Traditions of India revealed in dance
A traditional Indian dance, bharathanatyam is centuries old. It originated in southern India and was performed in Hindu temples before it was reestablished as a popular art form during the 1930s. Now, it's burgeoning in New England, specifically in Bedford.
It may be due to the immigration of Indian people to the state. But locals also may be thirsting for an exotic cultural experience. Whatever the case, bharathanatyam can be appreciated by all people; the only requirement is an open mind.
Jothi Raghavan can be credited for the emergence of this classical dance in Bedford. She was born in Chennai, South India , and studied bharathanatyam as a child. ``This is the dance I've done all my life, and I just enjoy doing it," said Raghavan, who believes a dancer should never reveal her age.
She came to Bedford in 1974, where she founded her school of bharathanatyam dance three years later. Raghavan serves as a choreographer and performer at her Nrityanjali School of Dance , where about 100 students take lessons. She is also the artistic director for the nonprofit Academy of Indian Performing Arts , an organization devoted to promoting Indian fine arts in New England.
Bharathanatyam, a Sanskrit word, is a spiritual dance, showcasing beauty and discipline. Synchronization, body language, facial expressions, and elaborate hand gestures are some of the elements of this dance. Yet the nature of bharathanatyam reaches far beyond physical movement. ``The three most important elements of our dance are bhava, which means expression; raga -- melody; and tala -- rhythm," explained Raghavan.
Dancers wear traditional bharathanatyam costumes. ``We'll be dressed like the temple deities," said Raghavan, referring to her coming show. ``Dancers used to be attached to temples, so dancers started dressing as the deities." Only within the last century did bharathanatyam make the transition to the stage.
Made of brightly colored silk and adorned with gold, the highly decorated costumes are a combination of saris, the traditional garment for Indian women, and pants. Dancers complete the look with heavy make up and elaborate jewelry from head to toe. Bharathanatyam is usually performed barefoot.
Performances usually feature musical accompaniment, as well as a master of ceremonies, who does the storytelling. ``I set the stage and explain to the audience what the dance is all about," said Sujatha Krishnan , who has been master of ceremonies for Raghavan's performances for about 20 years.
``The stories are from Indian epics and mythology," said Raghavan. Tales of various gods of the Hindu religion are told, sometimes through poetry, and acted out. A familiar one is as that of Lakshmi , the goddess of wealth and beauty, who is often depicted in ancient Indian art as an elaborately dressed woman with four arms, and either holding or surrounded by lotus flowers.
Raghavan will perform with some of her top students Saturday at the John Glenn Middle School in Bedford. In addition to dancing, she will play the nattuvangam, a type of cymbal . The performance will also feature vocals, mridangam (drums), and veena (a stringed instrument).
This year's presentation is called ``Samarpanam," Sanskrit for ``offering," and the main theme is ``enlightenment."
``That's what it's all about, sharing and giving and feeling enlightenment . . . and the stories and legends behind it," Krishnan said.
She added that Raghavan is a legend in bharathanatyam dance in the area.
``She has maintained some of the fundamental techniques," said Krishnan, who took lessons with Raghavan for years before returning to act as master of ceremonies.
``I was looking for a teacher who fit, who was understanding and disciplined. She taught me something that is really extraordinary."
Raghavan and Krishnan believe that anyone can appreciate and understand Bharathanatyam, including those who may not be familiar with Indian culture.
``If they are open to watching something new and different, they can walk away with something," said Krishnan.
Added Raghavan, ``We hope to lift the audience's spirits, just as our spirits are lifted up when we dance. We hope the audience will come with us." 