The Sankranti Dance Festival at Our Sacred Space dazzled with Bharatanatyam by Aishwarya Valli Kakulapati and Kuchipudi by Sathwika Reddy, fusing devotion, precision, and grace
The Sankranti Dance Festival at Our Sacred Space, Secunderabad, mesmerized audiences with stellar solo recitals by Bharatanatyam dancer Aishwarya Valli Kakulapati and Kuchipudi prodigy Sathwika Reddy, blending tradition and grace in divine tributes.
Aishwarya Valli Kakulapati, a dedicated student of Guru Madurai R. Muralidharan, opened the evening with a Bharatanatyam recital that exemplified disciplined classicism. Every element from music composition and lyrics to choreography, was crafted by her guru. Draped in a striking green acharya with pink-gold brocaded borders, she commanded the stage with poise.
Her unique Thodaya Mangalam paid homage to five deities, starting with Ganesha and the Four Vedas, to whom the universe surrenders. Murugan appeared handsome on his peacock vehicle, flanked by consorts Devayani and Valli. Nataraja danced as the Pancha Bhutas, his golden hair burning negativity; Ambika rode her lion, slaying demons with compassion; and Chandikeswara meditated on Shiva. The lively staccato jathis, enunciated across multiple talams, stole the show.
The soulful Mahalakshmi Kauthuvam in Sri raagam invoked “Namastestu Mahamaaye,” vividly portraying the goddess in Vishnu’s chest through vibrant nritta and delicate abhinaya. A crisp Kadana Kuthuhalam Thillana capped her performance with crystalline nritta segments. Throughout, Aishwarya’s recital maintained traditional integrity, balancing neat fidelity to style with creative exploration.
Sathwika Reddy followed, her Kuchipudi flowing with patterned precision and laya mastery. Trained initially by Narayana Murthy and now advancing under Dr. Padmavani and Guru Jaikishore Mosalikanti, she presented choreography by her latter guru.
“Pari Pari Nee Padame” poured heartfelt surrender at Ganesha’s feet, with the dancer promenading to depict him dancing amid instruments, her fluid lines contouring Kuchipudi’s essence. The Suruti excerpt “Sringarinchukoni Vedalere” from Thyagaraja’s Nauka Charitram burst with color: gopis adorning themselves with flowers and jewels, teasing Krishna ahead of a boat ride, matched by expressive abhinaya.
The recital’s highlight, Shiva Tarangam by Narayana Teertha, a rare gem, melded nritta, natya, and nritya. Sathwika eloquently narrated Ganga’s descent, Bhagiratha’s penance, and Shiva taming her torrents in his matted locks to purify mankind’s sins.
Both performers upheld their forms’ hallmarks, delighting Secunderabad’s cultural enthusiasts amid Sankranti festivities.
In a Sankranti spectacle that pulsed with divine rhythm and artistry, Aishwarya and Sathwika ignited Secunderabad’s stages, don’t miss their next enchanting recitals to witness classical dance’s timeless magic alive!
