The fifth annual 'Homage to Lord Nataraja' an event honoring "Divinity in Dance" was organized by dancer Sujaya Dixit of the Nataraja Bharatanatyam School and the Hindu Temple of Atlanta. The theme of the event was an offering through dance to the cosmic dancer Himself. Well- known dance teachers of greater Atlanta participated in this event.
The program started with Vinayaka Stuti, offering prayers to Lord Ganesha seeking his blessings. Dr. Jayashree Shankar emceed the event.
The dance program started with Bhavini Subramani's Alarippu, set to Thalamalika and Ragamalika, followed by a melodious Thyagaraja Bhajan in praise of Lord Ramachandra. This was followed by Kavadi Chindu in praise of Lord Muruga and consort Shreevalli, choreographed by Padmaja Kelam. The next item was presented by Sasikala Penumarthi whose students performed a kuchippudi style folk item depicting the wedding preparation of Lord Shiva and Parvathy.
'Bho Shambo' a pure classical Bharatanatyam dance piece in praise of Lord Shiva was next. The dance was choreographed by Uma Pulendran, who also was the main performer supported by four of her students.
Then came two other pure classical items performed by students of Sujaya Dixit, a Tillana and a Keertanam on Lord Krishna and his dancing playmates. The final item was a dance drama "Om Namah Shivaya" choreographed by Anupa Thakurta who played the role as Shiva as well as choreographed the item.
The program had an array of items that had pure classical, folk and contemporary that provided variety.
