Nattuvangam – demonstration & recital

A “never-before” initiative, this twin DVD pack focuses on the grace and grandeur of Nattuvangam, which is all about controlling the rhythmic aspect of dance, its conduct and coordination of accompanists.

Here Bhagavatulu Seetharama Sarma, the prodigious Guru acclaimed for his multiple skills in singing, composing and conducting, shares his wisdom garnered over the decades from the legends who nurtured dance in Kalakshetra.

The Guru demystifies Nattuvangam through a typical classroom session punctuated by some animated and enlightening discussions with Jayanthi Subramaniam, his disciple and a highly accomplished danseuse. Demos by a bevy of young and talented dancers are another value addition that highlights the relevance of Nattuvangam in choreography.

DVD1
Basics & Training methodology

Depth and clarity mark the maestro’s explanations on the complexities of ‘tala’ unique to Indian classical music & dance and the unerring time-sense that goes with it. The Guru-Sishya dialogue meanders through Sapta talas & their angas, pancha jathis, gathi, kala pramanam etc. It covers:

• General aspects of Nattuvangam
• Karvai & Cross rhythms
• Chapu talam-Kanda chapu
• Rupaka talam
• Misra chapu talam
• Sankeerna chapu talam

DVD 2
Features & Application in Margam

Here the students are treated to the creative genius of the Guru who expounds on the significance of Nattuvangam with reference to:

• Alarippu
• Mallari
• Jathiswaram
• Varnam-Jathis
• Yathi
• Thillana

In short, this product attempts to reinvent both Nattuvangam and the critical role of the Nattuvanar which extends beyond training the dancer.