Lata along with her sister Gita completed her BharataNatya arrangetram (first full fledged stage show) in 1981 tutored by their teachers Narasimhachari and Vasanthalakshmi, popularly known as the made for each other dancing couple
(visit www.kalasamarpana.in for more details). At the age of 11 and 9, both Lata and Gita indeed learnt much more from their teachers than just the techniques of dancing.
Lata and Gita have jointly choreographed and performed several dance dramas over the years. They have edited, directed and performed in their very popular dance serial "When the God's Dance" and its sequel "Natyanjali" totaling about 33 episodes.
In 1995 the Television version of their maiden venture in choreography "SAVITRI" won them the "Creative Excellence Award" at the US. International Film and Video Festival, Illinois.
In 1999 their serial "When the Gods Dance" once again won them "Creative Excellence Award" at the US. International Film and Video Festival, Illinois.
In 2004 Lata and Gita were invited to give a special recital for the
President
Dr. Abdul kalam and his guests at the Rashtrapathi Bhavan.
PRODUCTIONS
PRODUCTIONS CHOREOGRAPHED AND PERFORMED
SAVITRI
Dance drama based on Shri Aurobindo's classic.
Music -Shyam Joseph, Tamil Lyrics - Dr. S. Krishnaswamy
Singers- S.P. Ramh, Lalgudi Vijayalakshmi, Tiruchur Ramachandran, Prameela Gurumurthy, and Saishankar
VAIBHOGAMAE
Dance drama on Four Celestial Weddings
Music -Shyam Joseph, Tamil Lyrics - Dr. S.Krishnaswamy
Singers - Unnikrishnan, RajKumar Bharati, Sunanda, and Devi
BHARATIYIN VISWAROOPAM
A Panaromic view of poet Subramania Bharati's vision
Music - RajKumar Bharati
Singers - RajKumar Bharati, Lalgudi Vijayalakshmi
ROSE OF SHARON
A ballet on the life of Jesus Christ with 20 Dancers
Music -Shyam Joseph
Singers - Unnikrishnan, RajKumar Bharati, Sreenivas and a host of others
PAADARAVINDAM THUNAI
Surrender to Thee
Music and Tamil Lyrics- Meenakshi Subrahmanyam
Singer- Gayatri Shankaran
GOVINDAM PARAMAANANDAM
The Varied facets of Krishna
-
a garland of songs sung by O.S. Arun, Cutralam Nagarajan, Lalgudi Vijayalakshmi
OM MRITYUNJAYA
Shiva, the Celestial Dancer
Singers - O.S. Arun, RajKumar Bharati, Cutralam Nagarajan
SIDDHARTHA
the making of the Buddha
Music - RajKumar Bharati Tamil Lyrics- Valampuri Somanathan Singers - O.S. Arun, RajKumar Bharati, Lalgudi Vijayalakshmi, Sai Bhavadarini, S.R.Veeraraghavan
BEYOND TECHNIQUES
a contemporary solo dance presentation showcasing a garland of songs and instrumental pieces of different genre, in different languages, from different faiths, and in different styles of dance and mime.
THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST
a solo presentation in contemporary style bringing out the eternal spirit of Christ. Music by Shyam Joseph
All the above productions are produced by Dr. Mohana Krishnaswamy
REVIEWS
"Vaibhogame" was a visual treat and invoked vivid images..the footwork was sparkling and emotions definitely sensitive. Lata & Gita effortlessly slipped into the various roles. The energy level was high as demanded by the choreography.
- The Hindu 2008
Rich in Bhava , enjoyable nritta, the approach to the lyrics in a visual form was novel and dramatic.
-The Hindu 2007
A Divine recital ..Lata & Gita's performance was testimony to their artistic excellence. The Ragamalika Varnam evidenced the innovative approach within traditional parameters
-New Indian Express 2006
Lata and Gita are agile in their performance. Their communication was more colloquial and beauteous than archaic.....
-New Indian Express 2005
"Indeed you brought Bharati alive before my eyes"
-Dr. Abdul Kalam 2004
(on witnessing a special show in Rashtrapathi Bhavan)
Lata & Gita's "Bharatiyin Vishwaroopam" was a very effective performance. Lata's dramatization as a drunkard was very good, mixed with some comic elements. Her face was full of varied expressions.
-The Hindu 2004
"Satbhavana, the need of the hour" said the former Prime Minister Shri I. K. Gujral inaugurating the four day dance festival of communal harmony performed by the sisters
-The Hindu 2003
"Rose of Sharon" a full fledged dance drama with a distinct Indian ethos on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ was a distinct visual feast. Lata's measured stride as Christ, in the Palm Sunday procession, her excellent eye movement and deliberate gestures enhanced the aesthetic appeal
-The Hindu 2001
"Vaibhogame" ..their artistic background and vast experience on the stage were evident in their treatment of the heroines
-The Hindu 1996
Spirited performance, the show was full of innovations..lively dancing. The story narrated from different perspectives ensured that the popular legends did not pall on the audience and instead held their interest.
-The Indian Express 1996
Exceptional finesse and felicity... Lata and Gita have become a name to reckon with amidst the young dancers the country has produced in recent times
-News Today 1996
The performance produced an atmosphere of sheer joy; there was silken smoothness and continuity.
- The Hindu 1994
"Savitri" was danced with refined maturity and a deep understanding of the subtleties and delicacies of the spiritual theme
-The Hindu 1994
The levels of artistic excellence reached by the sisters, their obvious success in stimulating in the audience various emotions shading off into shades of aesthetic contemplation cannot be too highly praised.
