Timeless Tales, Eternal Emotions. LOVE Beyond TIME ~ a Review

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1 day ago
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May 30th, Austin TX ~ This past weekend, Austin audiences stepped into a world where myth met movement, where rhythm echoed emotion, and where love transcended lifetimes. Love Beyond Time, a spellbinding Bharata Natyam production by Austin Dance India, was more than a dance performance—it was a spiritual journey, a visual poem, and a celebration of eternal tales told through classical Indian dance and soul-stirring live music.

Under the masterful artistic direction of Anuradha Naimpally—an Austin Arts Hall of Famer and the heart of Indian classical arts in the region—the production unfolded at the Dougherty Arts Center through two sold-out shows that immersed viewers in a rich tapestry of stories drawn from Hindu mythology and devotional poetry. The program followed a carefully curated arc, exploring the many dimensions of love: from playful devotion and unrequited longing to divine union and pure joy.

A Thematic Journey Through Love and Devotion

The evening opened with a reverent invocation to Lord Ganesha (Ganesha Stuti), setting a tone of auspiciousness and spiritual grounding. What followed was a journey across emotional landscapes: in Bhoomanal, dancers offered gratitude to Bhooma Devi (Mother Earth), gracefully embodying the nurturing essence of the divine feminine.

Pieces like Atimrupama Sundara and Varnam plunged the audience into the depths of longing and heartbreak. These were not just dances—they were emotional narratives brought to life through the expressive eyes and sculptural gestures of the dancers. The portrayal of unrequited love, hesitation, and the soul’s yearning for divine union was rendered with aching beauty.

Harirakha, based on Jayadeva’s Gita Govinda, brought a tender resolution to the pain of separation, as Radha and Krishna reunite in an ethereal moment of forgiveness and love. This segment was performed with such sincerity by Naimpally that it felt like the audience was holding its breath with her.

The duet Tandavalasyam, portraying the cosmic energies of Shiva and Shakti, was electrifying. The choreography by Dr. Viji Jilla showcased both fierce power and perfect symmetry, a sublime reminder of how love also exists in balance and opposition.

The evening concluded with the exuberant Tilana, a joyous and technically demanding piece that celebrated pure movement and rhythmic mastery. The dancers—Purna Bajekal, Sowmya Nagesh, and Naimpally—moved with a radiant energy that left the audience uplifted and mesmerized.

Synergy Between Dancer and Musician

What elevated Love Beyond Time even further was the presence of a live Carnatic musical ensemble whose artistry was nothing short of extraordinary. Vocalist NN Siva Prasad’s soulful renditions, Dr. Thanjavur Kesavan’s dynamic mridangam rhythms, Shri R. Raman Iyer’s emotive violin, and Surabi Veeraragavan’s precise nattuvangam (syllabic rhythmic cues) formed the heartbeat of the production. The seamless interplay between dance and music created an atmosphere of improvisational energy and spiritual resonance. Each note, each beat, each silence was part of the narrative.

A Landmark Performance

Celebrating 35 years of artistic excellence, Austin Dance India once again affirmed its role as a cultural pillar in the city’s performing arts landscape. With Love Beyond Time, they didn’t merely perform—they transported us. This production reminded us that classical dance is not a relic of the past, but a living, breathing art form that speaks profoundly to today’s hearts.

If you missed it, make sure to keep Austin Dance India on your radar. Love Beyond Time wasn’t just an evening of dance—it was an invitation to feel, to remember, and to believe in the enduring power of love.