Chitrakaavya’s recent Vasundhara wasn’t just a dance show; it was an electrifying fusion of art forms that left me spellbound and craving more. From the colorful costumes to the resonating jingles of bells on nimble feet, every element was meticulously crafted to enthrall and engage. The theme was a heartfelt ode to Gaia, celebrating the true sources of our wealth, wellbeing, and joy. It revolved around the Sanskrit word "vasundhara" — meaning mother earth — prompting profound reflection on how we honor our natural riches.
Six captivating pieces made up the performance, each more compelling than the last. The opening number, Alarippu, set the stage with a traditional tribute to nature. Here, the dancers paid homage to rain, rivers, forests, and the vibrant tapestry of flora and fauna. It was a visual feast, and a reminder of the wealth we often overlook. Surya Kauthuvam followed, a spirited praise of the sun god, our ultimate benefactor. This piece began with a blinding spotlight aimed directly at the audience, casting the dancers into striking silhouettes. The vivid costumes in shades of yellow and orange perfectly mirrored the theme, evoking the blazing brilliance of the sun.
Photos by Bagi Chandrakasan.
The third piece, Cauvery, was an exquisite ode to the eponymous river revered in southern India. The dancers depicted the river's sacred journey, nourishing lands and sustaining life. Their hands morphed into birds, and their bodies flowed like water, creating a mesmerizing visual narrative. The emcee’s prelude to each segment enriched the experience, making the intricate choreography both easy to understand and deeply moving.
Next came a poignant dance inspired by a poem highlighting the adverse impacts of urbanization on tribal communities. This piece, stark and somber, contrasted sharply with the earlier celebrations. Dressed in white and blue, the dancers conveyed a narrative of loss and inquiry through expressive faces and evocative movements, compelling the audience to contemplate the costs of modernization.
The final performance was an exuberant celebration of monsoons, accompanied by a live harp player. The choreography was sheer brilliance, with dancers forming dynamic yet graceful shapes that mimicked the cascading rain. Their synchronized movements and long-held poses were a demonstration of both precision and artistry.
Every aspect of the evening was a testament to the dancers' extraordinary talent and the choreographers’ visionary creativity. The costumes were many colors, enhancing the visual appeal while the bells on the dancers' feet added a delightful auditory dimension to their rhythmic footwork.
Each piece, whether joyous or solemn, wove a narrative that was as engaging as it was profound. The storytelling was subtle yet effective, allowing the audience to follow along while marveling at the intricate, rhythmic movements. The dancers' seamless synchronization, the vivid costumes, the emotive expressions, and the powerful stories all came together to create a performance that was nothing short of spectacular. Chitrakaavya’s work is a masterful example of how art can transcend mere performance to become a medium of profound expression and reflection.
Shelby Strickler's dance journey began in Baltimore, Maryland. Having graduated with a BFA in Modern Dance from the University of Utah in December 2023, she is a performer and teacher in Salt Lake City, passionately sharing her love for dance.