BY SUPRIYA DESAI
Durham, NC, October 29, 2025: The Nritya Maya Nanda school of art commemorated its seventh anniversary at the Durham Arts Council on October 18 with an elaborate program, featuring Bharatanatyam and Kathak dance presentations by students, as well as guest performances by Rebecca Conley’s tap dance team and Priyadarshini Inman’s Sattriya dance.
As a disciple of the legendary Guru Late Maya Rao in Kathak and Guru Nandini Eswer in Bharathanatyam, Seema Vishwanath, the artistic director of Nritya Maya Nanda school of art, skillfully incorporates both art forms, inspiring audiences with her captivating presentations.
The highlight of the program was a captivating one-hour production of “Shri Krishnarpanamasthu” (Shri Krishna Arpanam Asthu), which she skillfully conceptualized and presented with finesse, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. Her presentation seamlessly wove together group dances that showcased both classical styles.
Her passion for the craft was evident in her group choreography and the impressive performances of her students. The various group dances effectively portrayed different phases in Krishna’s life, with choreography tailored to each group’s skill level. The execution of each dance was a testament to the group’s diligent practice and rehearsal.
Every act showcased told a story about Krishna, blending seamlessly into a cohesive presentation.
The dancers who portrayed Krishna were exceptionally well-suited for the role, capturing the essence of his character with remarkable nuance. Notably, the two adult Krishna portrayals, one for each style, were technically impressive and true to their respective styles. Their energetic and captivating stage presence created an enchanting experience for the audience. In particular, the Celestial dance of Act 7 was intriguing and a highlight.
The concept of one within all and all within one was very effectively presented, bringing all performers playing Krishna on stage at the same time. Kudos to Seema for her creative visualization and excellent choreography.
The performers and live music complemented her talents with remarkable synergy, elevating the entire experience.
