Scintillating Bharatanatyam Arangetram by Kum. Maya Dhamodharan

Hema Sankaran

Rich with abhinaya and clear footwork, Maya Dhamodharan’s Bharatanatyam arangetram at Littleton High School Auditorium on July 11th, 2026 was a beautiful display of talent. Maya proudly carried forward the Vazhuvoor Bani of her Guru Preethi Ramesh who herself is a disciple of Kalaimamani K.J.Sarasa. Director of Sarasa Natya Academy in Westford Massachusetts, Guru Preethi Ramesh has been instrumental in accepting Maya as her disciple when she was just 5 years old and molding her into a fine dancer today. Maya has indeed absorbed the finer details of the style and techniques of her guru and presented her arangetram with great aplomb.

Maya began the recital with a Pushpanjali in Gambeera Nattai followed by Kali Kauthuvam in a Raga Malika. After seeking the blessings of Lord Kali, she presented a brisk Jathiswaram in Hamsanadhi composed by Sri K N Dandayuthapani pillai that demonstrated her fine control over the footwork. Next was the Ranjanimala, the item was a feast for both the eyes and ears, highlighting composer Thanjavur Shankara Iyer’s brilliant use of Raga Mudra—where the name of each raga is seamlessly woven into the poetic lyrics. Maya mapped these musical transitions beautifully with nuanced abhinaya, bringing the expressive narrative of the piece to life.

The true test of the evening, however, was the centerpiece of the margam: Lalgudi Jayaraman's Varnam, "Innum en Manam" in Ragam Charukesi. Maya demonstrated maturity far beyond her years as she portrayed the Nayika (heroine) enduring the bittersweet pangs of separation from Lord Krishna. She poignantly captured the character's desperation, begging and pleading for her “Aaruyire” (soulmate) to ease her heartache. Her emotional depth and stamina earned her a thunderous, well-deserved round of applause

The session following the intermission began with Shankara Srigiri in Hamsanandi by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal where Maya highlighted the cosmic dance of Shankara in his abode Chitrasabha. It was a fast paced piece filled with intense footwork and strong emotions. This was followed by Periyasamy Thooran’s Kaliyuga Varadhan in Raga Brindavana Saranga, a tribute to the Tamil deity, Lord Murugan. Maya deftly brought to life the lore of Murugan’s origin from Shiva’s third eye and the receiving of the Shakthivel, beautifully pivoting from dramatic intensity to ultimate compassion.

The program reached its climax with a brilliant amalgamation of nritta (pure dance) and abhinaya in a concluding Thillana in Raga Hindolam (composed by Sri K.N. Dandayuthapani Pillai), followed by a traditional Mangalam.

The outstanding live accompaniment of Guru Preethi Ramesh on Nattuvangam, Rajesh Raveendran on Vocals, Sri Sudhaman Subramanian on Mridangam, Sri Ramachandran Sivakumar on Violin and Sri Soulapurapu Kumar Babu on Flute elevated the arangetram to a high level.  We also extend our gratitude to Guru Smt. Aparna Balaji (Abhyaas School of Music) who graced the occasion to bless the budding young dancer on her first step towards a life-long dance journey.

The impressive training by Guru Preethi Ramesh is reflected in every step and expression by Maya. Maya has performed at various venues and won many competitions in the New England Area of the USA including NEMA, NETS, KANE, TARANG, TAGB and the Bengali association.

Our congratulations to Maya on a wonderful performance and best wishes in her future endeavors.