Learning lessons from a Mohiniyattam maestro
It is not every day that you get to watch a legend perform. The 15 students who were participants of ‘Angaharam’, the Mohiniyattam workshop organised by Dyuti and Natyadhara with the help of Chavara Cultural Centre in Kozhikode from April 30 to May 4, were lucky in that aspect, as Kalamandalam Sugandhi Prabhu made an impromptu performance amid the workshop. At 72, Ms. Prabhu exuded grace and charm, the prerequisites for being a perfect Mohiniyattam dancer, even though her movements were slightly restricted by her ailing limbs. “This is one dancer who has been an integral part of Kerala’s Mohiniyattam landscape, performing shows, nurturing talents, researching the history of the art form, and organising events,” said Gayatri Madhusoodhanan, dancer and director of Dyuti, before giving her a ‘Guruvandanam’ along with the students. Dancer Vineetha Nedungadi made a lecture demonstration on the concepts of ‘Lokadharmi’ and ‘Natyadharmi’ in Mohiniyattam on the second day, while R.L.V.
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