Shiva represents the elements of the universe, while Shakti represents the dynamic potency causing the elements to come to life and act. They both represent power, but also represent stillness and focus. They represent equality, with both respecting each other. They cannot function without one another. They are one, but they are two forms. They are limitless.
This Bharatnatyam recital will portray the equality between man and woman, how they are so similar yet so different. It will show the lasya bhava of shakti, and the tandava bhava of shiva.
Swarup Menon was drawn towards Bharatanatyam due to his inherent interest in the art form and started learning dance from the age of 3 and performing since the age of 5. Swarup’s first Guru was Sri. Sukumaran in Kerala, where he underwent training briefly during his short vacation trips to Kerala. Thereafter, he started Bharatanatyam classes in the UK from Sadanam Unnikrishnan, ex alumni of the Kalakshetra Fine Arts College, Chennai India. Later on, Swarup continued his training at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Institute, London, under the able guidance of Sri. Prakash Yadagudde. In 2007 he performed his Arangetram – Bharatanatyam graduation ceremony at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, London, under Sri. Prakash Yadagudde’s guidance.
Swarup for the past 12 years has been doing advanced training under Sri. Santosh Menon, ex-faculty member of Kalakshetra, Chennai) and he is also one of the senior dancers for Kshetra Dance Company.
Sowbhakya Rajabojan developed an interest in Bharathanatyam since the age of 6. Her first guru was Shri. Krishnamoorthi Iyer, in Coimbatore who taught the dance in Pandhanalur dance form. She continued her training under him for 10 years. Sowbhakya later trained under Smt. Tharani, and Smt.Vijayalakshmi Parameshwarn who were both Ex-faculty member of Kalaikaveri, Trichy.With their coaching and guidance she did her PG Diploma in Bharatanatyam in the year 2009, from Bharathiyar University – Coimbatore in Kalakshetra style and succeeded with Distinction. Sowbhakaya is currently learning Bharatanatyam under the guidance of Santosh Menon for the past 5 years and is also part of his company Kshetra Dance Company.