Kuchipudi, the dancing marvel

Dance aficionados of Dhaka watched in awe as a new classical dance form left a strong impression on them on the fourth day of the Bengal Classical Music Festival 2015 yesterday.

Noted exponents Guru Raja and his wife Radha Reddy, along with daughters Bhavana and Yamini Reddy, showcased the enthralling dance form backed by a live music ensemble.

Radha Reddy opened the set with a Ganapati Vandana on Raga Gaula in adi tala, following which Bhavana and Yamini Reddy presented solos of Shiva Tandava and Krishna Tandava respectively. The next piece was divided in two duets, first by the daughters and then by the parents. The quartet closed their presentation with a fascinating tarangam, balancing themselves on the rims of brass plates while dancing. Their graceful movement and glorious poise garnered applause from the audience.

Eminent music exponent and scholar Alimur Rahman Khan then spoke at the event.

He thanked Bengal Foundation for debunking his fears that the love for classical music was dead in the country.

Carnatic violin duo Ganesh and Kumaresh Rajagopalan then took the stage.