Arangetram of Kum. Ananya Balaji

By Sivaranjani Venkataraman

The atmosphere was electric on Saturday, August 16th, 2025 as the J. Everett Collins Center for the Performing Arts at Andover High School transformed into a vibrant stage of tradition and elegance. The hallways were beautifully adorned, and the stage set with care, all in honor of the much-anticipated Bharatanatyam arangetram of Ananya Balaji, devoted disciple of Guru Smt. Preethi Ramesh. It was a day of joy, pride, and cultural splendor, marking a milestone in Ananya’s artistic journey.

As someone who has had the pleasure of knowing Ananya and her family for nearly a decade, I’ve witnessed her passion for dance blossom across many styles such as classical, folk, and western. Her dedication has been evident in countless performances at cultural events, from her dance school’s recitals to festive occasions like Navarathri at local Hindu temples, Pongal, and Chithirai Vizha celebrations hosted by the Tamil Sangams of Massachusetts. She has also brought her artistry to India Day festivities at Shishu Bharathi, consistently radiating energy, grace, and heartfelt devotion.

A committed student of Sarasa Natya Academy, Ananya captivated the audience with a scintillating performance at her Arangetram. The academy, founded in 2012 by the accomplished Guru Smt. Preethi Ramesh, honors her revered guru, Kalaimamani Smt. K.J. Sarasa, a proud torchbearer of the illustrious Vazhuvoor Bani. It is within this lineage of excellence that Ananya’s own path began. A rising junior at Acton-Boxborough Regional High School, she embarked on her Bharatanatyam journey at the tender age of five. What began as a childhood pursuit soon blossomed into a lifelong passion, becoming an integral part of her identity beyond the classroom.

As she explored new interests and grew into a well-rounded student, Ananya’s unwavering love for dance remained constant, ultimately leading her to this proud milestone, her Arangetram. At school, she is equally enthusiastic about academics and the arts, with a keen interest in science and history. She also shines as a member of the Chorus and Theater programs, where her creativity and commitment continue to flourish.

The evening commenced with the traditional Pushpanjali, an offering of flowers set in ragam Gambheera Nattai and Adi talam, followed by the soulful rendition of the Vakratunda Mahakaya Stotram, a reverent invocation to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. This auspicious beginning set a divine tone, inviting blessings for the artistic journey ahead.

Ananya then transitioned into the vibrant Hari Narayana Kauthuvam, also in ragam Gambheera Nattai, set to Chatushra Ekam talam and composed by Thirumangai Azhwar Marimuthu Pillai. Through this dynamic piece, she paid homage to Lord Hari Narayana, embodying the essence of Vishnu’s many avatars with poise and vitality from the serene Matsya to the fierce Narasimha, the playful Krishna to the majestic Kalki. Her expressive movements and commanding stage presence brought each form to life, leaving the audience enthralled.

The next item in the repertoire was the Jathiswaram, set in ragam Saveri and Rupakam talam, a timeless composition by the illustrious Thanjavur Quartet. A hallmark of pure nritta, this piece beautifully highlights the dancer’s mastery of rhythm, precision, and grace. Free from dramatic storytelling, it is a symphony of movement where intricate footwork, sculpted body lines, and rhythmic patterns come together in perfect harmony with the music. Ananya executed the adavus and mudras with remarkable finesse, showcasing her technical prowess and deep understanding of the form. Her performance radiated clarity, control, and elegance, captivating the audience with every beat.

Following this, Ananya presented Shakthi Koothu, a personal favorite and a powerful tribute to the divine feminine. Set in ragam Shiva Shakthi and Adi talam, this stirring composition by the legendary poet Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathiyar celebrates the boundless energy of Goddess Shakti, the cosmic force behind creation, preservation, and transformation. Ananya’s performance was a mesmerizing blend of strength and grace. Through commanding footwork and expressive abhinaya, she embodied both the fierce protector and the compassionate nurturer, capturing the dual essence of the Goddess with remarkable depth. It was a breathtaking portrayal, radiating divine intensity and elegance, that held the audience in awe.

