Arangetram: Neha Thurai And Harshitha Narahari
by Reena Isaac

For over nineteen years, Guru Sapna Krishnan's disciples at the Lasya School of Dance have been the torchbearers of Bharatanatyam excellence in the heart of MetroWest Boston. Amidst the splendor of the radiant summer, on Saturday, August 12th, 2023, Neha Thurai and Harshitha Narahari continued to weave the illustrious tapestry of the Nrityanjali tradition. Their debut Bharatanatyam dance recital unfolded with finesse at the Sutton High School auditorium.

Harshitha and Neha embarked on their recital with a reverent Pushpanjali, a heartfelt gesture of respect to God, their Guru, the accompanying musicians, and the audience, humbly seeking their blessings. After this touching tribute, they delved into the captivating "Ganesha Pancharatnam," a hymn penned by the venerable Shri Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century, set to the melodious Ragam Ragmalika. Their performance infused the atmosphere with positive energy, evoking a sense of divine grace in honor of Lord Ganesha.

The stage then came alive with "Alapanam," a Malayalam song celebrating Jesus Christ. Neha's graceful dance portrayed Jesus's compassion and kindness towards his devotees. This exquisite composition, by Sri Sudev Warrier, in Ragam Lathangi, is a testament to Guru Sapna Krishnan and Sudevji's creative brilliance, bridging cultures and tradition with innovation.

Next, Harshitha's solo performance featured the  Telugu song "Akhilandeswari" in Ragamalika, composed by Sri KV Mahadevan, celebrating the multifaceted aspects of Devi-Parvati, Lakshmi, and Saraswathi. Her dance was mesmerizing, seamlessly transitioning from the fierce Durga to the radiant Lakshmi and serene Saraswathi. Each goddess's essence was vividly expressed, enthralling the audience. Adding to the magic, Nilanjana, Guru Sapna's daughter, joined the musicians. The contrast between Sudev Warrier's deep tones and Nilanjana's ethereal notes harmonized perfectly, enhancing Harshitha's dazzling performance and creating an unforgettable experience.

Their repertoire's centerpiece was next  - the Varnam, a technically demanding dance piece that tests a dancer's endurance while requiring nuanced expressions. Harshitha and Neha elegantly presented a Varnam in Ragam Hamsadwani, dedicated to Lord Muruga, symbolizing courage, wisdom, and compassion. In this performance, they depicted Lord Muruga's triumphant battle against the evil Surapadman, his majestic peacock ride, and his teaching of OM's essence to Lord Shiva. Notably, the Varnam featured a unique element: its charanam section incorporated "thattimeetu adavus," a complex rhythmic footwork style in pancha nadai. This intricate addition heightened the rhythmic complexity, elevating their performance's visual and auditory aspects, resulting in a true masterpiece of the art.

The second half commenced with a renowned piece, "Shivashtakam Prabhum Prananatham Vibhum Vishwanatham," dedicated to Lord Shiva. Harshitha and Neha showcased their Guru's choreographic prowess with precision and taste in a sprightly performance. It testified to the deep bond between artistry and devotion. 

Next, an enchanting Abhang in Ragam Bimplas dedicated to Lord Krishna and composed by Saint Bhanudas was unveiled. Harshitha's fascinating performance depicted Lord Krishna's playful divinity, whisking the audience to the magical realm of Vrindavan. There, the melodious strains of Krishna's flute echoed through Govardhan's scenic landscapes, offering a captivating journey into devotion and joy. 

Neha then delivered a dynamic presentation of "Shivasakthi" in the traditional Tamil folk theater style known as "koothu." This famous composition by Tamil poet and freedom fighter Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathiar, performed in Ragam Shivashakti, beautifully depicted the energy and compassion of the mother Goddess Shakti, symbolizing the union of masculine and feminine forces. Neha's performance truly showcased the art form's multifaceted beauty.

The recital continued with a vibrant enactment of "Kavadi Chindu," which extolled Lord Muruga as the "azhagu deivam," or the beautiful deity. Neha and Harshitha captivated the audience with their spirited display. The inclusion of the Kavadi prop, the accompanying talented musicians, and the flawless choreography collectively infused an authentic essence into the portrayal of the Kavadi Chindu, making it a true crowd-pleaser.

After the stunning performance of "Kavadi Chinthu," the audience was treated to a superb portrayal of Maharaja Swati Thirunal's Thillana in Ragam Dhanashri. This composition celebrates the magnificence of Lord Padmanabha. Neha and Harshitha truly shone during their execution of the Thillana, seamlessly blending intricate rhythms with graceful classical poses. Their presentation was a masterful display of both skill and artistry.

The culminating performance of the dance recital featured Harivarasanam," a sacred lullaby dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, traditionally sung daily at the Sabarimala temple after the final meal of the day, known as Athaaza puja. It was an intriguing spectacle that delighted both the eyes and the ears.

As the event neared its conclusion, the Lasya School of Dance had a heartwarming surprise for Guru Sapna Krishnan, marking a remarkable milestone - 50 students completing their arangetram. The auditorium was bathed in the soft glow of a screen, and a hushed silence fell as a video played. In this touching moment, the 50 students near and far expressed their heartfelt wishes and gratitude to their cherished Guru . They thanked her for nurturing their talents, being a dedicated mentor, and being their beloved 'Sapna Aunty.’The eternally elegant, supremely talented, and remarkably humble Guru Sapna Krishnan and the rest of the Lasya family were deeply moved, their hearts brimming with pride. It was a fitting end to an unforgettable event, a testament to Guru Sapna Krishnan's profound impact on her student's lives, and a reminder of the enduring power of art and mentorship.

Neha and Harshitha consistently displayed enthusiasm and professionalism in their performance, enriched by Guru Sapna Krishnan's celestial choreography. The evening was a delightful experience with Sri Sudev Warrier's resonant voice, Sri Anandhu Lal on the violin, Sri Ramani Thiagarajan on the flute, Sri Nagarajan Shanmugalingam on the mridangam, and Guru Sapna Krishnan as the nattuvanar maintaining flawless harmony. Suryaa Ramaswamy, the emcee for the event, skillfully guided the audience through the captivating dance journey of the Arangetram, which featured an impressive repertoire of dance items. Neha and Harshitha's arangetram was another dazzling jewel in the crown of the Lasya Dance School's impeccable legacy.

Credits:

Photography - Beji Joseph (Beji Photography)

Videography - Manoj Panicker

Make up - Anu Metra

Sound -Jawed Wahid

Lighting- Athipathi

Decorations -Anitha Athipathy

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