Sundara Natarajam - Oothukadu Venkata Kavi

Concept & Choreography: Yamini Kalluri
Musical Arrangement: Yamini Kalluri & Harsha Mandayam Bharathi

Yamini's Intention:
"In this choreography, I begin by depicting Shiva dancing in ecstatic joy, and as a devotee, I find him most beautiful in his frenzy. Through this lens, I then shift to embody Shiva's female consort, Shakthi, exploring her profound connection with him. I delve into the idea that a sexual union, fueled by pure love and the deep yearning to unite with one another, transcends even the most profound meditation. This journey is not about lust or objectification; it’s a celebration of universal love in its most visceral and authentic form.

As Shakthi attempts to meditate, she finds herself distracted—first by the hissing sound of Shiva’s playful snakes, then by the radiant glow of his bright red hair, and finally by the ashes he whimsically tosses, stirring something deep within her. Her focus shifts, not due to a lack of discipline, but because of Shiva’s overwhelming beauty. In a moment of realization, she takes the rosary beads meant for meditation and recognizes that the greatest act of yoga is the union with Shiva in every conceivable way.
I often hear stories of women sacrificing their dreams, desires, and ambitions for the sake of men in relationships. Yet when a woman dares to pursue her own path, society often labels her too independent, too ambitious. Why must success for women come at the cost of love? Through my artistic exploration, I envision a world where women can thrive in both love and ambition, without having to sacrifice one for the other—because compromise is healthy, but sacrifice should never be the price of happiness."