The 4th Gurukulam camp at Bhaaskara in Payyanur, Kerala was yet another successful edition at this newly founded art and education centre. Earlier it was announced that the scheduled one month long summer camp was cancelled, but was later rescheduled for 10 days to accommodate the much interested foreign and outside Kerala students.
Held from 8-18 May, the training sessions in Bharatanatyam and Kathakali went in full swing with just 20 students, with the majority of them from USA, Japan, Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram.
The faculties included the Dhananjayans and N.S. Jayalakshmi (Bharatanatyam), Sadanam P.V. Balakrishnan (Kathakali). V.P. Kumara Poduval started the day with the Yoga exercises and Soorya Namaskaaram which gave the stamina for the students to sail through the rigorous long hours of practice sessions.
Gurukulam participants with the faculty members
"It was a fantastic experience for me to work through the day and enjoy the fabulous delicious food, Bhaskara provided to us..." says Andrea Lusche from USA. "Apart from our regular intensive practice sessions, we were able to see the folk ritualistic art form Theiyyam and the classic performance of Kathakali an experience to be cherished". Noako from Japan says, "This is the best place to learn, without any distraction, I can dance till I go to bed, teachers are always ready to teach and make me prefect. I love the Bhaaskara beauty.."
This year, only senior students were admitted and they were able to learn a good Pada varnam in depth, plus a few small items, jointly taught by Shanta and Jayalakshmi. The exclusive classes for male dancers were handled by Dhananjayan.
V.P.Dhananjayan and M.V. Devan with awardees
A. Janardhanan and Sadanam P.V. Balakrishnan
Kathakali Guru Balakrishnan (of the International Kathakali Centre Delhi) taught a small scene from Narakaasuravadham to the students from Gandhi Sevasadanam, Palakkad. He also gave an insight into Kathakali and eye exercises to the other students to improve their facial expression.
The diplomas to the first batch of Bhaaskara graduates were given away by dance guru Jayalakshmi Alwa of Mangalore, whose presence on the occasion was a surprise and she rightly replaced Dr. Jayarajan (Controller of Examinations, University of Kannur) who was supposed to have presented the diplomas. He couldn't make it due to unavoidable circumstances.
Jayalakshmi Alwa giving away the diplomas |
The celebrity sculptor and Hon. Director of Malayala Kalagraamam M.V. Devan presided over the function and awarded this year's Bhaaskara Puraskar (Title: Natana Bhaaskara) to Prof. A. Janardhanan (former Principal of Kalakshetra) and Sadanam P.V. Balakrishnan. Dhananjayan, the founder and Managing Trustee of Bhaaskara felicitated the awardees. Earlier Prof. D. Radhakrishnan, Principal, Bhaaskara welcomed the invitees and briefed about the centre, its activities and summer Gurukulam camp.
A colourful classical performance was presented by the participants which included 'En palli kondir ayyaa', 'Meenakshi taaye', Dhanyasi Varnam and Shanmugapriya tillana.
Bhaaskara reopens on 16 June.
Contact: E-mail: bkalanjali@eth.net, BHARATA KALANJALI, 6.Jeevaratnam Nagar, Chennai. 20 ,Ph:24911125
Click here to read about the gurukulam camp at Bhaaskara held last year.
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