By Dr. Rama V. Bennur

Rangapravesha of Pavanashree, a disciple of Vidu. Srilakshmikumar was held on the 5th of February, 2018 at Jaganmohana Palace with pomp. She has been learning at ‘Umamaheshwara Nrutya Kalakshetra Trust’ for several years  and has performed on many prestigious platforms. Bestowed with a tall, perfect physique and attractive eyes, Pavanashree has all the ingredients required for a good dancer. She is also a multi-talented person, whose interest in painting, sports, music and studies keeps her busy all the time.

She was accompanied by Vid. Shreelakshmikumar on the Natuvanga, Balasubramanya Sharma on Vocal, H.L. Shivashankaraswamy on Mridangam and A.P. Krishnaprasad on Flute. The opening ‘Pushpanjali’ in the Raga Vasanthi, followed by ‘Alaripu’ assured of an interesting dance performance to follow.

The Jathiswara in Ragamalike was brisk with neat footwork by Pavanashree. After the popular kruthi ‘Ranjanamala’ by Shankara Ayyar, she arrived at the main item of a dance concert — Pada Varna. Varna has ample of scope to showcase one’s ability in Nrutta, Nrutya and Abhinaya. Pavanashree had chosen a Kannada Varna, penned by Gurumurthy and music scored by Balasubramanya Sharma. ‘Neela megha shaama sundarana karetaare,’ the damsel asking her friend or sakhi to get her beloved Sri Krishna, was favourable to portray the navarasas. Pavanashree proved her mettle here and danced for the joy of audience. A Padam in Tamil yet again had a different Shringara in which Valli takes Subramanya to task to know what was going on between him and Devayani. Pavanashree has a good hold on the abhinaya and her footwork as well.

Swathi Thirunal’s composition ‘Shankara Shree Girinatha prabhu’ (Hamsanandi) was refreshing with the different forms of Shiva. She could bring the nuances of Shringara, its grace in Jayadeva’s Ashtapadi ‘Yaahi Maadhava’ (Ragamalike).  Madhurai Krishnan’s Tillana in Brindavani was the last item she presented. It was a wholesome treat. Pavanshree exhibited her strength in carrying on a complete concert with ease.

Her abhinaya, though controlled, was exceptionally expressive when required, that could not go unnoticed. The choreography of Srilkashmikumar made it a complete presentation. Her Nattuvanga and the support of other artistes added colour to the performance. Pavanshree is a promising dancer, who has undoubtedly a bright future.