| Analysis of choreography by Guru Bharatakalamani Dr. C. Radhakrishna, of the Kolar tradition of Karnataka |
| Introduction - Most of the dance Gurus in India, have been into choreography as they have been conducting performances since centuries, at temples, palaces, halls, auditoriums. Bharatakalamani Dr. C. Radhakrishna, the great Guru of the 20th century, who belonged to the family of Naá¹á¹uvanÄrs of the Kolar Parampara, was an excellent bharatanatyam dance composer but also well-known for his dance and drama choreography. The Kolar SampradÄya is a part of Mysore School of Bharatanatyam and this was pioneered by Yajaman Kolar Kiá¹á¹anna at the end of 19th century during the reign of King Sri Chamaraja Wodeyer X of Mysore.
Need – While several people have known Guru Dr. Radhakrishna, who even had an honourary Doctorate in Bharatanatyam from Gangubai Hangal University, he has been a hidden gem to many. He had been one of the torch-bearers of Karnataka Nartana Parampara. The researcher would like to increase awareness about him.
Being one of the chief disciples of Guru Bharatakalamani Dr. C. Radhakrishna and Guru Smt. Meenakshi Radhakrishna for more than four decades, following the Kolar parampara of Karnataka and having received valuable information from them, the researcher would definitely wish to throw light upon his creations, regarding their tradition, compositions and choreography.
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Scope – The scope is endless. Kolar style reprotoire is very vast, having a rich heritage. Even if explanation of three types- Nrutta, Nrutya and NÄá¹ya are considered, it would take much more time and space than expected. Guruji had ably served the dance field for over seven decades, guiding hundreds of students, innumerable nrutyabandhas.
So, in this paper, the researcher limits herself to brief explanation of three topics giving one example for each type.
Objective - This paper focuses on the analysis of one example of Nrutta – Swarapallavi and one example of Nrutya - ṬhÄya and of NÄá¹ya –one his famous dance-dramas, ‘NÄtyarani Shantalé’ – the way he expressed these via dance and also the various techniques, technologies, way the artists were used to bring ultimately an effective presentation
Method – Methodology is descriptive. There are very few books written about him. Having studied under him from the age of 10 and until even 2 years back and gained extensive knowledge about it, the researcher would like to analyse the ideas in choreography based on self-experience. The news paper reviews as well as matter about him have been given occasionally by great critics and they portray his greatness.
Findings – After writing about the nrutyabandha or nÄá¹ya, it is analysed under various headings like the movements, pattern of entry and exit, music, voice used, tÄla, rÄga, costumes and make up, stage décor and lighting and other aspects. This paper has been written to give all the background information about the Guru as well as his ideas.
Conclusion - It can be concluded that the results of the study can be used by people, in future. This makes the readers realize Guru Radhakrishna’s greatness and can get motivated to learn and continue our parampara. |
| Author: Mrs. Roopa Vijay
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Submitted on : 16-Sep-2025
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Arts : /Classical Dance/Bharathanatyam |
| Journal ID : 2692-716-5955
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