Anita Ratnam began the evening programme with a Pushpanjali. Radha performed Manduka Shabdam, an item choreographed by her guru, Late Vazhuvoor Ramaiyya Pillai. Lakshmi Vishwanathan with her forte in abhinaya presented two pieces, a padam by Kshetrayya, in ragam, Kapi, and a javali in Poorvikalyani ragam 'Yenthati Kuluke'. The Kuchipudi- dancing couple, Vasanthalakshmi and Narasimhachari, presented a crisply choreographed item, 'Nartana Saiyyeno' in ragamalika, on Nataraja.

Professor Chandrasekhar chose an Ashtapadi in Ahirbhairavi ragam, where Krishna is seen pining for Radha, who has spurned his love. The oldest exponent of the Pandanallur style, Nirmala Ramachandran, delineated a Dhanam Krishna Iyer composition in Atana ragam, 'Tiruvottyur Thiagarajan', where the nayika yearns for the darshan of the Lord. This was followed by a folksy javali in Harikambhodhi ragam, 'Sami Radaye'. It was a rare opportunity to see the dancer on stage after many years.

'Virali Malai Kuruvanji' was another treat with the dancers coming together after more than 10 years. Padma Subramaniam, Sudharani Raghupathy, and Chitra Visveswaran, the three prima donnas of Bharatanatyam were the participants. It provided high entertainment value besides the excellent music, credit for which goes to the late Shyamala Balakrishnan. The finale was a thillana in Madhuvanthi ragam by Guru Indira Rajan and her students. What set this thillana apart, was the use of the tavil and the nadaswaram in the music.

A very well organised conference with the joint effort of the whole local dance community. Something that ought to be given recognition. So much can be accomplished when people support the organisation and give of themselves generously. ABHAI is planning a music and dance festival during May 2000.
For more details please contact:
S.S.R.Krishnan, Ph : 4320166 or 4338219 (Chennai)