Dances of India - Bharata Natyam Arangetram Dances

Rating:
Summary: A decent DVD
Review: First of all, even though I don't find this DVD is specifically "instructional", I must say the quality of the picture and the sound is very good. I disagree with the reviewer who wrote "DVD with such an substandard music and performance" because its standards are pretty good if you live in the States and don't have a chance to attend special performances in South India. I would say that this DVD was made for those students who are learning Bharata Natyam as a hobby rather than as a career.

For those who are not familiar with what "Arangetram" stands for, it is basically a "graduation Margam", or the same as a any other full traditional recital. In this sense, it may be compared with any other Bharata Natyam DVDs like the ones featuring Medha Hari, for example. I hope David Morrison will continue to produce classical Indian dance DVDs, although he should pay more attention to the musicians' dancers' mastery and performance.

Rating:
Summary: Sub standard performance for an expensive DVD
Review: I am surprised one can even venture in making an DVD with such an substandard music and performance.There was not even one teermanam displayed correctly by the dancer leave alone by the mridangam.All the main items are cut short so badly(tillana 7 minutes give me a break).....If this is the intention ,it is better be priced accordingly.I didnot enjoy even one item ...
My strong suggestion is not to buy.

Rating:
Summary: Another to add to your repertoire
Review: Padma Chebrolu's gracefulness and poise is on display for all to witness in this video. It reflects her remarkable understanding of the art as well as a keen sensitivity to her students, regardless of their ability.

The video showcases her exceptional talent in a soothing way, while at the same time being extremely informative and comprehensive. She commands the screen, yet you never feel as though your cannot catch on. I highly recommend this to anyone, at any level so they too may enjoy the vast culture of India.





Rating:
Summary: If you are a student, this is the right thing to buy!
Review: Padma Chebrolu's two DVD's are the ONLY instructional DVDs that are to be found in the whole world. Thanks to David Morrison, they are made by the American standards and with the international students in mind, and are way above any instructional VHS or VCD videos that have been produced.

And because these two DVDs are instructional, and this Arangetram DVD in particular is formatted in a very academic way, there is no point comparing them to other DVDs for 2 reasons.

First, Anita Ratnam's is a just brief (like an encyclopedia article) general introduction to Bharatanatyam, while Medha Hari's is a showcase of a top young dancer whose agility and facial abhinaya is naturally different from the older dancers' (it is unfair to compare a 50-year-old gymnast with a 16-year-old!)

Secondly, Anita Ratnam's, P.Chebrolu's and Medha Hari's styles are all too different to be compared with each other.

This is why by buying P.Chebrolu's videos you never risk coming across anything similar. And, at the Amazon.com price, this is a very good bargain.

Rating:
Summary: A must for dance students or afficionados
Review: This video is must for those who are learning or plan to learn classical Indian dance. It can be used to learn the aspects of the dance which are usually communicated by a teacher to a student and due to lack of access to teachers it is difficult for a young student to absorb the minutae of Indian dance and to understand the basics. This DVD allows for the student to absorb at a pace that can be set by the student and not the teacher. I would strongly recommend this in addition to the audio dance CD by the same dancer in preparing to learn the songs as well as the basic movements and to acquaint the dancer to the songs of Bharatanatyam.

Rating:
Summary: Good Bharatanatyam video on DVD
Review: You should buy it if you are seriously interested in the Indian Classical Dance as this is one of the first three Bharatanatyam videos that can be bought on DVD. It is professionally designed and filmed, and the dance performance is better than the one seen in Anita Ratnam's DVD, although the varnam part is less authentic and rather simple compared with far more elaborate elements seen in Medha Hari's DVD, as these elements require to be performed by a real virtuoso.

All in all, unlike the other two Bharatanatyam DVDs, it is a good and clear introduction to Bharatanatyam done in the classical way, even though some elements of the technique may not be the purest Bharatanatyam, as Padma Chebrolu's style of Bharatanatyam, a US-based dancer, was heavily influenced by her studies in Kuchipudi, Andhra Natyam and Mohini Attam.

I believe it is worth the price.