RAGAMALA Sva (Vital Force)




This was a was a fabulous energetic performance by Ragamala Dance Company with live accompaniment of Shubhendra Rao (sitar) and Saskia Rao de-Haas (Indian cello) , and after intermission with music by Wadaiko Ensemble TOKARA (taiko drumming). The concert/performance began with Ardhanareeshwara Strotram , a world premiere, that showcased Aparna Ramaswamy (the principal dancer) is a solo dance performance that showcase her incredible ability. This work was danced to traditional recorded Indian music with vocals by Lalit Subramaniam. Aparna's dancing was at once graceful and forceful - with lots of foot stomping-, The hands and arms moved frequently, bringing narrative to the piece along with her expression which went from happy to flirtatious. At times she would come to a stop standing on one leg and forming a perfect shape that reminded me of a dancing Shiva sculpture. She was all made up and dressed in a yellow and gold tones costume. She wore ankle bells and her feet were covered with red hanna.
The second number was Yathra (Journey), another world premiere. This work included dancers Amanda Dlouhy, Jessica Fiala, Alison Kirwin, Tamara Nadel, Aparna Ramaswamy, Ashwini Ramaswamy and Renee Ramaswamy with live music by Shubhendra Rao (sitar) and Saskia Rao de-Haas (Indian cello). This work lacked the intensity and expertise of the first Solo piece. Part of the problem, in my mind, is that the company is good but there is some unevenness between most of the dancers and the two lead dancers. This second work, along with much of the rest of the program included a very cool projection against the black wall by artist Terry Rosenberg, that consisted of repetitive action painting. Mostly white lines that appeared as light, forming nest like forms on the wall.
After intermission, we saw Wadaiko Ensemble TOKARA performing Hatou no Hibiki . This was definitely an electrifying piece that showcased Art Lee (the artistic director), Matt Steitle and Harumi Tamaoki. Wadaiko Ensemble TOKARA is a Taiko style drum group that incorporates other drumming techniques including African. This type of drumming incorporates a lot of measured moves and martial like postures.
The final number Sva (Vital Force) brought back the dancers who performed along with the taiko drummers.
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RAGAMALA Sva (Vital Force)

dance perfall perf08 southerntheater

Posted: Friday - May 02, 2008 at 01:58 PM          

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