We are one, united by the colors of Holi
Contributed By - Gayathri Krithivas
Springtime arrives with the earth bursting forth in millions of colors. New beginnings and signs of renewal are everywhere. Who would have thought that the exuberance and colors of spring would be limited to nature? Indradhanush (rainbow) 2018 took on the colors of Holi, the festival of colors at the Mesa Arts Center on March 17th. Presented by Indo American Cultural Connect, the thematic presentation featured a blend of Bharatanatyam and Flamenco that brought out the fun, energy, exuberance and the significance of Holi. Smt. Nita Mallya, founder of Sampradaya Dance of India and Smt. Preeti Anand, the founder of Samarpan School of Dance collaborated with Ms. Julia Chacon, Director of Inspiracion Flamenca; a school for Flamenco dance.
The opening sequence featured the main dancers weaving intricate patterns on the stage as each took center stage to showcase their artistry. The deft footwork of Ms. Chacon was complemented beautifully by the rhythmic movements of Ms. Preeti and Ms. Nita. The joy and exuberance was palpable and set the tone for the rest of the program.
Holi is about unity and brotherhood, the acceptance of each other and the surrender to the Divine. This theme was beautifully portrayed by the dancers of Samarpan School of Dance who moved with such virtuosity that the entire stage seemed to be engulfed in vivid colors from their flowing costumes. Next came the Dhol dancers and dandiya dancers and with them the adult Krishna (portrayed by Smt. Preeti) and his consort Radha. When Radha took center stage surrounded by dancers holding long streams of fabric, the audience was enthralled by its breathtaking beauty and grace.
Right on the heels of the Bharatanatyam dancers came six beautiful flamenco dancers. Their beautiful costumes and graceful movements made it seem like they were delicate flowers in a springtime garden as they wove intricate patterns with their hands and feet. This short number was immediately followed by Ms. Chacon taking center stage to live music. Her flowing costume and movements were graceful and seductive and at the same time joyful and upbeat. She was then accompanied by Martin Gaxiola, a male dancer. While Ms. Chacon’s movements evoked grace, the male dancer’s movements were artistry with power and strength. The live music on the stage added that much more drama to the duet. When the rest of the Flamenco dancers joined the duo on the stage, the mood changed to one of color and liveliness.
Little did the audience realize that the bright and joyful dancing would lead to a calm rendition of the Panchayudha Sloka describing the attributes of Lord Maha Vishnu’s weapons and His power. The calmness was suddenly interrupted by the entrance of King Hiranyakashipu, the king who had earned a boon from Lord Brahma that he could not be killed by man or beast, at night or day, on earth or in the sky. Convinced by a sense of immortality. Hiranyakashipu brilliantly played in Kathakali format by Smt. Nita, went on to spread terror and fear on Earth. The students of Sampradaya Dance of India paraded on stage wielding weapons, goading and torturing the innocent citizens while Prahalada, the son of Hiranyakashipu continued to worship Lord Vishnu. Angered by his son’s devotion to Lord Vishnu, Hiranyakashipu summons his sister Holika to kill Prahalada in a fire but Lord Vishnu saves his devotee and vanquishes Holika. The fusion of flamenco inspired footwork and Bharatanatyam in the court of King Hiranyakashipu was a treat to watch.This is followed by Hiranyakashipu facing a half-man half-lion in battle, little knowing that it was Lord Vishnu Himself who had come to kill him. A feisty battle ensues between Lord Narasimha and Hiranyakashipu leading to the Lord Narasimha killing the evil king at twilight on a threshold holding him on his lap. Smt. Nita excelled in her portrayal of the evil king and brought his character to the fore effortlessly.
Hearing both Smt. Preeti and Smt. Nita speak after the performance, the unity, brotherhood was not just in the stories, it seemed to have percolated into the camaraderie as the three artistes worked on the choreography, the students as they cheered each other on and the parents and volunteers as well.
One can imagine the coordination, understanding and dedication that would have been needed to blend two distinct art forms and the challenges faced by the artistes in rehearsing the pieces.
Indradhanush 2018 was indeed a riot of color with the underlying theme of unity in diversity. I could tell the program had a very strong impact when on the way out, I noticed two little girls playing out the battle scene followed by Ras Leela dancing as they were leaving the auditorium. It sure was an afternoon to remember.