Circle Of Life

On Saturday, I went down to the Harbourfront Theatre for classical bharatanatyam by Indian dance troupe Sampradaya founded by dancer/choreographer Lata Pada. As it was the company's 25th anniversary, the 85-minute piece was entitled nirantara - beyond space and time. The circle motif was prominent in the visuals from a rotating yin/yang symbol, the eternity sign, or a repeating mandala.

The evening was also one of collaboration with musicians and dancers from India (primarily Bangalore) being part of the recital. The most intriguing was the pianist Anil Srinivasan and Carnatic vocalist, Sikkil Gurucharan. I was entranced by the melding of Western harmonies with the microtonal Eastern notes. But the Srinivasan also often played chromatic runs and tinkling chords to simulate ghunghroos, the ankle bells usually worn some dancers. There were also a percussionist and a string player on the bowed sarangi.

The dancers combined classical Indian dance techniques with some contemporary touches. There were common elements of stamping feet, extended arms, and flexed feet. But some sections had furious spins and jumps while others were slow poses and mudras. Many movements echoed the asanas of yoga practices. It was a beautiful and mesmerizing evening of dance.