Exploring new dimensions

A dance choreography called New Dimensions to Margam will be presented by the Madhavi Foundation for Creative Excellence and the Kri Foundation on April 21 at 7 pm in India Habitat Centre. The Madhav festival showcases a series of performances that draw from the traditional style of Bharatanatyam while also incorporating innovative elements to enrich the evolving vocabulary of the art form. At the festival, the legacy of Madhavi Gopalakrishnan, mother of dancer Rama Vaidyanathan, will be celebrated with great reverence with the performance of Vaidyanathan.

The Madhavi festival also marks the debut preview of  Vaidyanathan’s latest choreography, “New Dimensions to the Margam”. Along with four of her accomplished disciples – Kavya Ganesh, Reshika Sivakumar, Shubhamani Chandrashekar, and Vaishnavi Dhore – Rama will mesmerize the audience with her graceful performance. The production is further elevated by the renditions of Anugrah Lakshmanan on vocals, Ashwin Subramanian on Nattuvangam and Kanjira, Sannidhi Vaidyanathan on Mridangam, and Vishwesh Swaminadhan on violin.

The Margam is a revered collection of classic dance compositions that gradually unfold with evocative imagery, captivating energy, and deep emotion. Traditionally, it is the path that a Guru imparts to the disciple, and the aspiring dancer spends several years mastering it. However, as the dancer progresses on this path, she is encouraged to explore her individuality and make her own artistic choices. In this latest program, Vaidyanathan boldly takes this artistic liberty to infuse her unique voice into the traditional repertoire. Through her insightful choices, Rama offers a fresh perspective on the Margam, unveiling new layers of beauty and meaning.

 “Madhavi is the name of my mother, and she is the one who encouraged and assisted me in becoming the dancer I am today. This performance is dedicated to this wonderful lady who loved dance and was a pillar of strength for me throughout my dancing career,” Vaidyanathan  says.

Vaidyanathan has had the distinction of having performed before three former Presidents of India at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. She is a top graded artiste with Doordarshan and is in the outstanding category of artistes with the ICCR. She has represented India in several festivals abroad, most recently being the “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” in Spain, organised by the ICCR. Vaidyanathan has travelled extensively to Indian rural areas through SPICMACAY to introduce classical dance to rural children.

When: 7 pm; April 21

Where: Stein Auditorium, IHC, Lodhi Road