Once confined to the portals of ancient temples, learning and performing Bharathanatyam have now turned an institutional course and several illustrious centers like Natyanjali render it with a purpose. Natyanjali is unique in that the school stands for tradition prompted by the teaching values nurtured at the world-renowned Temple of Fine Arts, Jeyanthi Ghatraju’s Alma Matter.  Natyanjali strives to imbibe three cardinal qualities - discipline, dedication and determination at each level of learning. In addition, to fine tune the prowess as a mid-term accreditation (prior to the coveted arangetram), students can get their proficiency merited by the reputed Alagappa Performing Arts Academy  in India.  This academic recognition through conferring Certificate, Diploma, Associate or Degree credential is special to aspirants outside India.

In the backdrop of the above, Natyanjali School of Dance celebrated Vijayadasami at the Multipurpose Room, Littleton Town Hall, Littleton, MA on Oct 12, 2014. This year was extra special since it was also the celebration of 20^th anniversary of Guru Jeyanthi Ghatraju as a dance teacher. Guru and Sishyas presented a beautiful evening for the packed audience comprising of students, family, guests, alumni and well-wishers.  The program was a tribute to the elderly; performing for elderly is a passion for Jeyanthi, who was also a Finalist for this year’s “Woman of the Year Award”. It is worthy to note that Jeyanthi was recognized with the United States Presidential Gold Service Award this year for her community service.

The program started with an invocation of slokams by the youngest students, Anika Gurijala, Deepthika Vedavinayagam and Reya Kannan. This was followed by Sri Vighnarajam bhaje, an Oothukkadu Venkata Subha Iyer composition in Gambheera Nattai Ragam and Khanda Chapu Thalam by Bhoomika Kumar. Bhoomika and her family travelled all the way from Dallas, Texas to participate in this program. Bhoomika is a very blessed and dedicated student; like her guru she likes to use her talent to help serve the under-privileged. She is also a recipient of the “Vision Aid Ambassador Award” for her 2013 fundraiser efforts for Vision Aid.

Shreya Hegde, a post arangetram student, performed thodaya mangalam, Jaya Janaki Ramana, an Annamacharya composition in Ragamalika and Thalamaika. Shreya rose to the challenge of the composition that demanded physical stamina, grace, composure and understanding.

Poojitha Jonnavithula, who is preparing for her arangetram this coming summer, presented a fast paced Muralidhara Kavuthuvam composed by Madurai R Muralidharan in Arabhi Ragam and Aadi Thalam. Poojitha gave an enjoyable performance with sharp expressions and precise movements. Aandal Kavuthuvam presented by Bhoomika was a surprise; this item was not published in the brochure. In this item Bhoomika convincingly described the story of a girl who dedicated her life to Lord Vishnu. Another senior student, Medha Palnati, skillfully performed a Ragamalika Jathiswaram composed by Ranganayaki Jayaraman in Thalamalika.

The evening’s Varnam was Bhavayami Raghuramam by Maharaja Swathithirunal, in Ragamalika set to Roopaka Thalam. This beautifully choreographed item was well executed by Bhoomika. The talented sishya demonstrated her training, skills and knowledge with her coordination of intricate footwork and hand gestures, facial expressions and the symmetry of slow and fast movements. Her role plays depicting Sita’s swayamvaram, Mandhara’s malicious advice and the war between Rama and Ravana were refined and apt.

Next item, Alarulu kuriyaga set to Shankarabharanam Ragam and Aadi Thalam, which portrays goddess Alarmelumanga in all her grace was gorgeously performed by five students, Gauri Kuppuraj, Keerthana Dutta, Lasya Dutta, Pooja Kumaravel and Rishika Makkena. Their hard work and thorough practice was evident by the well synchronized presentation. This was followed by Simhavahini padavarnam composed by Madurai R.Muralidharan in Ranjani Ragam and Aadi Thalam. Padmashree K.J Yesudas’s divine voice along with Shreya Hegde’s powerful expressions and crisp moves captivated the audience.

The third padam for the evening was performed by guru Jeyanthi herself. Gaana Reengaram Seyyum composed by Suddhanada Bharathi in Sindhu Bhairavi Ragam and Aadi Thalam. This beautiful piece, pleading a bee to be her messenger, was replete with splendid choreographical patterns and diverse nuances of expression.

There was more surprise in store for the audience when a group of little girls rendered an impressive performance of Thillana, without `Salangai.' Hanuman Thillana composed by Madurai N. Krishnan in Kapi Ragam and Aadi Thalam was performed by Arya Swamy, Divyasri Prasath and Hamsika Vedavinayagam.

Instead of a traditional Mangalam, Jeyanthi paid tribute to all who contributed to her journey as a dancer and dance teacher through a photo journal. It was an honor that enriched everyone to recognize the foundation and evolvement of Natyanjali.

Guru Jeyanthi can be very proud that all her students irrespective of the age or proficiency level put forward their best effort. As someone who is part of Natyanjali family for almost a decade, needless to say I know almost all of these dancers from the time they joined Natyanjali; it was really gratifying to see their progress in dance. In his felicitation, Dr. Baskaran, an eminent Physician from Chennai and a well-wisher of Natyanjali spoke eloquently about the enriching performances and subtly urged the young aspirants to make dance a part and passion of their life. We wish all the students and Guru the very best and look forward to seeing more performances from Natyanjali family for a long time to come!

|