Report: Shodhan Prasad

Dubai, Jul 8: Sankeerna School for Bharatanatyam in Dubai hosted their annual dance festival at the Children’s City Auditorium, Creek Park, on June 29.

The evening, titled 'Hari Hara', paid tribute to the two supreme deities of Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu, the preserver, and Lord Shiva, the destroyer. The event explored their divine dances and the cosmic balance they represent.

The Sankeerna School of Dance, Dubai, was founded by Guru Vidhushi Smt. Sapna Kiran in 2000. Over the years, it has become a beacon for those seeking to learn Bharatanatyam in a supportive and nurturing environment. Guru Sapna has been dancing since the tender age of five. She initially trained under her first guru, her mother, Chandrakala Rao, and later under her aunt, Savita Arun. Vidhushi Sapna is an exponent of the Pandanallur bani of Bharatanatyam, a style known for its emphasis on linear geometry and intensity in abhinaya. Guru Sapna carries on this legacy while embracing a flexible teaching approach to ensure that each student learns at their own pace and flourishes under her guidance.

At the heart of Bharatanatyam lies a mesmerizing language of gestures and symbolism. Through expressive movements, dancers convey profound meanings, taking the audience on a journey through mythology, faith, and timeless tradition.

The title "Harihara" symbolizes the unity of Hari (Vishnu) and Hara (Shiva), reflecting the synthesis of preservation and transformation. Sankeerna’s talented dancers took the packed audience on a divine journey, portraying the legends and tales of these two great gods. The students, ranging from the age of five to adults, performed with Guru Sapna adding her unique sparkle to the stage through two themed performances.

On stage during this vibrant event were Shashidhara Nagarajappa, founder of Kannada Paata Shale in Dubai and President of Karnataka Sangha Dubai, who was the chief guest; Shrinivas Shetty and Vipula Shetty, founders of Namaste Yoga, were also guests. The parents of Sapna Kiran, Anil Rao, and Chandrakala Rao were present on stage. Speaking on the occasion, Shashidhar mentioned that he was mesmerized by the quality of Sankeerna’s dance. He said that each character told a story and that it was a visual treat. He also mentioned that he was inspired to add a Bharatanatyam category to the famous Dubai Dance Cup, where the classical dance category had been missed in the previous two versions.

Vipula Shetty praised the dancers and Guru Sapna’s dedication. She lauded the women’s empowerment and the success of the event.

Anil Rao delivered vote of thanks for all of those who worked tirelessly for the event. Renowned personalities of UAE Mallikarjuna Gowda president of Veerashaiva Lingayat Samaja, Manohara Hegde general secretery of Karnataka Sangha Dubai, Nagaraja Rao of Kannada Paata Shaale, Roopa Shashidhar head teacher of Kannada Paata Shaale, Shivaram Bhat of UAE Brahmana Samaja were present. Arathi Adiga skilfully compered the event.

Traditional dance items such as Pushpanjali, Alarippu, Jathiswara and Thodayam were complemented by Nottuswaras and Padams and Kritis. Themed representations of Shiva’ Navarasas and His Ananda Tandavam, Vishnu’s Dasavatharam and Rama’s grace and Krishna’s Geetoupdesham on the Kurukshetra battlefield were spectacular odes to the divine powers of Hari Hara. Showcasing their versatility, dancers performed beautiful and peppy folk numbers from the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu as well.