Visual arts have evolved in many forms alongside time and technology. From traditional paintings and sculptures to digital art and virtual reality, artistic expression continues to expand, blending creativity with innovation. As new tools and techniques emerge, visual arts not only preserve cultural heritage but also push the boundaries of storytelling and human imagination.
Dance, in particular, involves blending the artist’s imagination with classical traditions, creating a bridge to engage modern audiences. Successfully achieving this balance is a challenging task, as it requires preserving the rich heritage of classical forms while innovatively adapting them to resonate with contemporary sensibilities. This fusion demands a deep understanding of both the art’s roots and the evolving tastes of today’s viewers, making it a delicate yet rewarding endeavour.
In the past, classical music and dance were integral to cinema, where creativity flourished while still adhering to classical boundaries. This delicate balance allowed filmmakers and performers to express their artistic vision within the rich tradition of classical forms, creating a unique blend of innovation and heritage on screen.
This presents a challenge for the modern dancer who wishes to perform film songs on stage. With the rapid evolution of time, technology, and shifting audience preferences, everything competes with the dynamic visual presentations of modern cinema. The dancer must find a way to connect traditional dance forms with contemporary expectations, navigating both artistic integrity and the demand for visually engaging performances.
Karthika Manoharan, a passionate classical dancer and teacher, in her recent show ‘Sudari’ , has made immense efforts to elevate the visual and emotional appeal of film songs over time. She has skillfully blended the grace of Bharatanatyam with the evolving dynamics of modern cinema, preserving the timeless connection between the art form and film while adding her own unique artistic touch. Through her dedication, she continues to bridge tradition and innovation, ensuring that Bharatanatyam remains a vital and captivating element in contemporary performances.
With over twenty years of experience in dance and boundless energy, the dancer has embarked on a captivating journey through time, bridging the gap between the classic black-and-white Indian films and today’s vibrant cinematic world. Her dance production, titled Sudari (meaning ‘beautiful woman’), successfully brought the essence of a beautiful and elegant woman to the stage, blending the timeless spirit of classical dance with the visual flair of modern cinema. Through Sudari, she has created a stunning fusion of the celluloid world and classical grace, capturing the elegance of both.
The expressions on stage shifted with every moment, reflecting the dynamic energy of the performance. The dancer’s face captured the evolving emotions of the narrative, from joy to sorrow, from longing to triumph, bringing the story to life with remarkable depth. The soulful melodies of yesteryears intertwined gracefully with intricate footwork, and expressive storytelling of Bharatanatyam, creating a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. The subtle changes in expression conveyed a powerful connection to the music and the dance, allowing the audience to feel the raw emotion in each fleeting moment. This constant transformation of expressions kept the audience engaged, adding layers of meaning to the performance with every gesture and glance.
A mixed bag of songs from various time periods, the musicians have truly justified their roles by breathing life into the show. Their skillful arrangements and performances have seamlessly woven together different eras, adding depth and emotion to the production. With each note, they have enhanced the narrative, making the fusion of classical dance and cinematic music even more compelling.This fusion not only honoured the past but also brought it to life in a way that resonated deeply with the contemporary viewer.
Sharujan Mahendraj, the vocalist; Janakan Sudanthiraraj, the mridangist; Kiritharan Sharma, the tabla player; Venkatesh Sridharan, the flutist; and Agalya Pavalan, the violinist, all played pivotal roles in making the show a success. Their combined talents enriched the performance, bringing together the power of music and dance in harmony. Additionally, Seran Sribalan, a seasoned dancer and dance teacher , skillfully orchestrated the dance as the Nattuvanar, guiding the dancers with precision and expertise, ensuring the seamless integration of classical tradition and modern expression. The music support surely maintained the spirit of the original renditions, enhanced the visual impact
As quoted in her brochure, the production is not just a performance; it is a celebration of art, culture, and creativity. It also provides a platform for local young artists to showcase their talents and passion, offering them an opportunity to shine alongside seasoned performers.
The highlight of the production is the visual treat of the cinema songs, where the essence of the original tracks is preserved, while not compromising the quality and integrity of traditional Bharatanatyam. This careful balance ensures that the cinematic appeal of the songs is enhanced without relying on the superficial aspects of their original presentation.
The captivating performance was graced by Councillor Sujan Selvan from Cumberland Council, with the curtain-raiser introduction by Shivani Dheeraj. As the monochrome magic of old film reels merged seamlessly with the vibrant hues of today’s screens, the stage became a visual feast for the audience.
