Arangetram: Ananya Vel And Mullai Jeyakumar
by Ramya Srinivasan

Ananya Vel and Mullai Jeyakumar's Bharatanatyam Arangetram, hosted by the Lasya School of Dance, was a breathtaking  journey of a mother and daughter, that unfolded at Sutton High School on August 26th, marking more than a decade of their dedication to this traditional art form.

In the days leading up to the event, I had the privilege of witnessing their dance rehearsal, being the emcee for the event. Knowing Ananya and Mullai for a decade, I was familiar with their commitment to Bharatanatyam. Yet, seeing their rehearsal left me in awe, prompting me to rework my script to truly capture the essence of their dedication. The day of the arangetram was filled with palpable excitement. The air was filled with the sweet fragrance of jasmine and the hallways of Sutton High School buzzed with vibrant colors as family and friends, draped in grand Indian attire, gathered for this much-anticipated event.

The arangetram began with a sacred pooja, where the mother-daughter duo sought blessings from their Guru and elders. The attendance of numerous respected music and dance Gurus from the New England area under one roof lent an air of distinction, making this event a genuinely auspicious occasion. Ananya and Mullai's first performance was a Pushpanjali in captivating Vijayavasantham ragam. In a beautifully choreographed moment, Ananya bowing to her mom, preceding her blessings from the Guru and Lord, conveyed a simple yet touching truth – that the maternal bond takes precedence, even over the guru who dedicated years imparting the art and the ultimate supreme. This heartfelt moment brought tears and resonated with many in the audience, including myself.

The subsequent dance items were mesmerising - Ananya's portrayal of Nirutha Ganapathy, embodying the elephant-headed god, showcased her youthful energy and technical prowess. The duet featuring a Jathiswaram in the ragam Hamsanandi, highlighted the seamless coordination of the mother and daughter and their technical finesse in the nritta aspect of the art form. Mullai's solo performance on ‘Pradosha Samayadi’ was spectacular describing how Lord Shiva blissfully danced his majestic Tandava as Nandi played the Mridangam. Dancing to a solo piece with fast paced jathi korvais demands significant endurance, and it was truly impressive to see how she navigated through the performance with grace and stamina despite starting her dance journey later in life. Ananya's Kali Kavuthuvam, choreographed by Guru Sapna Krishnan, was a testament to her professionalism at just sixteen. The precision in her adavus and intricate footwork showcased a level of maturity beyond her years.

The centrepiece of the evening was the Varnam where Ananya masterfully portrayed Radha's poignant yearning for Lord Krishna. This varnam, "Kuzhalosai Ketkuthadi Radhe '', written and composed by the vocalist Sri Sudev Warrier, delved into the theme of lovers' separation with emotional depth . The bold decision to introduce a thematic choice unseen in New England arangetram stages reflects Guru Sapna’s courage in pushing artistic boundaries and deserves commendation. The choice of nayika-based varnams depicting viraha is typically reserved for seasoned professionals, making Ananya's attempt, a testament to her Guru’s confidence in her exceptional abilities. Ananya's performance, accompanied by the lilting voice of the composer himself, Sudevji and the flute of Thyagarajan ji, was a captivating narrative that tugged at the heartstrings of many.

Following a brief intermission, the second half of the arangetram commenced with Mahadeva Shiva Shambo, where Ananya portrayed the power of Lord Shiva. Mullai's depiction of the six-faced Lord Muruga followed next. Mullai skillfully portrayed a spectrum of emotions from being coy, bashful, timid, fearful, wary, reluctant, and self-conscious—all in a matter of a few seconds.

Ananya's portrayal of Andal in "Varanam Aayiram" unfolded as a joyous celestial wedding, expertly choreographed by Sapnaji to capture the profound nuances of Andal's divine connection with Lord Vishnu.The carefully orchestrated dropping of flowers during Andal's union with Ranganatha moved the audience, making this long-awaited performance a touching experience for all. The next dance was a playful Thaye Yashoda, performed by Ananya and Mullai and it added a delightful contrast. Their chemistry, with Ananya as the mischievous Krishna and Mullai as the complaining Gopikas, brought humor and charm to the narrative. Ananya's concluding Thillana in Brindavani Saranga was a burst of exuberance, leaving the audience uplifted and joyous.

The arangetram of this mom and daughter was not just a showcase of their individual talents but a collective effort that involved a dedicated team. Live orchestra, led by Guru Sapna Krishnan on nattuvangam, Sri Sudev Warrier on vocals, Sri Anandhu Lal on violin, Sri Nagarajan Shanmughalingam on percussion and Sri Thiagarajan Raman on flute provided unwavering support. Meticulous planning by Ananya's father, Jeyakumar Sathyamoorthy, ably supported by an army of friends and family, played a pivotal role in the success of the event. JK's speech during the arangetram added a delightful highlight, proving as enjoyable as the mesmerizing dances and the captivating pictures he captures. His heartfelt words added a personal touch to the event, enhancing the overall experience for everyone present. Post the dance performances, Guru Sapna Krishnan spoke highly of Ananya's dedication, underscoring her rigorous practice and relentless hard work and eloquently shared Mullai's inspirational journey, emphasizing her passion for embracing Bharatanatyam as an adult.

In conclusion, Ananya and Mullai's Bharatanatyam Arangetram was a celebration of art and resilience. The event was a testament to the power of passion and dedication of a mom and daughter, proving that age and circumstances are no barriers to embracing the beauty of classical dance.

Credits:

Makeup - Anu Metra

Portfolio Photography: Jeyakumar Sathyamoorthy

Event Photography: KT Kannan Photography, Senthilkumar Selvaraj

Video: Saravanan Meyappan

Lights and Sound: Mark/New England Stage Works

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