PHOTOS BY BYTEGRAPH
Atlanta, GA: Kalaivani Dance & Music Academy (KDAMA) recently celebrated its ninth anniversary at the Gwinnett Center in Duluth. The event had students of the academy present Indian classical dance and the music compositions of Shri. G S Rajan with innovative choreography by Guru Padmaja Kelam and Siddarth Kelam. Watching the performances, it was evident that Kelam and her faculty teach them with utmost dedication.
The program began with a devotional composition on Goddess Saraswati (Goddess of knowledge) played on the flute by a KDAMA student to the accompaniment of the violin and the mridangam.
Another Interesting aspect is that KDAMA has managed to have their own repertoire over the years, choreography and music compositions to suit tiny tots to adults. Involvement of parents in taking care of management was another point to be noted giving the entire exercise, the feeling of a family. Co-ordination of the performers and their ‘anga-suddhi’ (perfect lines), understanding lyrics before ‘abhinaya’ (expressing various emotions), ‘Kaala-Pramanam’ (perfect unison in rhythm) all contributed to an enjoyable evening of classical arts. Support from live orchestra, stage lighting etc also contributed to the success of the event.
On this occasion KDAMA honored few personalities who has contributed to the development of Indian arts and cultural values in Georgia. Subash Razdan was felicitated for his outstanding contribution to the Indian diaspora and Drs. Seshu & Ravi Sharma, Subra Viswanathan, Sujata Rayburn, vocalist and composer-flautist GS Rajan were among other eminent people who received a token of appreciation from KDAMA.
Kalaivani Dance & Music Academy is a renowned academy engaged in teaching and propagating Indian classical and allied arts. Founded in 2004 by Guru Padmaja Kelam in Atlanta, GA, USA with the vision of engaging students in the fine art, technique and love of one of the most ancient and graceful art forms of India, Bharata Natyam. KDAMA has been pivotal in preserving the rich heritage of Indian legends, traditions and mythology while transcending borders of geography, culture, religion and ethnicity. KDAMA also has partnered with various other dance schools of diverse genres in an attempt to promote collaboration between the various elements of the universal continuum.
KDAMA has five locations now in Atlanta area. In Johns Creek, Marietta, Smyrna, Hindu Temple of Atlanta and Lawrenceville. KDAMA’s dance company performs in major festivals and functions across United States and India. In coming July KDAMA will have four arangetrams (debut performance) & 2 shows in Bangalore of senior students. KDAMA also conducts master classes and workshops by visiting professors and eminent artists besides organizing and presenting quality concerts by maestros.
