Dance expert Usha Rk on the visual splendour of Adi Shankaracharya’s Ashtakams

The ‘Adi Ashtakam’ performance at Saptaparni, Hyderabad showcased a visual interpretation of Shankaracharya’s spiritual teachings through dance. The performance marked the eighth presentation of the Ashtakam following successful tours in multiple cities. Usha Rk, a former director of the Jawaharlal Nehru Cultural Center, conceptualized and compered the performance, which featured dancers performing different Ashtakams to music composed by Vidya Harikrishna. Usha’s journey from the corporate world to the world of dance led her to explore thematic performances, with a focus on storytelling through dance. The performances will continue based on audience demand and sponsorship support, with the possibility of future projects in Ujjain.