Anita Gade had her Arangetram on August 8, 2004 at the McKinley Elementary School in Fairfield, CT. Anita is a student of Mrs. Vani Nidadavolu. Vani hails from Tenali, Andhra Pradesh in India and resides in Trumbull, CT. Vani comes from a family of classical musicians and literary enthusiasts. Both of her parents are singers of Carnatic music, and published several books on Carnatic music. Vani started Bharata Natyam in her early childhood under the guidance of Sri P. Krishnamurty.

The program started with Venkat and Veena, parents of Anita welcoming the audience followed by Mrs. Kala Prasad, the main vocal singer offering the traditional prayer to Lord Ganesha.

The program was exciting and entertaining even though it included ten items. The audience was unusually quiet even during the intermission and in between items. The credit for this goes to the orchestra with "Jugalbhandi" type performance involving the flute, mridangam and violin performance.

Anita started with Pushpanjali, a prayer dance to nataraja (in ragam, Arabhi and talam, Aadi). This was followed by the traditional Alarimpu and then Jathiswaram. The dance came to an exciting crescendo with the audience thoroughly warmed up with the fast jathi and rhythmic beauty of pure dance. The first "Jugalbhandhi" gave a taste of what is ahead with the flute and mridangam taking the lead.

The Shabdam (Sarasijakshulu) was the display of pure love for the Lord Krishna (in ragam, Ragamalika and talam, Misrachapu). This was followed by a Keertana, composed by Sri Tyagaraja (in ragam, Abheri and talam, Aadi). These duo of dance pieces took the audience in to a deep trance with intricate dance and vivid expressions by the dancer, Anita.

After a brief introduction of the artists, it was time for the piece de resistance, Varnam (Chalamela in ragam, Natajuranji and talam, Aadi). True to the name, Varnam took the audience off their feet with an incredible performance by Anita. The credit also goes to a beautiful choreography by the dance teacher, Vani and the orchestra coming out in full force.

After a spell-binding "Jugalbhandi" following intermission, it was time for another Keertana by Sri Annamacharya (in ragam, Shree and talam, Kandachapu). Then, it was time for Padam, Madhura Nagarilo (in ragam, Ananda Bhairavi and talam, Aadi). This piece, a huge favorite for many art connoisseurs came out better than the Varnam according to some in the audience. Anita's dance performance in this piece was artfully enhanced by yet another dress.

It was time for the chief guest, Dr. Tiruvengada Seshan, who briefly quoted the historical significance of Bharata Natyam with its roots in Vedas. Anita delivered her vote of thanks to all those, who helped with the program and certainly highlighting the teacher, orchestra, family and friends. Anita was fortunate to have both sets of her grand parents, who visited from India.

The program ended on a high note with Tillana composed by Sri Balamurali Krishna and Mangalam.

The orchestra consisted of Mrs. Kala Prasad (Vocal), Murali Balachandran (Mridangam), V.K Raman (Flute), A.R. Balaskandan (Violin), and Miss Leela Ramanadham (Veena).

Finally, it couldn’t have been such a well orchestrated program without the masterful emcee, Mrs. Usha Kanithi. Usha has the talent, experience and most importantly the grace of an accomplished artist. The audience gave a standing ovation and highlighted the scintillating performance as a true testament to the talent of Anita and the accomplished orchestra.

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