Florida News
Shyamjith Kiran and Viraja Mandhare
‘PADMA … Visions of Krishna’ SEPT. 17 IN TAMPA
Tara Bikkasani, Rudram Dance Company, Viraja Mandhare and Shyamjith Kiran will present “Padma … Visions of Krishna,” a Bharatanatyam dance, on Sep 17 in Tampa.
Padma refers to a lotus in Sanskrit, a symbol synonymous of Lord Vishnu. The lotus in India symbolizes the union of the four elements – earth, air, fire and water. The roots are in the earth where it grows with water. Its leaves are nourished by air and it blooms through the power of the sun's fire. Vishnu is the preserver of the universe according to Hindu mythology and He protects the order of things (dharma). He appears on earth in various incarnations or avatars to maintain cosmic harmony. His Krishna avatar is considered a Purna avatar and is one of His most loved forms. Padma revolves around the glorious life of Lord Krishna where he is loved as a mischievous yet awe-inspiring child, the best friend to the gopas and gopis, the beloved of Radha and the supreme guru of the Universe.
This year’s featured production for Rudram has been choreographed and taught by Viraja Mandhare and Shyamjith Kiran (www.shyamjithkiran.com). They completed their post-graduation in Bharatanatyam under the illustrious Kalakshetra Foundation, Chennai. Both have an outstanding record at Kalakshetra, where they excelled in their diploma and post diploma courses.
The 4 to 7 p.m. performance will be at USF College of the Arts-Theatre 1, 3839 USF Holly Drive. For tickets ($20 students, $25, and $50 VIP), visit Ticketmaster (Rudram Dance Company) or call (352) 697-0452.
MACF CELEBRATES ONAM IN TAMPA
About 1,200 people attended the 27th annual Onam celebration held by the Malayalee Association of Central Florida (MACF) Aug. 19 at India Cultural Center in Tampa. MACF 2017 committee is led by President Liju Antony.
The festivities began with a traditional Onam feast of 21 items served on banana leaf. A festive spirit filled the room through people dressed in traditional attire, kids in tiger costumes performing Pulikali’ and, of course, King Mahabali himself in attendance.
The day’s highlight was a dance performance, ‘Thiruvathira,’ by 200 dancers ranging from ages 10 to 70 years old. They stood in five concentric circles to perform this traditional dance wearing the costume and jewelry specially brought in from Kerala. The event was successful, thanks to the hard work of all the dancers and coordinators Anjana Krishnan, Anina Liju, Saly Machanikal, Sheela Shaju, Lakshmi Rajeswari and Dona Uthuppan. Choreography credit goes to Jessy Kulangara.
For more information, visit www.macftampa.com
Story provided by MACF
275 PEOPLE ATTEND TAMPA ARANGETRAM
More than 275 people attended a Bharatanatyam Arangetram of Pragnya Venu Kulkarni on Aug. 12 at Middleton High School in Tampa. Pragnya is a student of Bhartanatyam at Nritya Dance Academy under the guidance of Geetha Raaj Karkera.
An Arangetram classical dance recital signifies the graduation of the dancer following several years of rigorous curriculum. Through this journey, the dance student learns about Indian history, mythology, religion, customs and culture. The dancer is a second-generation Indian Americans and plans on keeping her heritage alive through dance.
Pragnya, daughter of Venuvenkatesh and Bhagyashree Kulkarni, is a junior at Middleton High.
