Danseuse blends grace and strength

Sanjana Prasad’s performance at the Bhavan's Dance Festival was a treat to watch. She kept the attention of her audience with a perfect blend of grace and strength.

A disciple of guru Ms Minal Prabhu, Beng-aluru, she opened her hour long recital with a Pushpanjali in raagam Nagaswaravali — a fitting start to a well executed performance. The Pushpanjali was followed by the Dasavatharm — a composition of Madhwacharya, choreographed in the format of a Varnam. The 10 worldly forms of Vishnu were portrayed through her subtle but effective Abhinaya. Sanjana’s execution of the Jatis and Swarams were commendable and her hard work and training was evident in her energy level and stamina.

 The young artiste’s presentation of the Kshetraya Padam —Evvade in raagam Shankarabaranam, was received well. She was able to emote the pretence and false irritation of the nayika as well as the love she had for Krishna. In the Tulsi Das bhajan ‘Tumak Chalat’, Sanjana seemed completely involved as she played the role of a mother playing with her child and this piece highlighted the dancer’s maturity and understanding of the piece.

Sanjana’s choice of Thillana was a beautiful composition in Raga Sumanesha Ranjani. The choreography of this piece was as enthralling as its music and a true test for the dancer’s stamina and rhythm sense. Sanjana did true justice to this piece with her neatly executed korvais despite the speed and rhythmic complexity the composition demanded.  She is definitely a promising dancer who is certain to play a significant role in this art form in the years to come.