Natya Vriksha Commemorates Five Decades of Geeta Chandran’s Bharatanatyam Excellence

On October 29th, 1974, as a young girl of 12, Geeta (then Ramakrishnan) took the stage for her Arangetram, marking the beginning of a journey that has spanned five decades. As an evangelist of this revered dance form Chandran has nurtured and promoted Bharatanatyam not just as a dancer but also as a Guru.

To celebrate this momentous anniversary and Guru Geeta Chandran’s vast contribution to the Indian Cultural landscape, Natya Vriksha, her dance institution, organised a two-day Bharatanatyam extravaganza on Thursday and Friday, October 24th and 25th, 2024, at Kamani Auditorium in New Delhi.

Co-artists Dr. Anita Ratnam, Smt. Rama Vaidyanathan and Smt. Vanashree Rao, applauding five decades of Geeta Chandran

Day I: Pravahati – The Forward Force

On the first day, Geeta Chandran and the Natya Vriksha Dance Collective presented “Pravahati,” a showcase of her innovative choreography. This performance highlighted Geeta’s unique vision for Bharatanatyam, exploring the dance form’s potential for contemporary expression and experimentation. Pravahati – as the name suggests dwells into the depths and dynamic nature of Bharatnatyam. Touching upon the non-stagnant properties of time and space she explored the dance form to bring out its uniqueness.

On the occasion Geeta Chandran stated, “Dance much like life, should not be limited by tradition; instead, it must evolve and be reinterpreted through the artist’s unique perspective.” Her talent for blending contemporary expressions with classical techniques defines her career and Pravahati stands as a testament to this artistry.

The choreography of Pravahati featured four striking sections: an intricate Mallari honoring Shiva, Kalidas’ Varsha Ritu from Ritusamhara, Vahati, which explored the idea of tradition as a dynamic flow of experiences and it wrapped up with an exuberant Tillana.

Despite the global popularity of Indian Classical Dance, with countless teachers and students worldwide, Guru Chandran believes a more rigorous standard is necessary to differentiate between casual learners and dedicated practitioners, she asserted, “While the art form’s reach is undeniable, a clear distinction between hobbyists and lifelong devotees will ensure its continued brilliance.”

Day II: Bharatanatyam Solo by Vidushi Geeta Chandran

The second day featured a solo Bharatanatyam performance by Geeta Chandran. Accompanied by a talented ensemble of Delhi’s top musicians: Nattuvangam: Varun Rajasekharan; Vocals: Smt. Sudha Raghuraman; Mridangam: Manohar Balatchandirane; Violin: G. Raghavendra Prasath; and Flute: G. Raghuraman. She presented a selection of her most celebrated classical pieces.

Geeta Chandran’s dedication to Bharatanatyam has been unwavering, encompassing performance, teaching, choreography, writing, and advocacy. Her contributions to the dance world have been widely recognized and celebrated.

Reflecting on her 50-year journey, Chandran shared, “As I approach the personal milestone of completing five decades of dancing since my arangetram in October 1974, I can only pay the richest tribute to my stalwart Gurus who so freely shared this invaluable art with me, but also gave me the freedom to question the tradition constantly, and reinterpret it for myself.” She further adds, “Every day of my life, Bharatanatyam energises me. It pushes me to explore its vast potential through performing, teaching, conducting, collaborating, and more.”

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