Nattuvangam’ Vidwan Dr Vasanth Kiran
The art of Taala and Laya is a must for Indian classical dancers. Major classical dance styles like Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi are dependent on Nattuvangam and it is the Nattuvanar who can play a pivotal role in the success of a performance. Usually, it is Gurus who wield the cymbals but a separate training these days is a must as several gurus haven’t been trained in the art of Nattuvangam. Dr. Vasanth Kiran fills this gap and has gained the prestige of being an ace Nattuvanar and also teaching it both at the institution level and University level. He has had the blessings of accompanying Guru Manju Barggavee and many stalwarts in the field of dance, on Nattuvangam.
Being an exceptional dancer and Choreographer of both Bharatnatyam and Kuchipudi, his mastery over rhythm is but natural. It is his years of practice that now nattuvangam almost matches the speed of mridangam, says Vasanth. He has also taught University courses in Nattuvangam and several of his students hold Diploma in Nattuvangam from reputed universities. He also is an examiner panel member for Nattuvangam.
Dr. Vasanth is making dancers realise the importance of rhythm by conducting several workshops on Nattuvangam all over India and different parts of the world. Konnakol is the rhythmic language on which nattuvangam is based and hence one needs to train themselves in the art of recitation to match that of Nattuvangam, opines Vasanth.
He stresses the need for hours for all the dancers who especially are taking to teaching to practice the art of Nattuvangam seriously.