Troupes Showcase Indian Movement

The Beatles got it right when they sang, “All you need is love.” So did two Indian dance companies--the locally based Malathi Iyengar and Rangoli Dance Company, and Mallika Sarabhai and Group, from India--that performed over the weekend at Cal State Northridge Performing Arts Center and La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, respectively.

The Iyengar/Rangoli ensemble titled their Saturday show of bharata natyam and kathak dance “Love Lyrics.”

On Sunday, the Sarabhai Group, a 19-member folk dance troupe, put on a spectacular show ranging from festive wedding dances to martial arts virtuosity.

Sarabhai, who explained each of her company’s 13 dances, also defined folk dancing as a communal sharing of grief and joy. Her convivial manner metamorphosed into slinky moves, as she slithered and spun in “Kalbelia,” a traditional snake-charmer dance.

Also dramatic: Akshay Rameschandra Patel) in his solo “Sword Dance,” making breathtaking leaps while brandishing a pair of sabers. Bharatsinh Karsanbhai Bariya’s bravura solo, “Bhavai,” saw him balance a series of pots on his head, while swaying his hips and skittering across the stage with gleeful grace.

Sarabhai joined the women in “Tippani,” a stick dance evolved from daily work, while “Heench Rimal” had both men and women whipping handkerchiefs about in frenzied, tribal-like mode.

In contrast, Iyengar’s more formal, nine-part program had her ably functioning not only as choreographer but as ensemble dancer, soloist and musician. Perhaps if she’d also had her way with lighting (credited to daughter Lakshmi Iyengar), some glaring glitches might not have transpired. Mother and daughter, joined by Neewin Hershall and Unnikrishnan, displayed sheer energy, though, in “Pushpanjali,” in which precise footwork and intricate arm-weaving were on display.

Other highlights: K. Murali Mohan in “Dhamar,” who spun dervish-like and vamped with the five onstage musicians. Lakshmi soared, too, in her 25-minute solo, “Sarasijanabha,” in which the dancer offers Krishna love. Punctuated with deep lunges, Lakshmi never lost her bearing while beating out polyrhythms with her feet.