There is no gainsaying the fact that there can be music without dance but no dance without music. A pre-recorded audiocassette of dance music is indeed a boon to performers and student.

1. A complete 'margam' of dance compositions ranging from the initial Anjali to the celestial Dancer, Lord Nataraja to the mangalam has been recorded by the doyenne of Carnatic music, Sangeetha Kalanidhi Dr.M.L. Vasanthakumari, in 'Nataraj Anjali' (natai - Adi)

2. The traditional 'Alarippu' (natai - Tisram), is an epitome of all the important poses and movements in the art of Bharatanatyam. The laya aspect is predominant and is a worthy prelude for the fare to follow.

3. The 'Jatiswaram' (Thodi - Misra Chapu), has no lyrics but only solpha syllables and rhythmic verse.

4. The elaborate dancing of the pada varnam also known as chauka varnams is the true test to reflect the capabilities of a consummate dancer. The entire composition has lyrics and the music is in a slower tempo to give scope to convey the bhavas.

5. 'Kasturi Thilakam' (Ragamalika), is a slokam from the Krishnaganaamrutha, a Sanskrit hymn extolling the glory of Lord Krishna.

6. In 'Krishna Nee' (Yaman Kalyani - Misra Chapu), the Haridasaa of Karnataka are God realized souls whose absolute surrender to the Lord was expressed through their compositions steeped in devotion, emotion and spirituality. Vyasaraya was one of the famed Kannada poets who was the guru of Purandaradasa and Kanakadasa. His song is an evergreen favorite with performers, vocalists, dancers and the listening public.

7. 'Nee Maatale' (Poorvikalyani - Adi), is a Javali song of an erotic nature. It is a very popular 'genre' as its music is bright, attractive and catchy. The language employed is usually colloquial and sometimes even obscene.

8. The thillana (Suruti - Adi) is a short, crisp dance form. The composition consists of jatis interspersed with solpha syllables and lyrics.

9. The album concludes with a lilting 'Mangalam' (Saurashtram - Adi), by Thyagaraja.

Dr. M.L. Vasanthakumari, the legendary Carnatic musician, who was the empress of all that she surveyed during her illustrious career spanning five decades, has presented this programme in her inimitable style. Krishnaveni Lakshmanan, a fragrant Kalakshetra flower is responsible for the innovative sensitive choreography. This audio album is a welcome addition to the collection of all lovers of Bharatanatyam.