PRESS RELEASE
Natya Vriksha Honors Guru Geeta Chandran’s Golden Years of
Dedication
New Delhi, <Date>: On October 25, 1974, as a young girl of 12, Geeta
(then Ramakrishnan) took the stage for her Arangetram, marking the
beginning of a journey that has spanned five decades. As an evangelist of
this revered dance form Chandran has nurtured and promoted
Bharatnatyam not just as a dancer but also as a Guru.
To celebrate this momentous anniversary and Guru Geeta Chandran’s vast
contribution to the Indian Cultural landscape, Natya Vriksha, her dance
institution, has organised a two-day Bharatanatyam extravaganza on
Thursday and Friday, October 24 and 25, 2024, at 7 PM at Kamani
Auditorium in New Delhi.
Day I: Pravahati – The Forward Force
On the first day, Geeta Chandran and the Natya Vriksha Dance Collective
will present “Pravahati,” a showcase of her innovative choreography. This
performance will highlight Geeta’s unique vision for Bharatanatyam,
exploring the dance form’s potential for contemporary expression and
experimentation.
Pravahati – as the name suggests dwells into the depths and dynamic
nature of Bharatnatyam. Touching upon the non-stagnant properties of
time and space she will explore the dance form to bring out its
uniqueness.
On the occasion Geeta Chandran emphasizes, “Dance much like life,
should not be limited by tradition; instead, it must evolve and be
reinterpreted through the artist's unique perspective.” Her talent for
blending contemporary expressions with classical techniques defines her
career, and Pravahati stands as a testament to this artistry.
The choreography of Pravahati features four striking sections: an
intricate Mallari honoring Shiva, Kalidas' Varsha Ritu from Ritusamhara,
Vahati, which explores the idea of tradition as a dynamic flow of
experiences, and it wraps up with an exuberant Tillana.
The performance commences with Mallari, a complex and
rhythmic tribute to Lord Shiva. Rooted in the temple traditions of
Southern India, this piece is dedicated to Nataraja, the cosmic dancer of
Chidambaram. The music amplifies the visual impact of the group's
dynamics and the intricate Bharatnatyam adavus.
From the divine, the performance transitions to the natural world
with Kalidas' Varsha Ritu from Ritusamhara. This piece captures the
monsoon season in all its splendor and fury—from gentle drizzles greeted
by dancing peacocks to torrential downpours that devastate the land.
Through four stanzas of poetry, the piece also explores the emotional
turmoil of lovers, adding a layer of human experience to the natural cycle.
The third piece, Vahati, showcases Chandran's deep connection to
the dance tradition while offering her unique interpretation.
Drawing from the classic Krishna Nee Begane Baaro, she re-imagines the
call to Krishna through three distinct emotional perspectives: the tender
plea of a mother (Yashoda), the playful desire of a gopi, and the pure
devotion of a devotee. In this piece, Chandran's philosophy—that
Bharatanatyam is an evolving tradition—is most evident.
The performance culminates in a celebratory Tillana, a fast-
paced, joyful dance that signifies the completion of the artistic
journey.
"Despite the global popularity of Indian Classical Dance, with countless
teachers and students worldwide, Guru Chandran believes a more
rigorous standard is necessary to differentiate between casual learners
and dedicated practitioners," she asserts. "While the art form's reach is
undeniable, a clear distinction between hobbyists and lifelong devotees
will ensure its continued brilliance.”
Day II: Bharatanatyam Solo by Vidushi Geeta Chandran
The second day will feature a solo Bharatanatyam performance by Geeta
Chandran. Accompanied by a talented ensemble of Delhi’s top musicians:
Nattuvangam: Varun Rajasekharan; Vocals: Smt. Sudha Raghuraman;
Mridangam: Manohar Balatchandirane; Violin: G. Raghavendra Prasath;
and Flute: G. Raghuraman. She will present a selection of her most
celebrated classical pieces.
Geeta Chandran’s dedication to Bharatanatyam has been unwavering,
encompassing performance, teaching, choreography, writing, and
advocacy. Her contributions to the dance world have been widely
recognized and celebrated.
Reflecting on her 50-year journey, Chandran shares, “As I approach the
personal milestone of completing five decades of dancing since my
arangetram in October 1974, I can only pay the richest tribute to my
stalwart Gurus who so freely shared this invaluable art with me, but also
gave me the freedom to question the tradition constantly, and reinterpret
it for myself.” She further adds, “Every day of my life, Bharatanatyam
energises me. It pushes me to explore its vast potential through
performing, teaching, conducting, collaborating, and more.”
About Geeta Chandran
GURU Vidushi GEETA CHANDRAN, Padmashri and Sangeet Natak Akademi
Awardee, is a celebrated figure in the world of Indian classical dance.
Renowned for her exceptional Bharatanatyam performances and
innovative choreography, Geeta Chandran is also a dedicated dance guru,
scholar, media personality, and Carnatic vocalist.
As the Founder-President of NATYA VRIKSHA in New Delhi, Geeta Chandran
has been instrumental in fostering art education, mentoring young artists,
and promoting a holistic approach to dance learning. Her pedagogy
integrates classical dance with diverse disciplines and values,
emphasizing the importance of tradition and meaningful cultural dialogue.
Beyond her artistic endeavors, Geeta Chandran is a passionate advocate
for arts education and social causes. She has been involved in various
philanthropic initiatives, supporting arts education in formal curricula and
leading social campaigns. Her dynamic performances reflect her vision of
an interconnected, inclusive, and transformative cultural experience.
Geeta Chandran’s recent project with NATYA VRIKSHA, which aims to
teach Indian culture through dance and related subjects to 1500 students
from disadvantaged backgrounds at the Vidya School in Gurgaon,
Haryana, is a testament to her commitment to making the arts accessible
to all.
In October 2024, Geeta Chandran will be celebrating the 50 th anniversary
of her Arangetram, marking a significant milestone in her illustrious
career. Throughout her five decades of engagement with Bharatanatyam,
she has been honored with numerous prestigious awards, including the
Padmashri, the Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, the Tagore
National Fellowship, and the NRITYA CHUDAMANI.
Geeta Chandran’s contributions to the world of Bharatanatyam extend
beyond her performances. She has served as the curator of dance at the
prestigious Serendipity Arts Festival in 2022, 2023, and continues to hold
this position in 2024.
