Arangetram: Arohi Bhowmik And Sonal Gupta

Arangetram: Arohi Bhowmik And Sonal Gupta

Ramya Srinivas
10/21/2019

Indian classical dance is sustained by a profound philosophy. Form seeks to merge with the formless, motions seek to become a part of the motionless, and the dancing individual seeks to become one with the eternal dance of the cosmos.

This phenomenon was truly expressed and experienced by the talented students of the Lasya School of Dance - Arohi Bhowmik and Sonal Gupta.

Arohi and Sonal disciples of Guru, Smt. Sapna Krishnan, successfully completed their Arangetram on September 7th , 2019 at the Algonquin Regional High School High situated in Northborough , MA.

The ensemble included Guru Smt. Sapna Krishnan on the Nattuvangam, Sri Sudev Warrier on Vocals, Sri. Sudhaman Subramanian on Mridangam, Sri. Ramani Thiagarajan on Flute and Sri. Nagarjan Veeramani on the Violin.

The Arangetram began with an invocation song by Sri Sudev Warrier on Lord Siddhi Vinayaka supported by the mesmerizing ensemble.

The evening recital began with a Deepanjali in Vijayavasantham Raagam seeking blessings from the Gods, Guru and the Sabha for a successful program. Both the girls danced with much pomp and vigor proving this to be a fitting piece to inaugurate their arangetram. This Deeparthi was colorful and filled with graceful dance moves with the girls holding the diyas in their hands and dancing.

Dr. Saritha Venkatesh was the emcee for the evening. She walked us through the evening with great details about each dance performance with great humor, metaphors and amusing anecdotes. She kept the audience interested and attentive throughout the program.

Followed by the Deepanjali , Sonal gave a splendid performance for Vaje Mridanga in Misra Brindavani. Ganapathi Bappa Morya echoed the auditorium while Sonal danced to this Marathi Abhang with great energy depicting Lord Ganesha playing the different rhythmic instruments like the mridangam and the melodious flute.

Next it was Arohi on stage to render a power packed performance for Mahishasura Mardini Sthrotram in a traditional Bengali Sloka. Arohi depicted the Goddess Durga as an all-powerful feminine force of the universe who destroys the evil demon Mahishasura.

The center piece of the arangetram was the Dasaavatharam! This major item portrayed the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu in an awe-inspiring pattern - Matsya , Kurma , Varaha , Narasimha , Vamana , Parashurama, Rama , Krishna , Buddha and Kalki. Madhumitha did an impressive job narrating the Dasavatharam in great detail setting the perfect stage for the girls and kept the audience well informed.This enchanting dance accompanied by Ashtapadi brought about the story behind each Avatar. The girls enacting each Avatar elaborately was a true sight to hold and the kept the audience rapt. This piece truly tested the dancer's
stamina and skill as there were 10 jatis between each sancharis. The performance of the Narasimham avatharam was beyond words. Sonal as Hiranyakashapu took pose on the lap of Arohi as Narasimha was enacted in a magnificent way. Their hard work and much dedication to the complex Dasaavatharam item received a standing ovation from the audience at the end with huge appreciation and applause.

During the interlude , the musicians thoroughly entertained the audience with their jugalbandi. Sri. Sudhaman ji and Sri. Sudev ji engaged the audience with much enthusiasm.

After the intermission , Shivashtakam - the octet prayer was performed by Sonal and Arohi in their captivating , vibrant costumes. The 'Tandava' element of dance was picturized with their beautiful moves.

Gopalaka Pahimam in Revagupthi was the next keerthanam performed by Arohi on Lord Krishna. In this beautiful composition by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal , she enacted Sudhama who was bestowed with boundless wealth and prosperity by his dear friend Lord Krishna. Another stunning scene was Yashoda peeping inside Krishna's mouth in awe was performed magnificently by Arohi with remarkable expressions.

This was followed by Keerthanam on the merciful Lord Ram in Kaapi. Sonal portrayed a couple of mythological stories related to the valorous Ram like the Ahalya Moksham , Sabari Moksham and Seeta Swayamvar with elegant choreography.

The Bhupalam Thillana composed by Swathi Thirunal was a unique Thillana delivered gracefully with poise. This joyful dance praising Lord Vishnu involved rhythmic dance portions with intricate jathis.

The grand Arangetram ended with a Mangalam where the dancers sought obeisance to the Almighty , Guru , Musicians and the audience.

Smt. Ranjani Saigal came up on stage and shared alluring thoughts about the

Arangetram and Bharathanatyam with many stories coming alive in her lively speech.

It was a very well organized event, with so much care and attention to the stage dÃ©cor, colorfully coordinated costumes and arrangements at the venue.

There were several friends and family of Arohi and Sonal who were there to support the girls and came up on stage to share their thoughts supporting the girls.

I left the auditorium with a heart filled with joy and satisfaction, a great evening with wonderful dancing by Arohi and Sonal, beautiful choreography by Guru Sapna Krishnan and soulful music by the fantastic orchestra.

This Arangetram was truly soul-stirring and inspirational to all the rasikas , family and friends present to witness the function.
Kudos to the Guru Smt.Sapna Krishnan for her brilliant choreography involving grace paired with crisp footwork and the entire Lasya Family who were the pillars of support!!

You may also access this article through our web-site http://www.lokvani.com/