11 October 2019
USA

One of a kind Ardhanareeswaram Dance Ballet

Padma Bhushan, maestro Sri Vempati Chinna Satyam garu whose name is synonymous with Kuchipudi dance form itself has over 180 solo dance choreographies and over 15 dance dramas to his credit. Ardhanareeswaram is one of his personal claim to fame dance dramas that immensely popularized the Kuchipudi Art Academy started by the late Guru Chinna Satyam. Although he is not present among us today, his unsurpassable legacy still continues to enchant and amaze us through the performances of many of his students and his immediate family members.

Bay Area had the rare opportunity to witness Ardhanareeswaram ( kuchipudi dance drama ) ensemble of 30 elite dancers with live orchestra led by director Venkat Vempati in celebration of the 90th birth anniversary of Guru Dr. Vempati Chinna Satyam. This performance was proudly hosted by Bay Area Telugu Association (BATA) and Telugu Association of North America (TANA).

This artistically rich evening started at 5pm as the curtains were drawn at The Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center in San Ramon, CA. Guests were warmly welcomed by a classically decorated foyer with large pictures of Guru Dr.Vempati Chinna Satyam in beautiful dance poses, lord Nataraja surrounded by garlands of flowers and swags showcasing the art of Kuchipudi. Ms. Vijaya Aasuri, the cultural chair of Bay Area Telugu Association welcomed the guests and eloquently sounded the praises of the late Guru Chinna Satyam and his successor, Vempati Venkat. She also proceeded to welcome the 5 local Kuchipudi Dance schools and the respective Dance directors who opened the evening with unique performances of dances that were composed by Guru Vempati Chinnasatyam. Guru Smt. Jyothi Lakkaraju from Natyalaya Kuchipudi School of Dance, Guru smt. Sunita Pendekanti from Kuchipudi Art Center, Guru Hima Bindu Challa from Nrityananda School of Kuchipudi Dance, Guru Madhuri Kishore from Madhuri Kishore School of Kuchipudi were praised for their efforts to keeping the art alive in the bay area.

After a short break in the program, A video depicting the life of Dr.Vempati Chinna Satyam and an earlier interview with him about his various dance ballets was played inhonor of his 90th birthday. Finally it was time to unveil the well awaited dance ballet, Ardhanareeswaram. This ballet contained eight scenes as composed by guru Vempati Chinna Satyam. The Ballet starts with a serene Bageeratha in penance to bring Ganga to earth. Once his wish was granted, he approaches the fierce Shiva to help him contain the powerful Ganga. The power and might of ganga were beautifully depicted in a fast paced dance scene and then the containment of Ganga by Shiva was beautifully and sensually choreographed. The entry of Goddess Gauri in all her glory was a feast for the eyes. Once she learns of the Shiva containing Ganga, her misunderstanding that Shiva had married Ganga leads to anger, sadness and hurt. Later realizing her mistake, she was instructed to perform a form pious rights which reunites her with Lord Shiva. At this moment, Lord Shiva is moved by her love and professes that she will always be half of him. Transforming into Ardhanareeswara. The finale depicting and male as Shiva and Female as Gauri was the most enthralling part of evening. With a cloth separating one side to the other, the lead dancer skillfully and gracefully switched from male to female roles. The ballet concluded with a beautiful dance in praise of Ardhanareeswara.

All the remarkable dancers reappeared on stage and were gracefully honored with trophies, flowers and shawls. Sri Vempati Venkat spoke fondly of their experiences in the past week and expressed thanks to the excellent help and support provided by Bay Area Telugu Association. He also honored the 5 Gurus of the local Kuchipudi schools that have performed earlier and thanked them for their commitment to the art. He promised to be back in the next couple of years with another dance ballet. Vijaya Aasuri then introduced Yashwanth KudaraValli, the president of BATA. Yashwanth thanked committee members & volunteers who worked very hard in making the event a grand success.

Yashwant introduced BATA executive committee consisting of: Harinath Chikoti (Vice President), Sumanth Pusuluri (Secretary), Kondal Rao (Treasurer) & Arun Reddy (Jt. Secretary)

“Steering Committee” includes, Ravi Thiruveedula, Kamesh Malla, Kalyan Kattamuri & Sirisha Battula.

“Cultural Directors” includes Sridevi Pasupuleti, Srilu Veligeti and Taraka Deepti.

“Nominated Committee” Prasanth Chinta,Varun Mukka, & Hari Sannidi.

BATA “Advisory Board” Jayaram Komati, Vijaya Aasuri, Veeru Vuppala, Prasad Mangina, Karun Veligeti and Ramesh Konda.

TANA Team consisting of Sateesh Vemuri (TANA Treasurer) , RajaniKanth Kakarla (RVP), Venkat Koganti (TANA Jt Treasurer), Ram Thota, Bharat Muppirala, Laxmipathi Gadhiraju, Leon Reddy thanked the Dr. Vempati team. Sr TDP leader Bandaru Satyanaraya Murthy (Ex Minister & Ex MLA) attended as special guest.

Speaking on the occasion Jayaram Komati thanked the incredible effort put forth by the performers to carry the legacy of late Dr. Vempati Chinna Satyam, he also thanked the committee and volunteers and last but not least the wonderful patrons of the night who made the performance a success.