THE YEAR THAT WAS – VNCs 2025
As we look back at the year that was, VNC is humbled to have delivered several stirring performances and received positive reviews. We stayed true to the aim of creating quality content, reaching newer segments of dance enthusiasts and creating employment opportunities for talented artistes.
Lalitha Vaibhavam – Jan 10th
The first performance of the year was presented for the Chennai Margazhi season at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. This performance was designed as a spiritual start to the year and it focused on the verses from Lalitha Sahasranamam and Soundarya Lahiri. A unique production, the performance took the verses directly from the shlokas rather than interpreting them. Geeta and Sangeeta Gavvala, Meenakshi Murali, Sahana Umesh, Kirthi Shree, Gayathri Eyunni, Keerthi and Srujana Valiveti, Surendranath and Tara Nallamai delivered a compelling performance, under the leadership of Dr. Rajeswari Sainath and Vyshnavi. Programs such as this paves the way for the upcoming talent of VNC to grow their profile outside Hyderabad.
Navarasa in Brahma Gana Sabha – Jan 11th
Navarasa was a solo performance by Dr. Vyshnavi Sainath, presented for Brahma Ganasabha Chennai. This depicts various stories for each of the nine emotions from the popular epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. It also goes to show the rigor of Vyshnavi to be able to present a thematic presentation in a solo format. This performance also had elements of yoga and kalari to enhance the presentation. This enhanced the image of VNC being about holistic development of classical arts and enhanced movement vocabulary through this medium.
Karimnagar – Feb 6th 2025
VNC continued with its aim to spread classical dance in the far reaches of South India.
A team led by Vyshnavie and composed of Kirthi Shree, Geeta and Sangeeta Gavvala traveled to Karimnagar. As a part of the Brahmotsavam festival, the VNC team performed segments from Vishnu and Lalitha Sahasranamam ballets and the event was very well received by the locals.
Corporate performance – Feb 7th
VNC’s performances connect a diversified audience spectrum. For corporates, the focus is on entertaining through traditional bhajans with fusion music and presenting Bharatnatyam with a hint of kalari yoga. This has been a popular addition to the annual events of several corporates. Nishika, Kirthi Shree and Dr. Vyshnavi performed.
Manas Strotaha Karunashraya – Feb 8th
VNC spread its wings, not just in Hyderabad, but also in Bangalore with its first center for learning. As a part of this expansion, Vyshnavi had also performed her solo at the quaint Karunashraya. She presented the theme Manasa Strotha. This performance was all about new beginnings and the various emotions of an artist. She chose to present a margam which is a traditional Bharatanatyam repertoire – including a varnam and a padam where she spoke about women empowerment. She closed the show with Anbe Shivam which was the dance of Lord Shiva. The event was well received by the Bangalorean crowd – several of whom were witnessing Vyshnavi perform for the first time.
New centers and batches
This year, VNC opened two more centers, based in societies in Gachibowli and Kukatpally. Senior teachers Geeta and Sangeeta Gavvala are stewarding the students, who also performed twice this year as part of VNC events. In addition, Kirthi Shree started a weekday batch in Secunderabad.
Vakula arangetram – May 3rd
Vakula demonstrated the Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva who are the creator, preserver and destroyer. She performed the rustic Simhanandini and finished with the ardhanareeshwari which is a one of a kind presentation not just for an Arangetram, but for any performance. Vakula shared on stage on how she trained rigorously under her Guru Vyshnavie to be able to carry this and present it in her very debut performance.
A word to the cast – Dr. Vyshnavie was excellent on the nattuvaangam, and the artiste was effusive in her praise to her guru. The musical cast, led by Sriram Jonnalagada, was pitch perfect. The occasion was made richer by the presence of dignitaries Shri Bhupathi Varma Garu (Union Minister of State for Heavy Industries), Shri Kanumuri Raghu Rama Krishna Garu, Deputy Speaker of AP Assembly and Shri Kanumuri Bapi Raju Garu, Former Chairman of TTD Board.
VNC annual day – Aug 21st
This is VNC’s Flagship annual event where students. This year, we had 60 students participating from the centers of Secunderabad and Jubilee Hills. The theme was Nrithya Vikasam, talking about the journey of a dancer – how a new student starts and ends with the extreme mastery of the art. The event showcased students across the age spectrum, including experienced artistes, giving them a new hope for performances.
VNC Shilpa Ramam performance – Oct 18th
Every year, we have a mini annual event giving an opportunity to other centers such as Film Nagar. This year, we also had students from the new centers joining. This event focuses on giving solo performing opportunities to the budding artistes, helping them enhance their confidence to become performers in their own right. VNC was happy to have the faculty members such as Meenakshi and Kirthi Shree join the event and perform solo.
Oz India jazz collaboration – December 26th
Raga by Vaaradhi and Chaitanya Art Theatres teamed up with Vyshnavie Natya Center to present a unique creative confluence of classical carnatic instrumental music and dance. The novel concept found acceptance among the Hyderabad public, with special mention to “Nava vatsalyam”, which aptly captured grandmother Rajeswari Sainath’s joy with the arrival of her grandchild. Senior students Geeta, Sangeeta Gavvala, Nishika, Meenakshi Murali, Kirthi Shree and Gayathri Eyunni delivered an excellent performance, and merrily collaborated to celebrate the special moment of Guru Rajeshwari Sainath.
Kudos to VNC for being able to bring artists (both Indian and foreign) of high caliber.
