Bharatanatyam
Nandi Kautuvam
This piece traces Nandi’s transformation from a young boy aspiring to serve, to his profound moment of recognition when he encounters Lord Shiva on the mountain Kailash and is blessed with the honor of becoming Shiva’s vahana. Nandi’s role is to carry both Shiva, the cosmic father, and Parvati, the mother of the universe, in his devoted service.
Throughout the dance, we witness Nandi’s deep awe for Shiva as he observes the divine tandava—the cosmic dance of destruction and renewal—from the mountaintop. As Shiva dances, Nandi accompanies him, playing the mridangam, creating music that enchants both the heavens and earth.
As the performance comes to a close, the kautuvam invokes a blessing, that the recitation of this poem inspires all of us to embrace Nandi’s spirit of selfless service, with the support of the divine guiding us forward.
Raga: Rishabhapriya
Tala: Adi
Choreography: Miriam Anderson
Vrindavani Venu
This is a blissful song to Lord Krishna, describing his enchanting flute music which fills the forest of Vrindavan.
The peacocks open their tails and dance ecstatically. Seeing this, Krishna begins to dance himself and a dance competition commences. Krishna wins and requests one of their beautiful feathers as a prize--which is now one of his favorite ornament. Cows, birds, tigers, and all heavens’ inhabitants equally are captivated by the music, coming together and forgetting their animosity.
Perhaps this embracement of divinity is the solution to the divisions that we have created between ourselves.
Raga: Bhimpalasi
Tala: Adi
Choreography: Miriam Anderson, Sheila Rubin, Priyadarshini Govind
Sharada Kautuvam
From a young age, Miriam has had a special connection with the divine feminine.
The beauty of creation that surrounds us and the celebration of it is something that holds a very special place in her heart.
Perminating this creation is a rhythm that reverberates throughout all of nature, and Saraswati Maa is the creator of this rhythm.
Beautiful praise of the goddess Saraswati, mother of wisdom and the arts. She plays a jeweled veena. Her voice is as melodious as birdsong. Her body as radiant as the sky. Like a swan in a lake, she is immersed in wisdom.
Raga: Valachi
Tala: Misra Chapu
Choreography: Miriam Anderson