Dancing his way to fame

THE NARRATION for "The Living Tree", a dance production of the Cleveland Cultural Alliance, throws light on the extraordinary talent of its choreographer G. Narendra. The dance-choreographer of this vibrant thematic dance drama has to be commended for his artistic foresight and the excellent treatment and visualisation of the theme.

Narendra's work in the production has received wide recognition, both in India and the U.S., where the troupe is currently touring. Through this endeavour, Narendra has proved his mettle as a choreographer.

G. Narendra, a product of Kalakshetra, is a dancer with a different approach to the art. A constant craving for creative work and ample zeal to seek new horizons are some of the qualities that one finds in him. The young dancer speaks of his deep commitment to dance as "total theatre". "I am indebted to Uma Ganesan of the Cleveland Cultural Association, who has been a source of great encouragement and has provided me several opportunities to perform".

"I do not wish to be just a solo Bharatanatyam dancer. In fact, in the last seven years of my association with the CCA, I have come to be appreciated and respected as a skilful soloist, although I have not had similar openings here.

Several factors that decide the success of a solo performer's career in Chennai have given me strength to do my own work and not worry about my presence as a solo performer of Bharatanatyam on the cultural scene here."

While explaining his work on the two-year project of "The Living Tree", Narendra felt that Bharatanatyam can be considered as one of the main mediums of artistic communication.

The spirited artiste, who is a commerce graduate with a pre-law degree, apart from holding a post-graduate diploma from Kalakshetra, has been part of many noteworthy events, in a career spanning two decades.

Narendra has worked with leading artistes such as the Dhananjayans and Leela Samson, apart from leading organisations and dance theatres abroad. "However, working with the CCA has given me immense satisfaction, for I have been at my creative best during my association with them.

I also get a chance to try out innovative approaches. That way I can reach out to a wider section of people across the globe. I am also able to spread a worthy message of universal importance through the wonderful medium of Bharatanatyam and other dance forms of India, and in the process, showcase our rich artistic heritage."

It is heartening to see a young dancer like Narendra working his way zealously with refreshing ideas, and following the path of those illustrious predecessors of Indian dance.

NANDINI RAMANI

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Section  : Entertainment