Natya Thoranam: A celebration of six classical dances at Shilpakala Vedika

Hyderabad: Hyderabad witnessed a cultural spectacle on Saturday as the Natya Thoranam event brought together six classical dance forms on one stage at Shilpakala Vedika at Hitech. Organised by Amrita Cultural Trust, the event saw an overwhelming turnout, with the venue packed to capacity.

Showcasing the richness of Indian classical dance

The event featured performances in Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Mohiniyattam, Kathak, Odissi and Andhra Natyam, with 6 to 10 dancers representing each style. The highlight of the evening was a grand jugalbandi featuring all 88 dancers, which left the audience spellbound.

Speaking at the event, Shri Kalakrishna, an expert in Andhra Natyam, said, “Events like these play a crucial role in preserving and promoting our cultural heritage. It is inspiring to see such enthusiasm from young dancers.”

Anita Guha, a Bharatanatyam guru, added, “The energy and coordination displayed by the performers reflect their dedication and rigorous training.”

Efforts behind the performances

Renowned dance gurus guided the performers to deliver seamless and authentic presentations. The list included Shri Kalakrishna (Andhra Natyam), Anita Guha (Bharatanatyam), Chavali Bala Tripurasundari (Kuchipudi), Neena Prasad (Mohiniyattam), Shama Bhate (Kathak) and Bichitrananda Swain (Odissi).

Commendation for Amrita Cultural Trust

Amrita Cultural Trust, led by founders Pagadala Rajesh and Bhargavi, received wide praise for organising the event. Principal Secretary of Telangana Endowments Department, Shailaja Ramaiyer, said, “The trust’s efforts in promoting Indian culture and diverse dance forms are commendable. Events like these inspire younger generations to connect with their roots.”

Former IAS officer Thota Chandrasekhar added, “The scale of this event is extraordinary, and it is a testament to the hard work of the organisers and the talent of the performers.”

The event saw the attendance of several special guests, including retired IFS officer TV Narasimha Rao, Padma Shri Padmaja Reddy and Shilpa Reddy, among others. Padma Shri Uma Maheswari remarked, “The cultural significance of such an event cannot be overstated. It reinforces the importance of preserving our classical arts.”

A bright future for dancers

Many of the guests expressed optimism about the future of the participating dancers. Former Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax PV Rao noted, “The talent and commitment displayed by these performers signal a bright future for Indian classical dance.”

The audience gave a standing ovation at the end of the event.