The Pada Varnams that are the greatest choice for classical dancers
One of the most important aspects of Indian Classical Dance ( any form ) is abhinaya ( enacting the scene ). The classical dancers use their body movements , postures , and subtle features like eye movement , facial expressions and following the rhythmic beauty through their performances . When it comes to Carnatic Classical Music , some composers made pada varnams that are suitable for dance performances rather than vocal renditions . Pada Varnams are defined as such form of varna where each note has a lyrical meaning associated with it . The expressivity and histrionic aspects are pretty high when it comes to pada varnams and hance it became the first-hand choice for the classical dancers to perform on stage .
Here are some of such fantastic pada varnams which are the greatest choice for Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi dancers :
1 . Chalamela- Naatakuranji Raagam : This fantastic pada varnam is an undisputed choice for both Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam dancers . The lyrics have excellent scope for abhinaya and the last chittasawaram “ Aa Draupadi ki Valuvasabhalo ” is quite emotive and expressive . The beauty of the raag also adds to the blissful dance enaction and takes the audience to a new level altogether .
2 . Ye Maguva Bodhinchera- Dhanyasi- Vempati Satyam : Exclusive to Kuchipudi dancers and penned by the legend Vempati Satyam himself , Ye Maguva Bodhinchera is a masterpiece in every respect . Written in Telugu , the composition has masterful scope for displaying a range of histrionics .
3 . Aa Sariga- Mohana- Eesam Kuppusamiah : A relatively lesser known pada varnam , in fact a rare magical masterpiece , Aa Sariga was penned in a peculiar scenario . In order to get the job of a musician in the king ’ s court of Karvetinagaram ( A temple town near current day Tirupathi , AP ), the composer exclusively made this pada varnam for the court ’ s classical dancer to enact in the assembly . Set in Adi Taalam but in slower tempo , it has beautiful scope to enact and the muktayi “ Viriboni Nenayurika Chelimi Meera ” is out of the world !
4 . Dani Samajendra- Thodi- Swathi Tirunal : Thodi is a tough raga not just to sing but also for dance performers . This composition written by a true legend Swathi Thirunal that brings out multiple emotions with a unique graph associated with it . Relatively famous than other lesser known pada varnams , it is an undoubtedly a favourite for Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi dancers .
5 . Taruni Ninnu- Kamboji- Fiddle Ponnusami : Kamboji by itself is known for its royal nature and grandeur- the classical dancers make best used of these features along with the poetic lyrics penned by Fiddle Ponnusami . The pada varnam has a true balance between masculine aggression and feminine grace .
NAVYA C
6 . These pada varnams are just a drop in the ocean of some greatest unknown compositions that are yet to be unearthed . Take a moment to listen , relish and experience the magical state in the purest form of art !
The Score Magazine highonscore . com
37