Bharatanātyam is an ancient, classical dance form.  This style of dance incorporates both a traditional and spiritual base through distinct techniques based in pure dance (Nritta), interpretational dance (Nritya), and expressional dance (Nātya).  Through intricate footwork, graceful hand gestures, and dramatic facial expressions, the dancer conveys various themes, depicting stories from Indian epics and mythology.

After many years of training, a dancer performs her ArangÄ“tram, or solo debut, which literally means “ascending the stage”.  She invokes the blessings of Lord Natarājā and her Guru and performs a repertoire of dances on an auspicious day in the presence of her family, friends and well-wishers.

Snigdha Reddy Kalathur, student of the Natyamani School of Dance and disciple of Smt. Sridevi Ajai Thirumalai, “ascended the stage” on Saturday, September 2nd, 2017 at the Worcester Technical High School, Worcester, Massachusetts. Her brilliant performance from start to finish kept the audience of over 600, enthralled. The décor showcased several beautiful Krishnas and made one feel like they were walking through the gardens of Brindāvan.

The recital started gracefully with a Pushpānjali to Lord Natarājā, the Lord of cosmic dance, in Rāgam Nāttai. This was followed by by the Ganēsha Stuti “Gam Ganapatē”, seeking the blessings of Lord Vināyakā in Rāgam Hamsadwani.

Snigdha’s strength in abhinayā was abundantly portrayed in the next two pieces, namely “Vandē Vāsudēvam” in Rāgam Shree and “Kolam Kāna Vāri” in Rāgam Nāttakurunji. The music was divine and the choreography of “Kolam Kāna Vāri”, portraying the life of Rama was simply exquisite.

The central and most elaborate piece in an ArangÄ“tram is the Varnam.  This item incorporates the Nritta, Natya and Nritya aspects of the Bharatanātyam art from.  This demanding piece requires a lot of stamina, strength, grace, and the ability to convey deep emotions. The varnam Snigdha performed was “Srikrishna Kamalā Nātho” in Rāgam Reethigowla. The rendition of the song by Raghuram Rajagopalan was divine and the choreography was extraordinary. Snigdha’s performance brought both the music and choreography to life. She performed each intricate jati with great precision and depicted each story beautifully. The pinnacle of the entire evening and Snigdha’s performance was the musicians’ rendering of the slokam “Parithrānāya SādhÅ«nām” and Snigdha’s presentation of the Vishwaroopam of Lord Krishna – this scene left the audience spellbound and in tears. I still get goose bumps thinking of that moment.  

After a short intermission, Snigdha started the second half with an energetic Rāgamālika, “Nitya Kalyāni” on Goddess Pārvati. The range of emotions she displayed in this piece showed her poise and maturity. This was followed by a Shiva Stuti “Kapālini” in a rare Rāgam called Pālini. Guru Sridevi’s brilliant arrangement of intricate jathis for the very interesting chittaswarams in this piece was a treat for the eyes.

“Erā Rārā” in Kamās came next. This dance represented the essence of Snigdha and her ethereal abhinayā skills. A very playful piece in which Snigdha represented our longing for reaching the lord of the universe. The recital concluded with a scintillating Tillana in Brindāvani followed by the auspicious conclusion, the Mangalam.

This event could not have been possible without the outstanding orchestra, comprising stalwarts in their respective fields. The brilliant young vocalist Vidvān Raghuram Rajagopalan mesmerized the audience with his soulful music, along with Natyamani’s anchors -  Vidvān Narasimha Murthy Ramamishra on the flute, our own New England jewel, Vidhushi Smt. Tara Bangalore on the violin,  Vidvān Srihari Rangaswamy on the Mridangam and our very own Sudarshan Thirumalai on the rhythm pad.

All in all, Snigdha’s ArangÄ“tram was one that will be etched in our memories for a long time. She demonstrated years of disciplined training, hard work and a deep passion for this art. This is a reflection of the respect and passion that Guru Sridevi Thirumalai  has for the art, that she then  instills in her students. Sridevi has nurtured Snigdha into the dancer she has become and that was apparent from Snigdha’s performance. This dance saw Snigdha bloom into a mature young lady becoming aware of her own potential and strength, yet remaining humble.

We wish Snigdha, currently a senior at Shrewsbury High School, all the very best in all her endeavors.

|