Narayaneeyam
Narayaneeyam is a 16th century classic treatise composed by Narayana Bhattatiripad. Bhattatirpad composed this exquisite work in Sanskrit language as an offering to the Lord.
Dr.Geeta studied, researched and choreographed the exquisite verses of Narayaneeyam in Sanskrit and weaved them into the style of Mohiniattam. This not only enhanced the style but gave it a status as a classical dance style with a spiritual splendour, philosophy and aesthetics.
Geeta presented her first Narayaneeyam recital of Narayaneeyam in the form of ‘ekaharya’ ballet (solo presentation) for the first time at Guruvayur temple in Kerala. By the Grace of Lord Guruvayurappan, it proved to be a stepping stone for many more performances.
She continued performing this choreographic work in various parts of India and abroad too. Till her 59th performance, she danced Narayaneeyam as a solo danseuse for three hours on the stage. Thereafter, from the 60th performance onwards her daughter and student, Radhika began to perform Narayaneeyam along with her. Together, they performed Narayaneeyam to varied audiences. On 9th Feb 2008, Geeta along with Radhika, performed their 100th recital of Narayaneeyam at the Mahalsa Narayanee temple in Mardol, Goa, organised by the Goa Kala Academy.
Once again, the call from Lord Krishna came as a big blessing. Geeta performed her 105th Narayaneeyam recital on 19th Oct 2012 at Guruvayur temple in Kerala for the Navaratri Festival. It was a memorable performance filled with joy and wonder. A successful endeavour that got fulfilled with auspiciousness..
The crowning glory of her career as a danseuse came to a fitting finale when Geeta took her Ph.D degree, on the same subject of “Narayaneeyam-Philosophy, Bhakti and Aesthetics.”- a beautiful combination of scholarship with aesthetic dance performances.
Till date, she has completed 108 performances and has offered them as flowers of devotion to Lord Krishna.
In Narayaneeyam, there are 100 Dasakas, of which, Geeta has choreographed into Mohiniattam dance 10 Dasakas or cantos. They are Bhagavanmahimanuvarnanam, Bhaktiprarthanavarnanam, Gajendramoksham, Balakreeda varnanam, Vishvarupadarshanam, Kaliyamardanam, Venuganam, Gopivastrapaharanam, Rasakreeda, and Keshadipada Varnanam
Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa
Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa is another ‘ekaharya’ dance ballet performed by Geeta . It is her second major choreography based on the life of Lord Ayyappan. It narrates the story of Lord Ayyappa, right from birth till he retires atop the Sabari Hills.
In total, there are 11 dance sequences penned by Smt Malini Sivasankaran in Malayalam. The 20th recital was performed along with her daughter Radhika. Together, they have performed and completed 41 recitals of “Swamiye saranam Ayyappa.”Among the varied dance choreographies of Geeta, the story of Ayyappan has attracted a large Malayalee audience.
Magdalana Mariam
Magdalana Mariam is the third major choreographic work in Mohiniattam, for which Geeta received international recognition.
Based on the well-known story from the Bible, Mary Magdalene, the portrayal emphasises the moral – “repentence is sin’s atonement.
Penned by Mahakavi Vallathol Narayana Menon, in the form of marvellous poetic verses, this poem was translated into the language of dance by Geeta. It was well applauded and appreciated by the audience for the India Festival in U.S.S.R, Germany, Holland, Belgium and France.
Nritta Swara Manjari
Nritta Swara Manjari is a garland of swaras or musical notes interspersed with jathis or chollus of “Mohiniattam Adavus”.
It is a choreography based on the 150 Adavus of the book “Mohiniattam Adavus and Mudras.” It has been specially choreographed for the students, to make the whole experience of learning the Adavus an enjoyable one. This has been presented by Geeta and her students, several times at different venues, both as a solo presentation as well as a group presentation.
Ashtapadiattam
Ashtapadiattam is based on Geeta Govinda, a 12th century Sanskrit poem by Jayadeva. The lyrical beauty and charm of this incomparable work is both sung and danced by Geeta.
The dance is performed with Sopanam music- the temple music of Kerala. The poetic genius of Jayadeva has also attracted the dancers of various classical styles.
Geeta, Radhika and Bindu (Geeta’s student of Mohiniattam) have danced the love lyrics of Radha and Krishna at different venues and temples in the enchanting style of Mohiniattam.
Aum Namah Shivaya
Aum Namah Shivaya is a choreography based on the cosmic dancer Lord Shiva and His Shakti.
The age old Shiva Parvathi stutis and stotras like Shiva Panchaksharam, Shiva Shadakshara stotram and Sankaracharya’s Soundarya Lahiri have been choreographed.
It was presented for the first time at the Uttara Chidambaram temple, in Satara District of Maharashtra in 2003.
Dr. Geeta Radhakrishna Menon 