Rumana's talent was on display recently in Dhaka. On July 13, the dancer performed to a full hall at the Russian Cultural Centre. The evening began with Rumana's rendition of Stuti to the Raga Nattai Shankarabharanam. Then followed Alarippu, a pure dance item where the dancer explored single, double and treble rhythmic patterns.

The audience particularly appreciated Rumana's next dance piece Varnam (colours) to Raga Purvi Kalyani. This vital and challenging feature of a Bhartatnatyam repertoire, juxtaposed the dramatic or thematic interpretation of the lyrics in the songs against percussive rhythmic sequences.

This item evocatively depicted the story of a Nayika (heroine) pining for Murugan (a god believed to be born out of a magical spark created by Shiva). The work symbolised Bhakti and the search for the divine. The piece contained nine sentiments--Karuna (compassion), Shringar (love), Rudra (anger), Veera (hero), Bhaya (fear), Bibhatsha (disgust), Adbhuta (wonder), Bhayanak (terror) and Shanta (peace).

Other dance pieces were Ashtapadi, Tillana and Mangalam. The first presented an extract from Gita Govinda, a lyrical poem in Sanskrit, composed by the 12th century poet Jayadeva. The work captures the forlorn Radha describing to her friend the delightful music emanating from Krishna's flute and his dance of love with other maidens in the dark forest of Vrindavana.

Later came Tillana ("a dance of joy" in Rumana's words). The piece, with intricate footwork and sculpturesque poses, was devoted to the Devi, Durga--known equally for her gracious and terrifying demeanour. Durga is portrayed as a beautiful warrior seated upon a tiger who fought and killed the powerful demon Mahishasura.

Last came Mangalam, a traditional item of benediction

The dancer was ably supported by musicians Prakash Yadagudde, Shivasakti Shivanesan, M Balachander, Balu Raghuraman and ML Vasantakumari. One glaring glitch was with the acoustics. To Rumana's credit, she did not lose her composure and continued dancing with poise and flair. "It was heartening to see so many people turn up for the performance," she said.

The talented Rumana is also an associate professor at the Department of Statistics, University College London and director of the Medical Statistics Unit, University College Hospital. Now on the cards are dance performances in Bangalore and Mysore in September.