Classical Items - Solo Items

Raagamaalika Jathiswaram

This item is a combination of rhythmic patterns woven into a garland of Ragas (musical notes). This is a dance of pure Nritta (rhythimic syncopations), with composition based on the Misra Chapu Taala - seven beats.

Ananda Natamaaduvar

This dance depicts the Dance of Joy (Ananda Tandava) of Lord Shiva, the Lord of Celestial Dance. “With much joy, He dances in the Golden Hall of the Universe. For the devotee, pain and suffering, are felt equally with joy and devotion”. The dancer eulogizes Lord Shiva in the Lord’s numerous triumphs and attributes, portraying His consort and devotees.

Boh Shambo

This traditional Sanskrit composition is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the cosmic force of the Universe. The apposite combination of the music, lyrics and solo rendition, helps to create an intimacy between the performing artiste and the audience.

Yaar Adinaar

‘Oh Nataraja the Lord of Chidambaram, is there anyone else who has danced, or can ever danced like you? I am dumbfounded by your exquisite physique. The aura represented by the holy ash on your forehead, arms and chest is spell binding. How majestically you raise your left foot to signify the ultimate release of the Soul from its coils of birth; death and rebirth. In Charukesi Raaga and Adhi Taala.

Karthigai Thingal

This song is from the Aarupadai epic and is the celebratory lullaby of the birth of Lord Muruga. The auspicious birth of Lord Muruga under the astrological sign of ‘Karthigai’ is welcomed and this melodius lullaby sings the Lord’s praises, embracing and celebrating His effulgent beauty during His infant days.

Kamas Thillana

Pure dance with a short Tamil verse dedicated to Lord Muruga.

Classical Items - Group Dances

Mangalanjali

This invocatory dance item has been choreographed as a group dance, with visually pleasing dance patterns. It is also unique in that auspicious items (‘mangalakaramaana’), such as flowers, etc are used as props.

Rathi Manmatha

This invocatory item is unique in that, it evokes Shringara rasa (emotion of love), to set the entire tone of the ensuing dance programme. The dance explores all aspects of the emotion of love, with all relationships. Mythical lovers Rathi and her Lord Manmatha are portrayed saluting the Lord of Love. The music composition and lyrics of this item, are composed by Aravinth Kumarasamy –Managing Director of Apsaras Arts.

Thulasidas Bhajan

This dance item depicts the entire epic Ramayana in an abbrieviated format. The dance is unique in that, the musical director has introduced solpha passages, to allow for the dance choreographer’s creativity, much like the way Pandit Ravi Shankar creates solpha passages to extend the ambit and scope of the ragas he plays.

Varnam- Swami Nee Manamirangi

A Varnam is the elaborate centerpiece of a Bharata Natyam recital. It creates a symphony-like effect by alternating vigorous movements with lyrical ones, interweaving pure dance and mimetic expression. This traditional varnam was choreographed by the late Srimathi Rukmini Devi Arundel, founder of Kalakshetra. Lyrics for this classical piece was penned by the late Carnatic music whizzard, Sri Papanasam Sivan. Set in Sriranjani Raaga and Adhi Taala, this varnam explains the Virahot Kantitha, or the one who pines for the love of Lord Muruga.

Pradharshini Thillana

This is a composition where intricate rhythmic combinations are performed to a set time frame. Composed by Dr Padma Subramaniyam, this dance item is a Ragamalika (a garland of different ragas), in Thalamalika (in varying beats). As opposed to other Thillanas where the melody is usually a musical refrain, the rhythmic music of this Thillana, enhances the beauty of the dance.