To coincide with the launch of the book, Telugu Traditions-attendance, noted Kuchipudi exponent Deepika Reddy envisaged a thoughtful opening of the evening with apt dance numbers her students presented at Telugu University auditorium.
Opening with ‘Kuchipudi Vandana’ a tribute to classical dance art by practicing dancers, the dancers depict a string of dances representative of the style integrated into ‘Kuchipudi Vandana’. This commenced with invocation to Lord Ganesha, remover of obstacles and followed by Jatiswaram, a pure rhythmic piece with intricate jati patterns that concluded with an enthralling piece of dance standing on the rim of a brass plate like in Tarnagam numbers which is unique to the Kuchipudi repertoire. This was set in Ragamalika and Talamalika, choreographed by Deepika Reddy to music set by D.S.V. Sastry. Deepika’s students Sravya Reddy, Pooja Reddy, Srinivasa Sreya, Rishika Reddy and Gayatri Narne took part in this number
The second number was Annamacharya kirtana Chakkani Talliki Changu Bhala, that describes Alamelu Manga’s graceful move to meet her lord Venkateswara with a love-filled heart. This thematic expression needed a thorough expertise of the dancer and Deepika’s talented young daughter Sloka proved a match for the number. Alamelu Manga’s taunting words and moody gestures were delightful. This was set in Paadi in Adi talam, and choreographed by Deepika.
The performance concluded with Vidmahe Shiva Shivani Vivaha Charitam, a song written by Vedantham Ramalinga Sastry in praise of Lord Shiva and his consort Parvathi to which the dancers Sravya Reddy, Pooja Reddy, Srinivasa Sreya and Gayatri Narne gave fine interpretation in dance. The story part is extended to the wedding of celestial couple. This was tuned in Arabhi ragam and set to Thisra gathi written by Vedantam Ramalinga Sastry, music composed by D.S.V. Sastry and choreographed by Deepika Reddy.
Book launch
The 16th edition of Dance Annual Telugu Traditions- attendance 2014 was released at an impressive function.
The book was brought out by Ashish Mohan Khokar and noted Bharatanatyam exponent Ananda Shankar Jayanth as its guest editor.
This edition was released by Chief Secretary of Andhra Pradesh Government I.V.R. Krishna Rao, IAS and the first copy was presented to Rallabandi Kavita Prasad, Director, Culture and Tourism, Government of Telangana.
Later these books were presented to the members of dance fraternity.
This book was rightly dedicated to the memory of Nataraja Rama Krishna and also to the memory of Vempati Chinna Satyam and Vedantam Satyanarayana Sarma who passed in recent years.
