Vaibhavam: Celebrating Divinity – Indian Classical Dance Recital
Though the modern world has now fully embraced yoga, meditation and even Bollywood dancing, far fewer know of Bharatanatyam, a traditional south Indian dance. The dance is as difficult to perform as the word is to pronounce, yet through the untiring efforts of one dedicated danseuse and choreographer Ms.Shanti Shreedhar, Manila is soon to witness yet another spectacular dance recital – Vaibhavam (Why-bha-vham) celebrating divinity.
Vaibhavam, is the second annual concert performed by the Students of Ms.Shreedhar following the grand success of their first recital, titled Sadhana – A spiritual journey, last year. The upcoming recital will showcase the talent of over 35 students ranging from the age of 4 to 40 and will comprise of both expats and Filipino artistes.
“All good dances are an expression of the soul and human emotion, thoughts and experience — Vaibhavam will demonstrate the divine connection with our creator and celebrate his generosity, valor and unconditional love. The goal is not just performance, but to portray a closer connection to the gods through dance. We hope to create a tranquil experience to our audience” said Shanti.
‘Vaibhavam — celebrating divinity’ will be an evening of Indian classical, contemporary, and folk dances. One can expect a treat to the eyes, ears and soul. The show will be staged at RCBC Theatre, Makati on April 5th at 5 pm. For tickets, contact Shanti Sreedhar at 0998-9995366
About the Teacher:
Shanti Sreedhar is an award winning performer, teacher, and choreographer. She started training in Bharatanatyam when she was 4 years old. Ms. Sreedhar has received numerous awards for her performances, including recognition as a Category A dancer by the National Broadcast (Doordarshan) of India. She is also trained in another classical dance style, Kuchipudi, and is a specialist in Nattuvangam (synchronization of beats and steps).
Since 1996, Ms. Sreedhar has been teaching and choreographing Indian classical and folk dance in the Philippines. She has been associated with the UP College of Music, working with dance and ethnomusicology majors.
Among the shows she has directed and choreographed are Natyanjali (part of the celebration of the 86th anniversary of the UP College of Music); Shanti Mantras (tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and Jose Rizal for the India Week celebrated at the Cultural Center of the Philippines); Chants of Peace (a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi for the closing program of the Pankha Exhibition, a joint venture of the National Museum and the Embassy of India.)
Ms. Sreedhar also represented India as artist and workshop facilitator in PETA’s Changing She Images. She headed the first CCP summer workshop on Bharatanatyam called Arpana, a successful joint venture of the Indian Embassy and CCP.
Following the success of Sadhana — A Spiritual Practice and Arpana – An Offering, in 2013, Vaibhvam is her latest production.
