai monsoon whispered against the glass. I played my favourite Kuchipudi tracks - the same ones I've heard thousands of times over the past thirty-five years. And yet, not once have they lost their magic. Not once have the rhythms dulled, or the choreography faded into monotony.

Across the world, in Telugu homes where young dancers rehearse and gurus guide, his presence is still felt. In every ankle bell, every chari, every jathi, there echoes the imprint of Dr. Vempati Chinna Satyam. His legacy isn't just remembered, it's lived. 

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Book Review - Natya Sastra in a Nutshell - Sreya Srinath

Nāṭya Śāstra in a Nutshell: A Hand Book on Nāṭya Śāstra

Author: Dr. P. Rama Devi

Pages: 230 / Edition: 2025

Price: Rs.1000

Nāṭya Śāstra in a Nutshell by Dr. P. Rama Devi is a concise guide to Bharata Muni's foundational treatise on Indian performing arts. In this volume, Dr. Rama Devi simplifies complex classical theories such as Rasa, Bhāva, the Chaturvidha Abhinayas, and many other intricate concepts into a lucid, easy-to-understand format that is especially useful and valuable for young music and dance students. The author has further enhanced clarity by providing illustrations for hastas, padas, dr̥ṣṭibhedas, sthānakas, etc., making it easier for exam going students to grasp these advanced topics with greater accuracy through well-presented visuals and explanations. Additionally, the inclusion of ślokas along with their translations makes the text more accessible and easier to comprehend.

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Article - Unsung characters for adaptation in dance (Part 3) - Dr. Padmaja Suresh

CHARACTERS FROM THE NARAYANEEYAM OF NARAYANA BHATTATIRIPAD

Kubja was a maidservant in Kamsa's palace, responsible for procuring sandalwood paste and fragrant oils for Kamsa. She was a hunchback, sometimes referred to as 'Trivakra' (crooked at three spots). Krishna, captivated by her devotion, accepted her offering, straightened her back and made her of a perfect form. This narrative can be well dramatized and suitably brought to choreography.

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Article - Cosmic cadence through proscenium time:Question and evolution of space across times in Bharatanatyam - Brinda Dhar

 ABSTRACT

The term 'vivarta' refers to an illusory appearance of transfiguration. In a philosophical context, particularly within the Vedanta system, the doctrine of vivarta is utilized. The journey of space in Bharatanatyam, from temples to modern proscenium, incredibly moulds the spatial aspects through fusions, thus debunking the actuality of political Bharatanatyam, which has, however, remained constant for ages. Intersectional fusions then do more than blend contemporary politics with classical technique - they decolonize the very knowledge systems that uphold the dance's authority, thus furthermore challenging the idea that Bharatanatyam must remain frozen in a curated museum of authenticity.

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