Journey of Rhythms

stunning welcome standee

Photoshoot enhanced curiosity

why suitcase?

For a few weeks we knew Maithri's Shivansh team is working hard on the 'Journey of Rhythms' project.

Photoshoot had enhanced curiosity. What's the significance of suitcase? etc.

On Saturday, 31^st August, 2024, God blessed Shivansh with pre-event shower.

‘Journey of rhythms’ took us on mesmerizing tour of India in 7 parts. So many intricate details were thought of...subtle backdrops, brilliant lighting enhancing the performance, efficient costumes, beautifully written, pre-recorded narration that was coordinated with mudras, expressions & body language, seamless weaving of various music and cultures of India through Bharatnatyam, comparison of their technicalities, musical instruments & list goes on. Use of fabrics, language etc was brilliant.

Part 1:

'Journey of Rhythms' 
from Railway Station

Shivansh group artists were waiting at railway station to go to Gujarat. The artistic minds found rhythm in sounds of everyday life like…Railway Station announcement notification sound, people talking, chaiwala, movement of coolie, trains etc.

Bharatnatyam dance steps were coordinated with this newly found rhythm while using suitcase as prop.

Platform truss, bogie windows, sign board, birds on wires, moving railway etc were depicted at backdrop

Part 2:

Mallari

Rhythms from day to day life reminded Bharatnatyam dance Mallari that was performed along with music played on Nadaswaram (wind instrument) and Thavil (percussion instrument) representing temples from south India. 

Temple and Kolam (rangoli) outlines from backdrop and temple bell sounds enhanced the divine dance form

Part 3:

Meghalaya

Nature's beauty

 The divinity reminded the group of state    Meghalaya. Dance depicting nature’s beauty on  tunes of folk music with backdrop of handloom     fabric, bushes and birds took audience to             Meghalaya.

Part 4:

Jathiswaram

As dancers appreciate the calmness of Meghalaya, they    enjoyed  hustle bustle of Thrissur, Kerala’s cultural capital. Jathiswaram - pure nrittha (dance with no expressions) was performed on swarams (notes)  of  Chenda (percussion instrument). No sahityam (lyrics) were used. The final formation  with backdrop of temple won the hearts.

Part 5:

Rajasthan

Formation with Bandhani

Dancers remembered Rajasthan visit. The folk song Jalalo on tunes of traditional       string  instrument representing     longing     of   woman in love was choreographed in     flawless formations using     bandhani (tie &   die cloth). Jharokhas in backdrop with bandhani design passed vibes of Rajasthan.

Part 6: 

Technicalities of Bharatnatyam dance was compared with Kathak dance. Dancers performed Tarana with graceful movements, intricate rhythmic footwork, and fast pirouettes. Intricate chikankari at backdrop represented Uttar Pradesh where Kathak was originated.

Part 7:

Intense

Lallati Bhandar

Jogathi dance form Maharashtra Karnataka border was introduced and ‘Guest of honor’ Padmashree Majamma Jogathi was requested to sing. After this, Maithri and group’s intense performance on song ‘Lallati Bhandar’ left audience with goose bumps.

Each performance ended on high note & grand formation however, Rajasthan & Maharashtra left us with goosebumps.

While Bengal was being introduced, the collage of all backdrops conveyed end of the show but the audience felt "Oh, is that the end of this magical journey?"... this conveys success of the performance.

fortunate to live amongst so many artists at Richmond Villas... true home production

Maithri’s thanks speech gave idea to audience about long list of supporters from various places in India - singers, musicians, costume designers, recording artists, lighting experts, sound artists, multimedia artists, business and marketing experts etc. Last but not the least, the family support deserves big applaud.

We have been admiring Mathri and her group’s performance. Maithri performing Bharatnatyam in traditional way like sad and then angry Draupadi, playful Balkrishna, loving Yashoda, fearsome Narsimha Swami and many other characters, scripts is unforgettable. Maithri also surprises audience by portraying day to day life in traditional dance form. Normal audience is able to understand, appreciate and enjoy traditional dance big way. Please watch ‘Jash E Hyderabad’ performance at the next opportunity.

 Looking forward to next show.