Vrushali Kulkarni (Kathak)

Attended a concert of Vrushali Kulkarni (Kathak) organized by Anubhooti at Embassy of India auditorium, Abu Dhabi, on 29th Jan 2016. Attendance was more than 130.

Vrushali Kulkarni (Kathak) is a Nrityavisharad and is trained in Lucknow and Jaipur Gharana. This was her first international performance.

She started with Shiv vandana (शिव वंदना) composed by Pt. Bindadin maharaj and choreographed by Pt. Rohini Bhate.

Then she presented Uthan (उठान) and Amad (आमद) in vilambit Teen taal (विलंबित तीन ताल) followed by two types of Paran (परन) in madhya lay Teen taal (मध्यलय तीन ताल) followed by Toda (तोडा), Tukde (तुकडे), Kavitt (कवित्त) and Ginati (गिनती) in drut Teen taal (दृत तीन ताल).

She then presented an Anwat Rachana choreographed by Rohini Bhate (रोहिणी भाटे) that included a Tarana (तराणा) followed by Samadhun Geet 'Lagan lagi (लगन लगी)'.

Concert concluded with Abhinay paksha (अभिनय पक्ष) a Geet on Radha Krishna (राधा कृष्ण) 'Zulat Radhe Navalkishor (झूलत राधे नवलकिशोर)' written by Pt. Bindadin maharaj, composed by Pt. Birju maharaj (बिरजू महाराज) and choreographed by Pt. Rohini Bhate. It was the best item of the concert.

Vrushali displayed good expressions and fluid movements. She made full and effective use of stage. Her acting in the last item was fantastic. She created the visuals of Krishna growing up through her acting and dance.

Vrushali used recorded music for the program thus making it a really solo performance. Organizers distributed a leaflet explaining her presentations thus making it easy to understand. Vrushali narrated between the presentations and despite dancing she was not breathless.

She is a dancer with potential.

Entertainment rating 9/10.

Disclosure: I am a founder member of Anubhooti.

Rajendra Gangani (Kathak)

Attended a concert of Pt. Rajendra Gangani (Kathak) accompanied by ensemble of musicians on 12th Dec 2015 at Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav, Pune with Alhad kaka, Dilip kaka and Vinita kaku.

Rajendraji is trained in the Jaipur Gharana by his father. He also has a rare mastery over the tabla, harmonium & pakhawaj.

Rajendraji made a swirling entry to the applause of audience. His energy is amazing. He danced almost for 1.15 hrs and also managed to say bols and make announcements. By having a dialogue with audience he took the audience with him on joy ride. He drew many applauses.

He displayed amazing foot work and graceful movements. He performed on Uthans (उठान), Parans (परन), Bandishes(बंदिश), Mukhdas (मुखडा) and tihais (तिहाई).

He even created sound of rain through sound of his ghungroos while dancing. He displayed various moods with his facial expressions, body language and dancing.

His jugalbandi and sawal-jawab with tabalji Azad were especially mention worthy.

Concert ended with a dance on bhajan of Surdas. This bhajan was commemorating Guru, a gurubhajan.

The live music with Lehra, Tabla and Vocals was good. Rajendraji frequently advised them about the speed he needed from them.

Trivia - Organizers had to stop the sale of tickets for the day due to huge audience response.

A very different, good, amazing and entertaining performance.

Entertainment rating 9/10.