As the microphone crackled and chairs scraped into place, as groups of youngsters milled about crunching on chips and samosas, the deep red curtains drew open slowly and and First Annual Day program of Sarasalaya Natya Academy began at Central Congressional Church, Chelmsford, MA under the guidance of Guru. Preethi Ramesh, Artistic Director, SNA.

Sarasalaya Natya Academy was founded two years ago by classical dancer Preethi Ramesh in memory of her guru Shrimati Kalaimamani K J Sarasa, a precious torch bearer of the Vazhuvoor bani of Bharatanatyam.

From around five in the evening began a string of nine items of seamless traditional dance, each performer striving to convey the effort of countless hours of practice, coordination, and synchronization. From even the far end of the room, one could see the dramatic eye makeup displayed in the dancers' eye movements, the bright smiles on each face as she did her attami or raised a foot in time with the music. The array of colors of the dresses on stage and the jewelry that dangled on every wrist glinted in the spotlight. Between acts, lilting melodies of carnatic songs were played and there was a simultaneous rush as parents swept their little performers off to backstage.

Annual Day began with two traditional slokams, the first of which was Sri Maha Ganesha Pancharatnam, living up to its name with its gem-studded verses. This was followed by an Allaripu in Tisram presented by the juniors of the SNA.

Even the youngest audience members sat to watch the performers of their age dance rhythmically to short pieces called adavus, exhibiting the carefully-learned footwork.

Preethi Ramesh calmly announced the dances with their historical and religious backgrounds.  Some of the pieces put on display were Pushpanjali, on the offering of flowers, Mallari and Natesha Kauthuvam on Lord Shiva, Lord Krishna's enchanting way with his flute in Palvadiyum Mugam, and a traditional Shabdam on Lord Krishna Gokulambudi.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of a very rare Dharu varnam in ragam Kamas in praise of Goddess Meenakshi which was presented by the senior student, Madhumita Kaushik of SNA. The program concluded with a traditional Mangalam and a small award ceremony.

But beyond the traditional dances and the participants' fervent (and successful) portrayal of their perfected talents was the heart of Sarasalaya Natya Academy's teachings. That dance isn't purely about the pristinely-executed hand gestures or aramandi positions seen in the various items.

Nor is it about the expressions revealed in each item, from the utter happiness of seeing the lord's smiling face to the Parvati's rage as she destroys evil in the  Dharu Varnam.

Bharatnatyam is a combination of physical skill and deft movements, display of emotions, but most of all, a means by which the dancer can channel her devotion to God and love for this art form.

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