BY MOGIE NAIDU

Kruti Dance Academy, comprising of a team of visionary instructors and a skilled group of dancers, delivered a magnificent 13th Annual Dance Recital at the prestigious Atlanta Symphony Hall. With an auditorium filled to capacity with proud parents, grandparents and friends, the show proceeded without a glitch. The attentive audience sometimes erupted in thunderous applause and at times watched in silent awe as the dancers sailed through each performance. After months of preparation - costume fittings, accessory-matching, choreography, parents hard at work trying to perfect the makeup applications, assembling costumes (which does not come without frustrations and subsequent complaints) –it was joy to watch it all come together! Subtle, yet elegant stage décor perfectly complemented the vibrant costumes and as the curtains opened, the audience was in for a truly well executed 13th dance recital program.

Students, from the youngest to the most senior, performed the intricate movements of Bharathanatyam and Classical Fusion with undeniable poise and fluidity. With the classical temple costumes, hair, makeup and jewelry all in place, the students took command of the dances and did us all proud! There where plenty “oohs” and “aahs” from the audience throughout the performances, indicative of the obvious pride and admiration felt all around. As in past recitals, the classical fusion dances, performed by more experienced students, was nothing short of perfection. With the audience watching in silence, the fusion trend dancers performed to heart pounding music – music that perfectly suited the choreography and was further enhanced by the sound of “gunguroos” stomping in unison.

“Yadeein – Embracing the Past” –what an appropriate theme! An apt theme, not just in terms of the classical segment comprising of a dance style that dates back thousands of years, but to the timeless Bollywood music selection from the 1950’s to current. As each dance started, the audience erupted into joyous applause - I am sure there are those of us (me) who may be unwilling to admit which era we belong to or most remembered, but we nonetheless appreciated every strategically selected song! It was heartwarming to watch the children dance with such gusto to music of their parent’s and grandparents’ generations. The striking Bollywood costumes –colors, styles, and accessories- completely conveyed “Yaadein”, but with a noticeably modern flair. Especially endearing, were the youngest Bollywood participants (both boys and girls) who delivered their performances with a refreshingly sassy attitude. As a member of the audience, I am sure I echo the sentiments of many, when I so boldly state that most of the Bollywood performances paralleled or even exceeded the standards of some of the biggest and most popular Bollywood dance productions of the past and present.

Being part of the Kruti recitals for approximately five years, it is always gratifying to note the extent each student improves from year to year – it reflects the level of instruction each dancer receives at the academy, as well as the commitment of the parents. We are led to believe that ‘seeing is believing’, so parents of first-time participants can rest assured of all that is possible if their young children continue to show interest, dedication and passion for dance. Watching the 13th dance recital, and past recitals, we have come to expect a wonderfully entertaining production and somehow feel entitled to it being better than the previous year. As parents, we know undoubtedly it will not be devoid of frustrations, or feeling overwhelmed; Dina Sheth and her instructors know it will not be without challenges for them also, but we will all agree that the collaborative, end result will be entertaining, elegant, colorful and professional. As the curtain closed on the show, we know next year shall yet again have an audience full of parents, grandparents and well-wishers ALL beaming with pride at the accomplishments of all their children and grandchildren; Dina Sheth and her staff will be backstage, beaming with pride at their accomplishments. Till next year – here’s wishing Kruti Dance Academy and all the talent it encompasses, continued success...