Review

Dancer from Canada

Vasantha Krishnan is no stranger to South India and her performance in Chennai, Coimbatore and Bangalore in 1995 were well received by the public and critics alike. Her recital in Mylapore Fine Arts Club recently was marked by delicacy and grace. As a choreographer herself, she knew how to present items with angasuddha and relaxed movements.

The ragamalika Varnam 'Angayar Kanni' by Lalgudi Jayaraman was the delight of the evening. As the charanams unfolded themselves in rakti ragas like Bilahari, Useni and Saranga, tunefully sung by vocalist Anand Prasad, the dancer matched the moods with elegant nritta and abhinaya.

'Vandu ketpar illaiyo', a padam by Uttukadu, was a rare song not familiar in Chennai. 'Sri Satyanarayanam' by Dikshitar, in dreamy Subha Pantuvarali, was another interesting item.

Singer Ananda Prasad, who gave solid vocal support, hails from Sri Lanka and is a versatile artiste, poet and lyricist.

T.S. Parthasarathy

"Vasantha's postures and footwork were so sure and relaxed that it was treat to watch her, especially as her angasiddam (technique) was up to exacting standards…Her abhinaya (expression) was plu-perfect…satvica (emotional) element came through exceedingly well"…

K.S. Mahadevan,
Indian Express
July 30, 1995

"Vasantha…with expressive features, especially the doe-like eyes. When she danced the Varnam…,her angassuddha, relaxed poses and clean adavus (body movements), riveted the attention of rasikas (audience) on her gestures, movements and graceful abhinaya a dynamic visual poetry."

Layamani: Layam: August, 1995


As a performer her exquisite foot-work, expressive abhinaya, natural facial expression and impeccable hand gestures bring an artistic aroma to her dance. An art from an enchanting beauty, where her movements were of such expressiveness that the audience felt themselves transcended into a different world. Brilliance of Adavus, imaginative Sanchari Bhavas with enchanting facial expression, abhinaya marked the quality of Vasantha's performance. Unlike many dancers her use of eyes, neck movements, diagonal stage movements seemed to be prominent and very spirited. She gave new approach to her rendering.

News Today-Madras, India.
February 5th., 1998