Shri V.P. Dhananjayan (Payyanur, Kerala, 1939) and his wife, Shrimati Shanta Dhananjayan (Malaysia, 1943), are the disciples of the legendary Rukmini Devi of Kalakshetra. Popularly known as the Dhananjayans, they are one of the most well-known dancing couples of India. They are the recipients of various awards, in addition to having received international acclaim during their many tours abroad.
The Dhananjayans founded Bharata Kalanjali in 1968 so as to accommodate a unique teaching style and philosophy that incorporated what they had learnt at Kalakshetra, but also explored new directions. The success of the Dhananjayans as Bharatanatyam dancers can be attributed to the fact that they have added a new dimension to the presentation of their art combining choreographic talent while retaining the aesthetic quality of the classical tradition. Bharatanatyam forms the quintessence of their recitals, but the Dhananjayans have a penchant for innovation. The Ramayana production with neutral costumes, Kathakali performance without traditional costumes and the highly acclaimed Adventures of Mowgli are trail blazers.
Bharatanatyam is the best-known classical dance form of India. This dance form has the judicious combination of Nritta (pure dance-abstract), Nritya (communicative body language of hand gestures and facial expressions) Natya (theatrical presentation of thematic or stories enacted with different characters). Literature, music and instruments are an integral part of this dance form. The technique can be employed both in solo dance and in group choreography
1 hour 30 mins
(Subject to changes on the spot) Ganesha Vandanam (Naattai raagam, Aadi taalam) — Invocation in praise of Lord Ganesha
Nrittaswaravali (Vasantha raagam, Rupaka talam) — A pure nritta or rhythmic sequence set to musical notes
Sabdam (Raaga maalika, Misrachappu taalam) — A suggestive expressional item in Tamil in which Lord Muruga is described in the six stages of life
Nrityopahaara or Padavarnam (Kalyaani raagam, Aadi taalam) — A composition of Guru Rajee Narayan of Mumbai, which narrates Shri Krishna's various pranks and stories connected with His greatness
Keertanam 'En palli kondeer ayya' by Arunachala Kavirayar (Raaga maalika, Aadi taalam) — Addressed to Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam, the poem beautifully narrates the stories of the Ramayana and Sri Krishnavataram
Dance of Nataraja (Kedaaragowla raagam, Aadi taalam) — Description of the cosmic dance of Shiva enshrined at Chidambaram
Nritta-angahaaram (Tillana) (Hindolam raagam, Khanta eekam) — A garland of dance sequences in complicated rhythmic patterns
The recital concludes with an oblation to Kanchi Kamakshi Amma
Dancers Divya Sivasundar/ Subhashini Rajagopal
Musicians Nattuvangam - Shanta Dhananjayan
Choreography Gurus Dhananjayan & Shanta Dhananjaya
THE DHANANJAYANS
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