Mūlam 2018:
As the monsoon takes over our city with its thunder and lightning, the classical dance fraternity of Bengaluru is not far behind. The jingle of bells and rhythmic taps of the dancers’ feet are as thunderous and enjoyable as nature’s showers.
While many events are conducted throughout the year by various institutions, the specialty of Mūlam, meaning the roots, comes from the purpose that it upholds and celebrates–the Guru-Shishya Parampara, a concept that is unique to India.
Shambhavi School of Dance, under the able-guidance of Guru Vyjayanthi Kashi, is all geared up to host the 5th edition of this annual event, on the 28th of July 2018 at Kalagrama, Mallatahalli(near Bangalore University).
With a combination of seminars and performances, Mūlam has been structured to feature dancers in the limelight, who will briefly speak about the Guru-Shishya Paramapara and also perform with a student, whom they believe has imbibed the most learning. This provides a platform for both young, budding dancers, as well as renowned artistes.
This year's seminar not only initiates the discussion on this ancient Indian tradition, but aims to emphasize on the specific aspects that the speakers will bring to the discussion.
Most often, there are situations when the student leaves the teacher’s nest to create his or her own identity, or learn other forms and styles, and an unspoken gap is created between them. What if the gap could be acknowledged and resolved instead of being ignored? Pavitra Bhat, a well-known Bharatanatyam dancer from Mumbai, will throw some light on rebinding the relationship between the Guru and Shishya. He will also be performing along with his student Niyati Visal.
Dr. Sanjay Shantaram, a famed artiste from Bengaluru, has been credited with having nurtured more than 50 Rangapraveshas at just forty-five years of age. He will speak about the difference between a Guru and an Acharya and whether the different terminology has certain marked characteristics related to age, experience and technique. He will be providing insight into his own experience and will also perform with his student Aniruddh Gopinath.
Today, Indian classical art forms have quite a large fan base and spectatorship overseas. Indian concepts such as the Guru-Shishya Parampara have grown popular all over the world. D. Keshava from Switzerland, having trained under the Veteran Venkata Lakshmamma will speak briefly on the Guru Shishya-Parampara in the past and present as well as how it is perceived in the West.
Highlighting the importance and relevance of the Parampara today, Kathak exponent Nirupama Rajendra from Bengaluru, will take us through the process of how she implements this age-old tradition in her own dance academy. Along with performing a duet with her student Rohini Prabath, she will also be performing a duet with her husband Rajendra, a famed Kathak dancer himself.
In India, the performing arts of dance and music have always gone hand-in-hand. To give the audience an insight into the musical side of the Guru Shishya Parampara, renowned singer Karthik Hebbar will shed some light on how this tradition is implemented in music training, as well as differences in techniques for training male and female voices. The seminar will be moderated by Poornima Guru Raju, a senior Bharatanatyam Guru.
Guru Vyjayanthi Kashi, the brain behind this festival Mūlam, who has been a part of and witnessed the change in the paradigm of 'Guru-Shishya tradition' for over three decades, will also perform with her student Lulu Wang from China.
With seminars beginning at 4:30 pm and performances from 6.30 pm onwards, Mūlam is all set to be a source of knowledge to all connoisseurs, performers and aspirants, as well as a treat to the eyes, mind, heart and soul.
To know more about the event, please contact 9886956596 / 9448146110. You can also mail us at danceindia@gmail.com/kashidance@gmail.com.
