Release of Nrttaratnavali

Nrttaratnavali,a treatise on classical dance, is a 13th century Sanskrit text translated into English by respected classical dance historian Dr. Pappu Venugopala Rao and Dr. Yashoda Thakore, exponent of Vilasini classical art form. Jayasenapati’s Nrttaratnavali is a comprehensive discussion on classical dance forms prevalent during the Kakatiya ruler Ganapati Deva’s reign in Peninsular India. The book discusses the movements of the body – angika abhinaya and is considered as a literal bridge between Natya Shastra and Abhinaya Darpana. This book is intended to be a valuable reference to students of classical dance forms.

On the occasion, danseuse Yashoda gave a brief but riveting Vilasini performance. Befittingly, she began with an invocation taken from Nrttaratnavali, chosing to depict the Pallavi with an abstract dance form woven into it skillfully. Stepping away slightly from traditional choreography, Yashoda included a few moves from Nrttaratnavali in a rhythmic pattern. This was expertly performed by Yashoda’s students - Sampreeti and Sindhuja. Coming up next was a Padam, which was a very typical abhinaya piece. The performance ended with an energetic Thillana in Kanada ragam choreographed into an abstract dance piece by Mahavaidyanatha Sivan of the 19th Century.