Reflecting on the busy summer season of 2023, I had the privilege of being the master of ceremony for the first arangetram hosted this season by the Lasya School of Dance on June17, 2023 at the Sutton High school. Summer is synonymous with classical music and dance Arangetram season in the New England area. Young girls adorned in colorful Bharatanatyam attire complemented by exquisite temple jewelry, graceful women draped in silk sarees wearing jasmine flowers add to the overall ambience filled with dance and music.

Sisters of the Gundamaraju family, Shriya and Nitya gave their maiden performance on June 17th, officially inaugurating the Arangetram season for the Lasya school of dance. As the MC of the event, I had the opportunity of being involved in the planning process, practice sessions, engaging conversations with the musicians, discussions on Ragam, Thalam, and composers of the songs, as well as the lively green room interactions and ultimately, the awe-inspiring event itself. I could witness the massive amount of hard work and sincere efforts behind making an event like this a grand success! Like they say, it truly does take a village to put together a show like this with much magnificence and scale.

Shriya and Nitya commenced with a Pushpanjali in Gambheera Nattai setting the stage for a perfect opening performance seeking the blessings from the Guru, Almighty and the audience. This was followed by the famous Anandha Narthana Ganapathim praising the dancing form of Lord Ganapathy. Shriya followed up with a popular song ‘Adivo Alladivo’ composed by the legendary Sri Annamacharya, who holds a special place in the family's heart. Guru Sapna Krishnan's choreography stood out, enabling Shriya to express Annamaiah's elation and excitement on seeing the holy abode of Sreehari. Nitya then performed Akhilandeshwari Chamundeshwari, a composition of Sri K V Mahadevan showcasing the divine trinity of Hindu goddesses. This dance piece was well received by the audience and received a thunderous applause.  A delightful surprise was when Nilanjana Nambiar, the daughter of Guru Sapna Krishnan, joined the lead vocalist, Sri Sudev Warrier on vocals. Her immaculate singing complemented Sudevji's performance harmoniously, earning her a well-deserved applause for rendering this song splendidly!

For the central piece, the girls performed a Varnam about Lord Rama's life, as narrated in the Ramayana. I loved how Shriya and Nitya showcased their fast footwork and expressive movements. The performance highlighted key moments, like the Putrakameshti Yaga and Rama's skill as an archer. The scene in Mithila where Rama win Sita's hand was beautifully enacted. ‘Shri Ramachandra Nannu Brova’, a unique Varnam in Ragam Thodi, praised Lord Rama's virtues, righteousness and valor and was steeped in devotion. Vocals rendered by Sri Sudev Warrier, mridangam by Sri Nagarajan Shanmughalingam, Violin by Sri Anandhu Lal and flute played by Sri Thiagarajan Ramani added much color and vibrancy to the performances by adding multiple nuances and complemented every dance item with perfection.

The second half saw an array of performances, starting with Julath Radha, where the girls narrated how Lord Giridhar was swinging with Radha in a state of ecstasy on the banks of river Jamuna. The costumes were so enchanting and apt for this performance. Kapalini Dayanidhi, a song in Ragam Palini, quickly followed and was a fitting performance by Nitya where she fiercely danced as Lord Shiva wearing the necklace of skulls. Shriya's performance as Hanuman was equally enjoyable as they watched her dance to Kalasaapuramu in ragam Vasantha. Shriya did a fabulous job performing as the Vaayu Putra exhibiting his immeasurable might.

The event concluded with a Thillana in ragam Dhanashree composed by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal in praise of Lord Padmanabha and we all applauded thunderously with joy when Shriya and Nitya ended their Arangetram with the finale Mangalam. The standing ovation from the audience was a goosebumps moment.

It was entertaining to hear the anecdotes shared by family, friends of Shriya and Nitya as intervals between the dances. It was heartwarming to hear their grandfather talk about the girls in appreciative encouragement. Being the MC I had the honor and privilege of watching the Arangetram up close and so I could see how challenging it was to put together an event like this for the audience.

Kudos to Nilanjana and Madhumitha, daughters of the Guru, who tirelessly worked behind the scenes throughout the Arangetram and the rehearsals being a huge support system to the girls doing their Arangetram. The audience was treated to a delicious dinner after the Arangetram and all the folks thoroughly enjoyed the dinner after witnessing the heartfelt performance.

Much respect and admiration to Guru Sapna Krishnan for her exceptional choreography and direction in all the performances. It was indeed an unforgettable Arangetram, totally remarkable! I feel blessed and grateful for being a part of this joyous and momentous occasion of the Gundamaraju family. Much love and blessings to the sisters Shriya and Nitya for a bright future in Bharatanatyam!

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