Pushpanjali and Alarippu

Everything pulsates within a rhythm: the blooming of flowers, the rotation of planets, the act of exhalation and inhalation...

In ancient Indian philosophy, this all-encompassing rhythm is embodied in movement, particularly in the form of the cosmic dancer Nataraja (King of Dance), who creates and destroys entire worlds through His dance. From this perspective, dance transcends mere physical motion or emotion. In dance, the boundaries between physicality, sensuality, and spirituality dissolve.

Dance encompasses music, poetry, theater, painting, sculpture, architecture, philosophy, and even prayer. It is the inner world expressed externally, leading us to new experiences, places, and times, beyond categories, cultures, religions, nationalities, and political ideologies. Dance is a journey—a journey from the outer world to the inner self, deep into the inner temple.

I begin my journey at the foot of the sacred temple. Paving my path with flower petals, I greet the four corners of the world, the teachers, and everyone gathered here tonight. With my body, I draw sacred geometric shapes; temple’s ascending and descending platforms, sky-reaching columns. I divide space with lines, points, and planes. The temple emerges where feet dance in rhythm, where hands draw and open spaces, where the body unfolds in movement, and where the gaze dances.

English transcript of item introductions

Jatiswaram

The emerged temple opens its gates. As I step inside, I weave tinkling garlands of beats, musical notes, dance steps, and poses. I decorate the spaces of my sanctuary—the farthest corners—with chiming blossoms that echo the rhythm. This composition is a conversation between rhythm, music, and body, reminiscent of poetry—with its stanzas, repetitions, rhythms, rhymes, and meters.

A body electrified by movement begins to speak the language of emotions. A story is born— the first look within, at the higher 'I' and its interplay with my soul, which in this composition takes the form of a young maiden, recounting the tale of God Vishnu, who appeared on Earth as Krishna, a mischievous shepherd playing a flute.

“At the time when lotus-eyed maidens were bathing in the pond, you came secretly and stole their beautiful silk clothes. After climbing a tree, you watched and and teased them, calling them to come out of the water and bow to you. Is it appropriate to do so? And what about the time you broke bowls of freshly churned butter and buttermilk and ate it all? Is it appropriate to do so? And then, as the husband of the goddess Lakshmi, you danced and danced with the maidens of the town all night long. Is it appropriate to do so? And yet, my heart longs and my eyes seek for you, even though the whole world laughs at your antics. I bow to you, oh Vishnu.

Shabdam “Sarasi-
jakshulu”

Varnam
“Sumasayaka”

The longing of the soul takes me even deeper, reaching the sanctum of the temple, where the outside world fades away and the hum of thoughts diminishes. All stands still in the waiting. Here, my soul sings a longing song for its beloved, impatiently waiting to meet Him.

“Oh, source of wisdom, save my heart, wounded by Cupid's arrows. Reliving moments from the past—when I adorned myself in the most exquisite silks and golds, prepared fragrant sandalwood paste to apply to your body, and decorated my home with intoxicating scented flowers and intricate ornament designs. And then, at last, I heard Your footsteps at my door.

And now… now, with a heart wounded by the arrows of longing love, I am like a swaying creeper without support, and the warm summer wind stings like snake venom. I can no longer swallow a single bite; the most fragrant flowers make me nauseous, and the warming sunlight burns my heart.

All the wealth of the world and the most expensive jewelry hold no meaning now—I would give up everything just to see You.”

Ashtapadi “Pashyati
Dishi Dishi”

As the gentle winds carried whispers of longing through the trees, my friend hastened to my beloved. “Oh, lord of the world, Oh Hari,” she implored, “Radha searches for you, her heart a desolate garden yearning for the warmth of your presence. In her cottage, draped in the sorrow of separation, she adorns herself time and again, until she becomes the very essence of You. Her heart aches as she gazes longingly into the shadows, where the pitch-black darkness envelops her like the heavy clouds of an approaching storm. Each step beyond her bower brings her closer to that void, yet she embraces it, believing it to be a reflection of your divine form, kissing the night in a fruitless quest for your nectar-like lips. Come home, my friend, for her heart is heavy, and the world around her dims without your light.”

As twilight draped the land in a soft embrace, a joyous procession wound its way. My dear friend, radiant and beaming, led my Beloved through the flickering glow of torches, their spirits dancing like fireflies in the dusky veil. Sweet melodies filled the evening, echoing the rhythm of my restless heart. Dancers spun in joy, their colorful garments swirling like petals caught in a summer breeze. With every note, her heart as a restless bird ready to take flight, longed to embrace her Beloved, who will be like the dawn, heralding the end of her solitude.

Procession
of Joy

Arangetram—a journey into the depths of oneself, venturing to the inner sanctum where tonight’s tales intertwine the divinity of man with the humanity of the Divine. Here, eternal love, pain, joy, sadness, and longing still resonate, echoing through the chambers of the heart…

Arangetram—an intricate tapestry woven from embodied poetry and rhythm, merging expression and music, the Inner and the Outer.

As I finally emerge from the cool embrace of the temple, I am enveloped by a swell of joy that courses through my being, pulsating in every cell, reverberating through the ankle bells, flute melodies, and heartbeat of the drums. Thillana stands as the culmination of this evening, a radiant expression of inner joy manifesting through music and movement. May this blissful dance inspire the hearts of all who journeyed together tonight, igniting a spark of joy that beckons the dancer within each of you. In the rhythm of your own create, heal, and celebrate both the self and the others.

Thillana

Welcome

Before starting, I want to express my endless gratitude and introduce the remarkable individuals accompanying me on this dance journey.

Tonight, I’m honored to have the Rhythmic Cymbalsist/Nattuvanar, who is the Founder of the Academy of Performing Arts, Dance Theater, and Movement Research, performer, choreographer, inspiring teacher, and dance and movement researcher—Rajyashree Ramesh.

Joining her are the Carnatic style music and vocal performer, dancer, and founder of the Conservatory of India in Paris —Bhavan Pradyumna. Recognized for many years of experience and awarded Indian state honors, a master percussionist, Vidwan SV Giridhar, and finally - a flute virtuoso, Nagpoojith BR. I would like to thank my dance sisters for helping hand: an Aikido master, teacher, dancer, and choreographer, Irina Kušelevič; a body-movement therapist, dancer and teacher, Justina Ližaitiene; and a dancer and teacher, Neringa Raudytė Additionally, I am supported by Academy's talented young dancers: Gaja Želionytė, Grytė Strazdauskaitė, and Tita Jurkšaitytė.

Lastly, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all of you here tonight, especially those who may be embarking on a journey into the unseen world of classical Indian dance theatre for the first time. Allow me to guide you into the inner sanctum.