The recent dance performance “Ulagam Pugazhum”(meaning The World Praises), organised by ‘Samarpana Institute of Dance’ at Bankstown’s Bryan Brown Theatre, was a remarkable tribute to the late Natya Acharya K. N. Dandayudhapani Pillai.
Hailing from a family of musicians, ‘K. N. Dandayudhapani Pillai’ initially trained as a musician before transitioning into a composer and Natya Acharya. He taught at ‘Kalakshetra’, honing his craft under the tutelage of renowned gurus. His artistic brilliance was particularly evident in his ‘choreography of pure dance segments’, especially in the creation of ‘jathis’. A true genius in both music and dance compositions, he made significant contributions with ‘jathiswarams, javalis , thillanas, varnams, and kirtanams’.
The ‘Natya Guru couple, Shobana and Chidambaram Suresh’, along with their students, paid homage to their revered guru through a series of dance performances set to compositions by ‘K. N. Dandayudhapani Pillai’. The entire program was a visual treat, showcasing ‘precision, expressive storytelling, intricate footwork, and rhythmic brilliance’. ‘Guru Suresh’ orchestrated the ‘Nattuvangam’, while ‘Shobana’ performed several key dance pieces.
The repertoire was carefully curated, featuring compositions of ‘K. N. Dandayudhapani Pillai’. The performance commenced with the ‘Keerthanam “Ulagam Pugalum,”‘ followed by a ‘Jathiswaram’. The highlight of the evening was the varnam ‘”Saamiyai Azhaithodi Va Sakhiye”‘, a masterpiece portraying the heroine’s deep longing as she pleads with her confidante to summon her beloved, Lord Shiva. This complex Bharatanatyam piece, blending ‘Nritta (pure dance) and Nritya (expressive dance)’ with themes of ‘Sringara (romantic devotion) and Bhakti (spiritual devotion)’, stood out as the crowning jewel of the performance.
After the intermission, the ‘chief guest, Uma Anand’’, daughter of the late ‘’K. N. Dandayudhapani Pillai’, delivered a heartfelt speech. The evening continued with ‘Meenakshi Thaaye Keerthanam’ and culminated in the*Padam “Yaaradi Intha Vaasalil,” followed by a mesmerising ‘Thillana’ , bringing the spectacular performance to a fitting close.
Guru Suresh, a seasoned dancer and instructor, expertly led the performance as the Nattuvanar. He was supported by vocalist Suseela on Nattuvangam, mridangist Pallavaraja, flutist Jathusan, and veena artiste Sowmya, each playing a crucial role in the show’s success. Their combined talents created a captivating blend of music and dance, bringing the performance to life with seamless harmony.
