Anika Sridhar presented her Bharatanatyam arangetram (ascending of the stage) at the Eleanor Welch Performing Arts Theater at Regis College on August 16, 2015. Anika, a freshman at Newton South High School, is a student of Guru Smt. Sunanda Narayanan, an acclaimed exponent of the Vazhuvoor style of Bharatanatyam, a senior disciple of the renowned Guru Smt. Rhadha and director of the Thillai Fine Arts Academy in Newton, MA. Anika was fortunate to have also trained under Guru Smt. Rhadha herself.

Anika, throughout her arangetram, demonstrated mastery on nritta, abhinaya and strong understanding of the art form beyond movement. This innate skill that Anika possesses came across in every piece she performed, making the evening a purely enjoyable one for everyone assembled.

The curtain raiser of the recital was a musical invocation, the Thodaya Mangalam, in praise of the deities of the Vazhuvoor Temple in South India.

Anika commenced her arangetram with a traditional Pushpanjali - Pushpam (Flowers) Anjali (offering with folded hands) to Nataraja - the Lord of Dance. Pushpanjali was followed by Alarippu - Blossoming of a flower. As the term denotes, this piece starts with subtle and slow movements and transitions to fast paced footwork accompanied by graceful hand and eye movements. Anika performed this with ease and amazing perfection. Her pleasant smile throughout the presentation was captivating and a delight to watch.

Anika continued her recital with a Natesha Kauthuvam in praise of Lord Nataraja. Kauthuvams are short, vigorous pieces performed at the beginning of a recital. Historically, these were pieces performed by dancers leading the ceremonial processions of the temple deities around the village. The choreography tastefully portrayed the masculine dance of Nataraja, with alternating patterns between Anika’s dance and Rohan’s brilliant percussion.  

There was a short musical interlude, performed by local young artists, Adithi Iyer, Sahana Srinivasan and Inesh Vytheswaran. The performance was short and sweet and left the audience wanting more.

Following the musical interlude, Anika presented a varnam, the crown jewel of a Bharatanatyam recital. A Saptaratna krithi, ‘ Bala Sarasa Murali’ a composition of Oothukadu Venkatasubbaier, beautifully choreographed in the format of a traditional varanam by Guru Sunanda, was a testament of the intense training and concerted effort of teacher and student. The varnam, in praise of Lord Krishna showcased several short stories from Krishna’s life that Anika presented with authenticity and a proficiency in abhinaya that seemed well beyond her years. Guru Sunanda’s choreography incorporated several nritta passages, like a garland of adavus, with timely nadai variations.

In the second half of the recital, the first piece,“Aadum Paadhanai” by Ambujam Krishna, depicted the dancing glory of Lord Nataraja, Ananda Tandavam, through dynamic rhythm and movement. In the padam “Themmangu”, Anika brought the stage to life, playing a young girl, confiding rather bashfully to her friend, about her first encounter with a handsome young man who stole her heart. This was followed by another padam “Aarabhimaanam” an interesting musical composition by Tharangampadi Panchanatha in praise of Devi - the Mother Goddess. Anika handled this piece with heartfelt bhakti (devotion), the underlying mood of the piece. Anika performed yet another demanding peice, the Thillana in Kapi, a composition of the late Lalgudi Jayaraman, effortlessly, not missing a beat. Her recital concluded with ‘Maithreem Bhajata’ a benediction on the theme of peace and universal brotherhood.

Guru Sunanda commanded the stage with her impeccable nattuvangam. The orchestra team comprised of the mellifluous rendering by Geetha Murali on vocal, magical fingers of Tara Bangalore on violin, rhythm maestro Rohan Krishnamurthy on mridangam, talented Durga Krishnan on Veena and soulful flute by Joseph Getter. This was a star studded orchestra that provided unparalleled support to Anika, making the union of dance and music magical that evening.

Guru Sunanda’s eloquent introductions of the pieces, professionalism of the sound and lighting and the refined aesthetic of the stage décor added a touch of class to the grand recital.

It was clear from the charming smile on her face and graceful stage presence that Anika thoroughly enjoyed herself throughout this strenuous repertoire. The audience couldn’t help but enjoy the energetic performance. Anika demonstrated mastery in technique and presentation, traits that will certainly take her a long way in her journey as a dancer.

Photo Credit: KT Kannan Photography

|