18 February 2008
A painfully distant No.4, yes.
Nevertheless, ‘twas a deliciously enjoyable evening, being yours truly’s fave time of day too.. ;)
Was there to watch/support mine other half’s colleague-friend’s (Odissi) dance performance at the newly refurbished Sri Sivan Temple (Geylang, Singapore), for the Mandalabhishegam Cultural Festival: Kala Vasantham 2008.
Enjoyed meself thoroughly – from traipsing through the lovely temple, which is beautifully constructed out of both North & South Indian architectural motifs & colour schemes, to attending the open-air concert in the field just across.
Loved the smaller gold-plated statuettes of Lord Shiva (or Nataraja, Lord of Dance) demonstrating each pose of dance all around the walls of the temple. :)
The concert itself was sheer beauty – loved the professional vocalists’ renditions (with such gaiety! Lovely!) of Carnatic & Hindustani ragas, followed by the Odissi & Bharatanatyam performances.
Interesting that both of us were intrigued by varying elements in the performances: mine other half loved the “symmetry” in the beautiful choreography that we were treated with, while yours truly adores the delicious storytelling & charming ease with which the dancers (esp.) took us through some of the more popular myths/legends attributed to Lord Shiva (and dear Lord Vishnu, too), with their elegant grace and inviting candour.
Do take care & Wishes all, minerva*
p.s. methinks, am beginning to be enamoured by the Odissi tradition of dance too (besides my all-time fave of Bharatanatyam, (recently) Kathak & (for its colourful dramatic element, Kathakali), hmm.. ;)
