Amit Sengupta – 
Almost all of us are familiar with the idiom, “What goes around, comes around.”
In philosophy, this means everyone’s deeds eventually have consequences.
In physics, this is simply a rephrase of “Every action has an equal and opposite reaction,” as proved by scientist Isaac Newton.
Whether one believes in spirituality or science, there is no denying the fact that everything in life travels in ‘Full Circle’ and our existence and learning are largely dependent on certain things that revert to us.
A boomerang
This boomerang effect is depicted in the forthcoming dance concert titled ‘Life in a Full Circle,’ scheduled to be held on Saturday, April 9, 2016 at Dorothy Winstone Centre, Auckland Girls’ Grammar School.
Networking opportunity would be from 530 pm, while the main programme is set to commence at 630 pm. Tickets priced at $20 each, are now on sale. The show is not for children below six years of age.
The dance venture, conceived and presented by Auckland-based Indian Classical danseuse Ratna Venkat, will focus on and explore the South Indian art form of Kuchipudi in all its glory, from its humble beginnings in the olden days to its modern state as an international art form, thus reflecting the dance’s journey from the past to the present, and into the future.
Back to roots
In Indian ideology, we believe that everything goes back to its point of origin, and this equally applies to art as well.
The first lesson that students learn in Indian classical music is when keeping the rhythm, they should always start on the first beat and finish on the first beat. This itself represents that life is a journey that comes in a full circle, but the important thing is when you complete a circle, you complete a journey that makes you a changed person. It is like returning home with a different outlook on life.
The dance form of Kuchipudi, set to live music, will be showcased in its descriptive format, with Ratna being the main performer and presenter, during which she will personally explain the story behind each dance piece to the audience before performing it.
Well-known for her classical and fusion performances, Ratna will highlight her journey as a Kuchipudi dancer, ‘going back’ to what the art form has taught her, and applying what she has learnt in new ways to suit the modern audience.
“I began with classical dance and progressed into semi-classical, experimented with fusion and ventured into collaboration. But as I move forward, I have not forgotten my roots, and this upcoming show will commemorate the fact that I have come full circle as a dancer,” she said.
Self-Discovery
Ratna said that each of us has an individual circle of self-discovery. Some of us are at the beginning, some of us are towards the end, and some of us are somewhere in the middle.
“By interacting with the audience, I hope that I will be able to not only dance into their hearts but also tap into their souls.”
Many Firsts
New Zealanders will witness many firsts in this concert, details of which are under wraps to be revealed on the day of the Show.
“There is something for everybody, meaning that the show will be a balance of tradition, innovation and technology. For those who love classical, they will witness something new, and for those who are fans of fusion, all I can say is expect the unexpected!” she said.
Ratna’s Kuchipudi Guru and Mentor Narsing Rao (based in Hyderabad, India), will be in Auckland to support Ratna as the ‘Nattuvanar,’ at her ‘Life in a Full Circle’ Dance Concert.
Other members of the Classical Orchestra include: Balu Mallela (Mridangam), Dr Padma Govardhan (Carnatic Vocal), Syamala Hariharan (Violin) and Vishnu Priya Mallela (Carnatic & Hindustani Vocal).
The Fusion Orchestra will comprise Amit Sengupta (Harmonium), Basant Madhur (Tabla), Hemant Thaker (Keyboard), Jeffery Nathan (Vocal & Guitar), Joseph Alexander (Electronic Drums & Octopad), Shivan Padayachi (Bass Guitar) and Vidya Teke (Vocal).
Amit Sengupta is a composer, lyrist, singer, teacher and Harmonium player. He is the Founder-Principal and Director of Mohammed Rafi Academy of Music based at 21 Beagle Avenue, Mt Roskill, Auckland. Phone: (09) 6295252 or 022-4249269. He will play the Harmonium at Ratna’s ‘Life in a Full Circle Dance Concert’ on April 9, 2016.
| What: Life in a Full Circle Dance Concert
Kuchipudi Tradition & Adaptation Who: Ratnarang When: Saturday, April 9, 2016 Meet n’ Greet: 530 pm Main Programme: 630 pm Tickets: $20 per person Not for children below six years of age Contact: Ratna Venkat on 021-1493893 or (09) 3910203 Email: ratnarang@outlook.com; editor@indiannewslink.co.nz |
Photography by Narendra Bedekar of Creative Eye Limited on location Fo Guang Shan Temple, Flat Bush, East Auckland
