Arangetram: Kenisha Ramakrishnan
by Suryaa Ramaswamy

Kenisha Ramakrishnan's arangetram, hosted by Lasya School of Dance during a vibrant summer evening at Sutton School in Massachusetts, was a showcase of hard work, skill, and choreographic brilliance.

The arangetram began with Natyanjali, where Kenisha sought blessings from Lord Ganesha, Goddess Saraswathi, and Lord Nataraja. The sincerity in her movements, nurtured by the guidance of Guru Sapna Krishnan, set the tone for an evening of artistic brilliance.Devi Keerthanam in Ragam Keeravani transported the audience into the praise of Goddess Meenakshi of Madurai. Kenisha’s graceful expressions and movements, accompanied by the soul-stirring composition of Sri Papanasam Sivan, beautifully sung by Sri Sudev Warrier portrayed the captivating story of Meenakshi, the unparalleled beauty, who stole the heart of Lord Sundaresa. Kali Kauthuvam, a rhythmic ode to Goddess Kali, showcased Kenisha’s prowess in embodying the radiant feminine force and the symbol of destruction of evil. Clad in a resplendent black costume, her portrayal was symbolic and powerful, creating an impactful visual narrative.

The ever popular traditional varnam in Ragam Nattakurunji, 'Swami Naan Undan Adimai,' unfolded next. The varnam, very ably choreographed by Guru Sapna highlighted the nayika's deep love and devotion for Lord Nataraja. The sancharis on Kannappa and Markandeya were portrayed with such authenticity that the stories came alive, emphasizing the universal truth that God recognizes and appreciates devotion in all its forms. Sri Nagarajan Shanmughalingam’s mridangam, Sri Thiagaran Ramani’s flute and Sri Anandhu Lal’s violin played an instrumental role in breathing life into the sanchari stories. What stood out to me was their keen attention to detail, going beyond mere accompaniment to become a part of the story telling, evidenced by the sound effects that were added even while Kannappa was chopping meat to be offered to Lord Shiva! 

After an engaging intermission, the Dashavataram in Ragamalika unfolded the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu, with Kenisha seamlessly transitioning between each avatar. Chinna Chinna Padam in Ragam Kapi showcased her versatility in portraying the endearing antics of infant Krishna. The joyous Kavadi Chindu, a traditional Tamil folk tune, transported the audience to the temple town of Palani, capturing the devotees' enchanting dance with wooden kavadi structures. The Thillana in Ragam Valachi marked the crescendo, a jubilant combination of rhythmic dance and expressive movements, offering praise to Goddess Parashakti as the giver of life through music and dance.

Throughout the performance, Kenisha’s energy remained unwavering, a testament to years of dedication and training. Even during the arudhi of the Thillana, her leaps were nothing short of breathtaking, surprising the audience with the agility and precision she maintained until the very end. What was also particularly striking to me was her flawless araimandi, which was nothing short of textbook perfection. The subtle touch of her costume's fan gracefully meeting the floor with each araimandi stance was a testament to her mastery of this foundational pose. 

Post performance, in a heartfelt vote of thanks, Kenisha’s parents emphasised that an arangetram is not a solo journey but a collective effort. The sentiment echoed the truth that it takes a village to nurture and support a dancer through the arduous preparation leading up to the grand performance. The event, hosted by Lasya School of Dance, not only showcased the dancer's prowess but also highlighted the invaluable role of the Lasya dance family in helping host such extraordinary performances.  

In conclusion, Kenisha’s arangetram was an epitome of power-packed brilliance, standing out as a gem among the summer arangetrams hosted by Lasya, making it an unforgettable spectacle.

Credits 

Photography - Jeyakumar Sathyamoorthy

Videography - Manoj Panicker

Emcee - Dr Saritha Venkatesh

Make up - Anu Metra

Sound - Mark Sounds

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