At the heart of the Arangetram was the Varnam, a piece aptly named for its richness and depth, both in color and emotion. Set in the evocative Sriranjani ragam and Adi talam, this masterful composition by the revered Paapanaasam Shivan centered around the soul-stirring plea, “Swami Nee Manam Irangi.” In this deeply devotional piece, the dancer becomes the voice of a devotee imploring Lord Muruga to soften His heart and bestow His grace and compassion.

Spanning nearly 35 minutes, the Varnam is a true test of a dancer’s stamina, artistry, and emotional range. Ananya rose to the challenge with remarkable poise and maturity, seamlessly weaving together passages of nritta, pure dance marked by intricate footwork and rhythmic precision, with abhinaya, where her expressive storytelling brought the devotee’s longing vividly to life. Her transitions were fluid, her energy unwavering, and her command of both technique and emotion left the audience deeply moved. It was a superlative performance that showcased the full spectrum of Bharatanatyam’s beauty and depth.

Kapalini, a Keerthanam in Palini ragam and Adi talam composed by Smt. Lalitha Sivakumar, paid homage to Lord Shiva as Nataraja, the cosmic dancer and protector of the universe. The piece recalled Shiva’s selfless act of consuming the deadly halahala poison, earning the name Neelakantan. Ananya’s performance captured Shiva’s divine presence with grace and power, bringing his cosmic dance and serene strength vividly to life through expressive movement and emotion.

The beloved Chinnanchiru Kiliye, set in Ragamalika ragam and Adi talam, is a lyrical gem composed by Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathiyar. A tender lullaby wrapped in poetic elegance, it captures the affectionate bond between a mother and child, using the metaphor of a little bird to express love, longing, and care. Ananya’s rendition was nothing short of mesmerizing as her gentle expressions and fluid movements drew the audience into a dreamlike state. With each phrase, she painted a portrait of innocence and warmth, leaving the hall immersed in breathless admiration.

The recital reached its joyful crescendo with the fast-paced and vibrant Thillana in Brindavani ragam, set to Adi talam and composed by the legendary Dr. M. Balamurali Krishna. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, this beloved composition radiates exuberance and celebration, making it an ideal finale to an evening steeped in dance and devotion. Ananya brought boundless energy and elegance to the stage, seamlessly blending the crisp precision of nritta with the expressive charm of abhinaya. Her radiant presence and rhythmic brilliance culminated in a dazzling performance, leaving the audience both uplifted and inspired. 

This was followed by Mangalam, the traditional and auspicious conclusion to a Bharatanatyam Arangetram, symbolizing reverence and gratitude. As the final notes faded, the hall resonated with heartfelt applause, a testament to the artistry, discipline, and devotion that had crowned the evening.

The arangetram concluded on a deeply emotional and celebratory note, with heartfelt words of gratitude from Ananya, her parents, and Guru Smt. Preethi Ramesh. Their sincere appreciation was extended to the distinguished ensemble of accompanists and dedicated crew (listed below), whose artistry and support were instrumental in making the evening a resounding success. This collective effort reflected the spirit of collaboration and devotion that defined the entire performance.

With deep admiration, I extend my congratulations to Ananya and wish her continued success as she embarks on this inspiring journey in the sacred art of Bharatanatyam.

Ensemble of accompanists:

Nattuvangam: Guru Smt. Preethi Ramesh

Vocal: Smt. Uma Shankar

Mridangam: Sri. Bhavani Shankar

Violin: Kum. Sharada Krishnan

Flute: Smt. Hema Balasubramanian

Credits:

Master of Ceremonies: Vaishnavi Murthy

Pre-event Photography: Jeyakumar Sathyamoorthy

Event Photography: Rukmini Gowda

Video: KrispFotos(Krish Velmurugan)

Makeup: Anu Metra and Namratha Metra

Brochure Design: Lavanya Selvaraj

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