In 2020 the entire world came to a standstill.  The new terminology is “Lockdown”, “Shelter in Place”,“Social Distancing” to name a few, all because of a microscopic virus called COVID-19!  I’ve studied about pandemics as a student decades ago – never in my wildest dreams did I think I would actually live through one – but here we are!

I am a dancer, teacher, choreographer and Curator of TriNethra - the third eye festival of dance, but what does that have to do with a Pandemic?  Everything!  As the entire world is in a state of paralysis because of this virus, everything has stopped – schools, playgrounds, offices and of course large public events. 

My 2020 Arangetram Season was to begin on June 27^th, but in early April I had a virtual meeting with my families and we decided to cancel the season and have everyone perform in 2021.  I felt for the families, but I felt even more for my students who had been tirelessly working and striving to be the best dancer they could be.  So I offered them the option to perform the Arangetram at their home on the prefixed day to recorded music and with close family and friends present virtually.  This was an absolute first for me in all my 33 years of teaching dance! 

16-year old Nayonika Singh, who has been learning with me for the past 11 plus year’s decided she wanted to keep 2020 as her Arangetram year.

So on the appointed day Nayonika’s mother woke up early, made some prasadam and did a special pooja to Kolhapur Lakshmi.  Then got to work to get her daughter dressed in full Bharathanatayam regalia – she looked gorgeous!  A few days prior her parents had (with some input from me) transformed their entertainment room into a beautiful performance space!  There was a simple but elegant altar to place Lord Nataraja, Lord Ganesha, the Kalasham representing Kolhapur Lakshmi and the picture of my Guru, K.J. Govindarajan. 

Joined Virtually by Nayonika’s Maternal grandparents and my family, I started the Arangetram with the lighting of the lamps and performing the Aarati, all as Nayonika’s mother sang the traditional Marathi Aarati to the different deities!   This was also a first in a long time, as auditoriums in the US do not allow any open flame or incense as it is a fire hazard!  After chanting Mantrams, Nayonika was presented with her Challangai (ankle bells), and we were officially ready to begin dancing.

 I sang her Kautvam and Allaripu while keeping beat with the Nattuvangam, the rest of her traditional Margam was performed to recorded music.   

Though initially a bit nervous, she settled down very quickly and performed with immense sincerity and devotion.  I was blown away by her resilience and so proud of her being satisfied to do this major performance on such a personal and intimate scale!

I have to say the experience for me as her teacher was really soul stirring!  To see my student up close and actually look into her eyes, her soul, as she danced and emoted, while at the same time feeling the vibration of her stamping literally creep up my body from the floor was an experience like none I have ever had.  It was an affirmation of the bond that has always existed between student and teacher!

The Covid-19 pandemic allowed us to perform the Arangetram as it originally was, sans musicians.  The dancer, the teacher and the dancer’s family, the most important people, were all present to celebrate this momentous occasion in the young dancer’s dance journey.  This very intimate celebration created a spiritual aura in the dancers home and allowed all of us to revel in its vibrations!  Honestly, I would truly prefer to have Arangetrams conducted in this way, it will help a whole generation to truly understand the devotional and spiritual aspect of dance!

|