Padam Vazhi: The Path is Hidden

The classical Indian dance form, Bharatanatyam, is a form of spiritual expression traditionally presented facing the audience. To fully explore this form, performer Ranee Ramaswamy and directors Robert and Caitlin Hammel wanted to get close and intimate, and yet not lose sight of the classical, full body, movement. In so doing, they hoped to fully reveal the passion and form of the dance. By shooting the dance from multiple viewpoints and using a triptych graphic design -- the center panel showing close up, superimposed views, and the side panels showing a full body shot -- this goal was elegantly achieved. The frame for the piece is a stylized temple arch, decorated with the words of the song, transcribed in the original Tamil by Ms. Ramaswamy.

Choreographed by Guru Padmabushan Ms. Alarmel Valli and performed by Ranee Ramaswamy, this deeply spiritual solo piece, tells the story of an untouchable man, Nandanar, who longs to see Lord Shiva. As his birth does not allow him into the Hindu temple, he begs Shiva to move the huge stone Bull in front of the idol a foot, so that he may get a glimpse of Him from the entrance. The song, written by Gopalakrishna Bharathi, was an appeal against the ill treatment of the untouchables, demonstrating that God does not see caste.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Bharatanatyam
• dance
• dance film
• spiritual
• Alarmel Valli
• Nandanar
• Shiva
• untouchables
• buddhism
• krishna
• meditation
• tamil
• yoga