Janani Shanmugam recently completed her Bharthanatyam Arangetram under the guidance of her Guru Smt. Sujatha Meyyappan, the artistic director of Kolam Academy of Dance. On June 13th, 2026 at Medway High School, she showed her dedication, passion and energy into this lovely art form. Through her senior year of high school, Janani put hours of work into preparing for this debut and ascended the stage with high energy and power-packed movements.

Guru Smt. Sujatha Meyyappan had picked out a beautiful set of compositions for Janani to show her training and skills in Bharthanatyam. With Janani’s technique on stage, along with Guru Smt. Sujatha Meyyappan nattuvangam, and the lovely musicians: on vocal, ‘Sangeetha Ratna’ Sri E P Sudev Warrier; on the mridangam, Sri Nagarajan Shanmugalingam; on the flute, Sri Ramani Thiagarajan, and on the violin, Sri Anandhu Lal, it was a treat for everyone to watch!

Before Janani started dancing, she graced everyone with an invocation song sung by herself, showing her talents in not just dance, but carnatic music as well!

Janani started off her dance debut with Pushpanjali in Ragam Jog and Talam Adi. This pushpanjali is composed by Guru Kalaimamani Sri. Madurai R. Muralidharan. Pushpanjali, meaning offering of flowers, Janani ascended the stage seeking blessings from Lord Nataraja, her Guru, the musicians, Mother Earth, and the audience. Her vibrant energy started off her dance debut with a beautiful way to begin her Arangetram. The next two items were Soorya Kavithuvam in Ragam Palini and Talam Adi and Ganesha Stuthi in Ragam Revathi and Talam Adi; both compositions of Guru Kalaimamani Sri. Madurai R. Muralidharan. With the vibrant energy from these compositions, Janani lived up to the speed of the songs and the sharpness in each and every movement.

The centerpiece of an Arangetram is the Varnam. Janani’s varnam - a popular composition by Guru Kalaimamani Sri. Madurai R. Muralidharan, “Konjum Salangai” in Ragam Lathanji, and Talam Adi. The varnam praises Lord Nataraja - the God of Dance. Varnam combines 3 main aspects of Bharthanatyam - Nritta, Nrithya, and Natya, and Janani portrayed all through this varnam with such ease. She not only showed her sharp movements, and technique but also her ability for storytelling through her sanchari’s depicting the legendary story, Samudra Manthan.

After a short intermission, Janani came back on stage with great force for her next song, Maha Kali, set in Ragam Gowla, and Talam Adi. This is another composition of Guru Kalaimamani Sri. Madurai R. Muralidharan. Goddess Kali is a symbol of power and dissolution - and Janani showed just that, and what a way to start the second half of the show!

Following Maha Kali, we have transitioned into praising Lord Muruga. Lord Muruga holds a special place in Janani’s family - making these next two songs very special for her and her family. Starting off with, Thiruppugazh Natyam, set in Ragam Shanmugapriya and Talam Adi, composed by Saint Arunagiri Nadhar. Janani’s portrayal showed exactly what this song is celebrated for: intricate rhythm, rich poetry, and deep devotion. Next, she got the audience to clap along with an upbeat Kavadi - Azhagana Pazhani Malai set in Ragam Brindhavani and Talam Ekam (tisra nadai); composed by Thadaaga Ilamurugu. With this unique composition, Janani got to show Murugan’s playful charm and powerful presence.

With her last piece of the evening, Thillana set in Ragam Kadhanakuthuklam and Talam Adi. A very popular composition by Dr. M. Balamuralikrishna, Janani was able to show that same energy from her Pushpanjali to the end of this Thillana, praising Lord Krishna. Following the Thillana, Janani finished with her Mangalam, Eru Mayil, and a standing ovation from the audience.