Ganesa Natyalaya, one of India’s most prestigious Bharatanatyam dance institutions, is marking its golden jubilee year with a special performance titled NIMAGNA. Scheduled for Thursday, 19th September 2024, at Kamani Auditorium, New Delhi, this event is part of Swarna Saroja, a year-long celebration commemorating 50 years of the institution’s rich legacy. The 75-minute performance, choreographed by Rama Vaidyanathan, will feature an ensemble of 25 dancers and serve as a tribute to Ganesa Natyalaya’s esteemed founder, Guru Dr. Saroja Vaidyanathan, on her birth anniversary.
‘NIMAGNA’ derives its name from a Sanskrit word meaning “immersed,” a concept central to the performance. It aims to immerse both the dancers and the audience in a state of spiritual elevation, tapping into the profound emotions or Rasa that form the foundation of Bharatanatyam. The performance aspires to take viewers on a transcendent journey, blending dance, devotion, and artistry to evoke an immersive experience that resonates deeply with the ancient Indian philosophy of dance as a spiritual practice. Indian texts often highlight dance as an art form capable of elevating the soul, and NIMAGNA beautifully embodies this principle.
Rama Vaidyanathan, a leading Bharatanatyam exponent and the President of Ganesa Natyalaya, has meticulously crafted NIMAGNA to reflect both visual splendor and emotional depth. She describes the motivation behind the performance: “The inspiration has been to create an ensemble work in Bharatanatyam that can evoke both emotional and visual imagery. Since this Swarna Saroja event is dedicated to our Guru, who founded Ganesa Natyalaya 50 years ago, we wanted to start with a Guru Stotram as a mark of respect for the invaluable contribution of Guru Saroja Vaidyanathan.”
The production will then shift focus to a tribute to the Goddess, Devi, through a Keerthanam, celebrating her virtues and divine power. Rama and the ensemble will next explore the spiritual essence of the sacred city of Kashi, often considered a place where negative and positive energies converge. This segment reflects how Kashi absorbs the burdens of devotees, providing them with spiritual solace and liberation. The grand finale of NIMAGNA will be the Raasa Leela, symbolizing the universal desire to unite with the Supreme Power, encapsulating the essence of devotion and surrender.
Founded in 1974 by Guru Dr. Saroja Vaidyanathan, Ganesa Natyalaya began with a small student body. Over the decades, it has grown into an institution that is renowned not only in Delhi but across the world for its dedication to preserving and advancing the art of Bharatanatyam. Under the guidance of Guru Saroja and now her daughter-in-law Rama Vaidyanathan, the Natyalaya has trained over 2,000 students, with many alumni going on to become acclaimed performers and teachers in their own right.
Several disciples of Ganesa Natyalaya have established their own Bharatanatyam schools, some in India and many internationally, further spreading the knowledge and practice of the art form. Half of these institutions are based overseas, contributing to the global recognition of Bharatanatyam and the institution’s influence on the cultural landscape.
The golden jubilee celebration of Ganesa Natyalaya, embodied in NIMAGNA, is a testament to the enduring power of classical dance to transcend time, unite cultures, and elevate the human spirit. This event not only honors the profound legacy of Guru Saroja Vaidyanathan but also paves the way for future generations to continue her work, ensuring that the art of Bharatanatyam remains vibrant and relevant for years to come.
