A still from Swan Lake Photo: Avinash Pasricha

Uma Memorial Kalalayam, Calcutta, presented an evening of classical dance forms — Bharatnatyam, Mohiniyattam and Kathakali — to celebrate their 10th anniversary at Madhusudan Manch on October 29 and 30.

Directed and choreographed by Kalamandalam Venkitt and Preetha Venkitt, the programme comprised an array of traditional dance numbers belonging to the three different styles. The evening commenced with shlokam, an invocatory number followed by alarippu based on taal tisram. The number was marked by a synchronisation of skilful footwork and movements. On the other hand, grace and expression characterised a Cholekettu presentation in Mohiniyattam style.

Slow and supple movements, the hallmark of Mohiniyattam style, was maintained through out the presentation. Kubera Kautwam, choreographed by Preetha deserves mention while Jayamahesha, a dance number based on bhajan and composed by Kalamandalam Venkitt was in keeping with the mood of the item. Varnam, one of the most delicate and difficult items of the Bharatnatyam repertoire, saw a commendable performance by Niloshree, Pooja and Piyali.

D. Kannan and G. Suryanarayanan on mridangam added strength and consistency to the programme. However, the programme was crammed with too many numbers, which at times became monotonous.

A brilliant Mohiniyattam dancer, Bharati Shivaji’s efforts have taken Mohiniyattam to the world stage and made it one of the leading Indian classical dance forms. Centre for Mohiniyattam — under the guidance of Shivaji — presented Swan Lake at G.D. Birla Sabhaghar on September 24. Open Doors in association with Sanskriti Sagar, presented Shivaji at her best. The dance-drama was a perfect yugalbandi between Tchaikovsky’s music and Mohiniyattam style. The lyrical movements of Mohiniyattam were ideally suited to the visual sophistication of Western ballet.

Bharati and her daughter, Vijayalakshmi, choreographed the piece using an array of eclectic movements that included Mohiniyattam and Chhau.

The story of Swan Lake reflected the Indian concept of a nayika. While Vijayalaxmi played Princess Odette and her evil double Odile, Santosh Nair played Prince Seigfried with verve and vigour. Among others, Mom Ganguly deserves mention for her powerful performance.