2. History of Bharatanatyam
3. Hastas
4. Kabadi
5. Vanji vanthanale
6. Thamizha Thamizha
7. Dasaniyamaha - The Ten Commandments
8. En Athumavae
9. Vandemataram
Tillana with
Shobana
Padmasri and
National Award winner Shobana has conducted several workshops for KNS. In
2001 she
'overnight' taught a Tillana to 6 KNS Seniors who shared the stage
with her.
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History
of Bharatanatyam
The entire history of Bharatanatyam is narrated in this four minute film
music (from Thavamai Thavamirunthu). Starting with the gods and Bharatamuni
2000 years ago, to architectural sculptures, to invasions, to the revival by
Rukmini Arundale in 1930s, influence of cinema on a little girl (Rani) in
the 60s, to the present establishment of KNS in US.
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Hastas
The hastas and bedhas of the Natyasastra is an integral part of KNS theory,
essential for graduation. Rani has made the learning process easy by
incorporating these 56 hand gestures into this edited film music ‘the world
dances .. we are slaves to the art’. Similar items are to be released in a
dvd ‘Natyasastra’.
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Kabadi
Yoga and Ayurvedha are some of the greatest contributions of India to the world. This dance on the popular sport, Kabadi, for the song ‘vaadiyamma vaadi’ was staged for Mahayatra, a dance journey on the traditions of India, in April 2006 and now available in dvd. Another unique creative idea of Rani's...enjoy this sports item in a dance form! TOP
Vanji vanthanale
This Kurathi dance has been the Beginners textbook in KNS for two decades
now, and has been staged many, many times, but received the biggest applause
in a recent Thamizh Sangam show. Dancers: Carmen Lauren
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Thamizha Thamizha
Maniratnam’s Roja song that has stolen the hearts of every patriotic Indian, and inspired Rani to choreograph differently. It was first staged in 1996 with Tina in the lead; revived in 2004 with Rachel. Backgrounders: Mona (India), Joann (Bangladesh), Elena (Russia). Venue: Gaithersburg Soccerplex. TOP
Dasaniyamaha - The Ten Commandments
Dasaniyamaha meaning the Ten Rules is based on the Ten Commandments of the Bible, this is one of Rani’s masterpiece composition, where the cause and effects of breaking the rule reflects stories from the Bible, a research by her sons Swithin www.gevacomedyimprov.blogspot.com and Sumithrin www.sumitdavid.com. This was performed in 2000 by ‘the awesome foursome’ Edwina Tina Reshma Shirani. Concept and lyrics by Rani; music by Lalitha Swaminathan and Michael Fernando. A repeat performance in Tamil Nadu Jan 2007. Other unique Christian choreography: Navarasa in Christ’s life, emotions of pregnant Mary, 5 women in Christ’s life, navarasa penmanigal – nine woman characters of Old Testament and New Testament, the Kurathi who searched for Yesu and many many more. As of Sept 2007, out of 485 staged dances, 96 are on Christian themes. TOP
En Athumavae
This Christian piece based on Psalms 103 ‘bless the Lord O my soul’ a group dance that was staged several times by different KNS troupes in various dance tours; this one was in 1999 at an Adventist program. Praising Christ in pushpanjali (flowers) geetanjali (music) paadhanjali (dance footwork) and awaiting his return pugazhanjali (praises). Exclusive music by film music director Shyam of Chennai. Other unique pieces are merging Dhristibedha in Psalms 121; Psalms 23, Yesu Gouvtvm, etc. As of Sept 2007, out of 485 staged dances, 96 are on Christian themes. TOP
Vandemataram
A complete margam to Christian themes was presented in several locations
in Tamil Nadu in Jan 2007 by dancers Shirani, Rashi, Jennifer, Nesi, Davina,
Anitha. The mangalam reflecting national integration includes different
styles for which the troupe received additional training in Mohiniattam and
Kuchipudi and included steps into this piece on the Unity of India. Venue:
Women’s Christian College, Chennai.
http://www.hindu.com/fr/2007