Arangetram: Shreya Suresh

Summer in New England is synchronous to the vibrant Arangetram season. Arangetram (Dance debut) is when a dancer is able to ascend the stage as an independent performer show casing her rigorous training in dance for many years. The pandemic which put a hold on several planned events, finally was coming to an end. This was a dream come true moment for a young dancer Shreya Suresh, disciple of Smt. Sapna Krishnan, (Artistic Director of Lasya school of dance). Shreya Suresh performed her Arangetram on August 13^th, 2022 at Sutton High school Auditorium, MA

The Arangetram was well attended by dance and music lovers from New England and Shreya’s friends and family from India and the US. The Ensemble included Smt. Sapna Krishnan, the Guru on Nattuvangam, ‘Sangeetha Ratna’ Sri E P Sudev Warrier on the Vocal, Sri Nagarajan Shanmugalingam on Mridangam and Rhythm pad, Sri V K Sivakumar on Flute and Sri Ananda Nadayogi on Violin.

The invocation piece was a Ganesha Vandana in Ragam Hindolam and Adi Talam. Shreya captivated the audience and made a wonderful first impression with her cheerful and bright smile, beautiful expressions, neck and foot work, stage presence and confidence. The second dance was a beautiful Andal kavutuam in Malayamarudam Ragam, in praise of Andal, also known as Kothai Nachiyar, who was the only female Azhvar among the twelve Hindu poet saints of South India. Margazhi Thingal is the first paasuram of Thiruppavai, written by Andal as part of the vow observed throughout the month of Margazhi. She depicted the Periyalvar, Vishnuchittar story in this item. Shreya adorned by a garland, enthralled the audience with her expressions and striking poses.

The next dance was a Shabdam on Lord Muruga, in Ragamalika set to Misra Chapu Talam. She literally danced like a peacock and it was adorable to see her pet baby Muruga. Surapadman vadham was depicted fiercefully. I particularly enjoyed the leg lifts and balance in this dance.

In the interlude segment, Nilanjana Nambiar, a senior student at Lasya School entertained us with her beautiful voice by singing “Janaki Jaane”- a Bhajan on Lord Rama. Sri Sudev Warrier sang Manasa Sancharare, a Telugu composition in Ragam Shyaamaa.

The next item was the much-awaited Varnam, which is the most elaborate dance piece in an Arangetram that combines technical skills and detailed expressions and a test to the dancer’s stamina. Varnam was in praise of the Lord of dance, Lord Shiva. Parvathi’s penance to Lord Shiva, Shiva- Parvathi wedding and Markandeya story was captured beautifully in this piece. Shreya displayed high energy levels to the fast Jathis by the Guru.

After a short intermission, Shreya resumed her performance with a Saraswathi Vandana- Maamavathu Sree Saraswathi in praise of the bestower of speech, knowledge and wisdom. The next was Dasavatharam- Parkadal alai mele, a beautiful dance that portrays the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu. This was followed by Mahakali, a composition by Sri Madurai R. Muralidharan in ragam Bowli. Shreya showcased her fierceful dance movements in this item. Nilanjana Nambiar and Madhumita Nambiar gave back up vocals for this song.

A Thani Avartanam segment by the talented musicians showcased Ennathavam Seidhane by Sri Sivakumar (Flute) and Sri Ananda Nadayogi (Violin), followed by brilliant interplay of Mridangam and Rhythm pad by Sri Nagarajan. Audience engaged themselves joyously, by clapping rhythmically to the beats

This was followed by a soulful bhajan by Saint Tulasidas in praise of Lord Rama. Shreya depicted Rama’s composed nature with poise and grace and Rama’s valor in her majestic moves. The next item was a fun piece Maadu Meikkum Kanne in Ragam Chenchurutti. In this foot tapping song by Oothukaadu Venkatasubbaiar, Shreya did a beautiful roleplay of both Krishna and Yashoda with seamless transitions. Krishana’s mischief and Yashoda’s motherly instincts were very evident in her performance. Shreya’s face expressions were particularly delightful to watch.

Then we got to witness the brilliant Thillana on Lord Shiva composed by Sri Sudev Warrier in Ragam Chandrajyothi set to Adi Talam. This fast-paced item with intricate footwork was the concluding item followed by Mangalam.

Shreya depicted high energy levels throughout the performance and the elated face of the Guru explained it all. Shreya’s family including her Chithi, Grandmother and Parents addressed the audience. Shreya’s brother Rohith did a fantastic job of MCing the event. It was a beautiful Arangetram with tastefully done decorations and fantastic list of dance items!!!

Credits:

Video: Manoj Panicker
Photography: Beji Joseph
Sound: Manish Kurup
Make up: Anu Metra
Lights: Sutton High School

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