Rangoli celebrates classicism and creativity

LOS ANGELES: Malathi Iyengar, artistic director/choreographer of Rangoli Foundation has always brought a new sheen to the traditional repertoire of Bharata Natyam, the classical dance of India. Enhancing a heritage of classicism, the dancers in her inspired ensemble have always expressed the joy of pure rhythm, lyricism and technique in their productions.

On June 28 Paintings of the Divine showcased crisp, energetic, focused and new choreographed works by Iyengar that revealed the beauty, emotion and complexity of a dance company. The performance delighted an intent audience at Barnsdall Gallery Theater with solos, duets, trios and groups featuring exhilarated storytelling and technique.

Iyengar's training takes its origin in the Pandanallur/Tanjore style of movement interpretation. Focusing on tempo, precision, expression and dexterity incorporating unique architectural conception of linear lines a variety of adavus (steps) as well as smooth, flowing explorations of body and space.

Paintings of the Divine was a presentation marking the 25th anniversary of Rangoli Foundation. Established in 1985, Iyengar has always maintained a high caliber group which included superb guest artists from India over the years.

The program began with some members of the ensemble performing Pushpanjali, a dance piece invoking blessings from the Gods, gurus and audience.

Guest performer, award winning, Navia Natarajan, a disciple of Guru Padmini Ramachandran (Bangalore) A Lakshman and Bragha Bessell (Chennai) displayed a startling, evocative and soulful artistry in Kanjadalayatakshi as she narrated through movement, the glorious beauty of Goddess Kamakshi.

Lakshmi Iyengar both in her duet with Navia (Chandrachooda) and in her solo piece (Nagendra Haraya) showed impeccable technique, while her mother Malathi Iyengar gifted us with her vivacity and dazzling virtuosity in Shri Ganesha extolling him as the bestower of boons and removes obstacles.

Group dancers, Sheila Aula, Vyshnavi Aysola, Shivani Aysola, Anjali Gopalan, Shilpa Mantri, Sandhya Rajan and Sumathi Nanguneri, Nishita Viswanathan, Akshaya Sekhar, Soumya Sundaresh, displayed the versatility and creative expanse of their guru, Iyengar in Kannada Jatiswaram, Neeradasama and Kanjadalayatakshi.

Iyengar drew on the sublime musical compositions of Gurumurthy G, Nandakuma U, Papanasam Sivan, Aadi Sankaracharya, Mysore Sadashiva Rao, Purandara Dasa, Oothakadu Venkata Kavi, Muthuswami Diskhitar and Rajkumar Bharathi.

Lighting design by Eileen Cooley was excellent and set design by Suresh Iyengar minimal but dramatic. Costume design by Lakshmi Iyengar was a brilliant riot of flamboyant colors and striking jewelry reflecting the beauty of the dance.

Rangoli Awards were presented to the members. Most valuable dancer was Shaheen Sheikh and Artistic Merit Award went to Vyshnavi Aysola and Shilpa Mantri.

An unusual and truly unique highlight of the evening was the unveiling of two sculptures, The Dancing Ganesha and The Heroic Hanuman sculpted by Suresh Iyengar. The astonishing, versatile Suresh Iyengar, a dentist by profession, is a prolific sculptor, painter, and craftsman whose works have been part of several productions of Rangoli Foundation as well as other site specific concerts, museums, events, installations and weddings all over California.

The recipient of many awards he has been a contributing artist and sculptor in building the City of Burbank Rose Bowl Float since 2004.

The exquisite sculptures represented the spirit and essence of the gods, in their detailed form and intense energy. The stone cast works of art are not only a symbol of divinity but display a stunning elegance and distinctive emotional depth.

Suresh Iyengar's work created on a non-spoken level communicated with space, form and silence celebrating the ritualistic spectacle of dance, and music.
Arts presenter Denise Leader Stoeber introduced the artist. Limited sculptures are available. The project was supported in part by the Department of Cultural Affairs, City of Los Angeles.

India Post News Service