• India has 14 states/major languages. Each state has its own culture (language, food, dress code, etc.) Bharatanatyam originated in the South -- Tamil Nadu. Hindi is the official language but English is the media for communications. [Hindi is the language and Hindu is the religion practiced in India.]
• Seven classical dance styles of India are: Manipuri (Northeast) Kathak (North) Oddissi (Central) Bharatanatyam (Tamil Nadu) Kuchupudi (Andhra) Mohini Attam and Kathakali (Kerala).
• Bharatanatyam (referred here as BN) is the most ancient dance style, based on Hindu mythology.
• Legend goes this way....BN was started 2000 years ago when Indra voiced to Bramma (Hindu god -- creator) that the four vedas (Rig, Sama, Yajur, Atharva) are too rigid so a 5^th veda was created called NATYA veda. Bharatamuni was given the task and Tandu was selected to assist. 100 beautiful ladies called Apsaras were created to bring out the grace. Shiva (Hindu god - destroyer of evil) danced with a lot of enthusiasm (Tandavams) and his wife Parvati (goddess of strength) danced with grace.
• Bha-ra-ta-natyam is taken from the first 3 syllables Bha Bhavam means expression, Ra Ragam means melody, Ta Talam is rhythm. This dance merges all three into one. It takes 4-6 years to learn the basics and principles and endless time to perfect the art form. Natya means drama/dance.
• Natya Shastra is the book that was written in the 2^nd century outlining details of this art form. The hand gestures, the neck, head, eye, leg each and every movement has a name embedded into the form of a sloka (chant) in Sanskrit.
• In the 7^th to 10^th century ABHINAYA (meaning expression) DARPANA was written. 8 permanent moods, 33 transitory moods, 8 moods that shake the body, etc. etc. was specified -- again each with a name and a chant. An entire book on just expressions!
• This year 2003 marks BN as 70 years old. If this art form was started in the 2^nd century how come it is 70 years old now? That's confusing isn't it. In the 17^th century Elango wrote Silapadikaram and recorded the first BN arangetram (first professional public performance) by Manimekalai, daughter of Kovalan and Madhavi. Specific items were selected to go into a recital. This same pattern is followed even today. With the invasion of Moghuls, Alexander, and the British, various art forms of entertainment crept in crushing away BN, a sacred art form used in the temples by ladies who dedicated their lives and performances to god. The dancers then got exploited by the kings and invaders. It became a social taboo until it was revived again by Tanjore brothers, Krishna Iyer, and Rukmini Arundale. By 1933 it gradually got accepted into society and from the '40s to '60s Tamil cinema played a major role in reviving this art form.

If you have any questions, write to kns@ranidevi.com

(Although the list is long only a few have been displayed here)

Dasaniyamaha 'Ten Commandments'

Dasaniyamaha was created based on Dasavataram where Vishnu took ten different forms to save the world. The Christians have the Ten Commandments to protect themselves from sin. Stories were selected from the Bible to give the effects of those who failed to keep these ten commandments and with a Sanskrit sloka for each commandment the Dasaniyamaha (meaning Ten Rules) was created. The concept and lyrics were by Rani David. Lalitha Swaminathan (vocal), P.K. Swaminathan (mridangam), Michael Fernando (vocal) gave life to the idea. It was first performed at Shirani's arangetram and then modified for four performers: Tina Mathew, Edwina Bhaskaran, Shirani Rajan, Reshma Patchikara. This item, by far, has been the most creative item of KNS.

Dhristibedha from Natya Shastra in Psalms 121 Even though 'Kanngalai Yerudduppaen' rendered in classical style was a pre-recorded music, it was a challenge to include the 8 elements of the Dhristibedha as given in the Natya Shastra: samam, ulohitham, avalohitham, aalohitham, anuvritham, saasi, prolohitham, nimilitham. (Nancy Prem in the picture.)

Annai Mariyalae Devi has many names so does Mother Mary. This was an exclusive composition by Rani where jathis are blended with different names of Mother Mary. Music by Shyamsunder.

Kurathi as part of 'Yesu-Yesu-Yesu' with exclusive music recording, an imaginative piece depicted by three characters/generations in gypsy style. The little girl is anxious to see Baby Jesus but misses as the baby is moved away from Bethlehem. The girl is now a teen and hears about Jesus a twelve-year old preaching in the synagogue. She rushes to see have a glimpse of him and misses him again. Years later, now as a lady, she hears about this great 33 year old preacher and plans on meeting him. When she finally does it is again too late for he is crucified. While she breaks down in tears, there is a great flash of light and she sees Him ascend to heaven -- the greatest privilege of seeing him in his divinity.

Padhavarnam on Second Coming at Shirani's arangetram where all the items were on Christian themes, the padhavarnam which is the masterpiece of a recital was carefully selected. Ragam Shankarabaranam it included the Three Angel's Message.

The Five Women in Christ's Life Adapting stories of the five women in Christ's life gave a new dimension to an existing Christian keerthanai. Performed by Rani and later by Edwina. The five women depicted are: Mary -- Christ's mother, woman at the well, Mary who got stoned, Mary -- Martha's sister, Mary who anointed his feet.

Psalms 103 'En Athumavae Kartharai Sthothari' music by Director Shyamsunder this has been a show piece for KNS' performances. With a lot of natya jathis, it has been composed as a group dance.

Alabanai Seiguvaen by Jolly Abraham is used as an opening number for most Arangetrams. Eraiva Nee Oru Sangeetham by S.P. Balasubramaniam is used as an opening group item.

NAVARASA -- nine emotions in dance is commonly portrayed in various dance sequences. The same was adapted to show the nine emotions in Christ's life during the 3 years he spent on this world.

And the list goes on.....Do you have an idea to share with? Write to kns@ranidevi.com