Dance as Divine Narratives: Avani Kashalikar & Shriyanka Senthilkumaran's Arangetram

On the evening of June 29th, 2024, at the Keefe Tech School Auditorium in Framingham, MA, the classical dance community gathered to witness the much-anticipated Arangetram of Avani Kashalikar and Shriyanka Senthilkumaran, disciples of the esteemed Smt. Sapna Krishnan. Bharatanatyam, revered as the quintessence of South Indian classical dance, was showcased in all its splendor through a meticulously crafted repertoire that spanned the spectrum of this ancient art form.

Under the tutelage of Smt. Sapna Krishnan, Avani and Shriyanka ascended the metaphorical stage with grace and poise, symbolizing their readiness to share their artistry with the world.

The girls inaugurated the Arangetram with a Pushpanjali, an offering of flowers to the gods, followed by the powerful Ganesha Pancharatnam, a hymn invoking Lord Ganesha's blessings. Each item in the program unfolded with meticulous precision and deep spiritual resonance.

This was followed by the Ardhanareeswara Stotram, a beautiful Ragamalika set to Adi Talam. This composition by Sri Adi Shankaracharya is a profound homage to the dual nature of Lord Shiva, embodying both male and female energies. Avani and Shriyanka executed the intricate mudras and expressions with precision, embodying the essence of Ardhanareeswara. Their movements illustrated the divine union of Shiva and Shakti, captivating the audience and evoking a sense of spiritual harmony.

The choreography was thoughtfully designed to highlight the balance between strength and grace, reflecting the core philosophy of the stotra. The dancers' synchronization was impeccable, showcasing their extensive training and deep connection with the rhythm and theme of the piece.

Shriyanka presented the Shanmuga Kauthuvam in Ragam Shanmukhapriya. This vibrant composition by Sri Madurai R Muralidharan celebrates Lord Murugan, the valiant son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The fast-paced nature of the piece allowed Shriyanka to exhibit her technical prowess and energetic footwork. Shriyanka brought an infectious enthusiasm to the stage, embodying the spirit of Lord Murugan with her dynamic expressions and sharp movements. The portrayal of the divine spear (vel) and the peacock was executed with creativity, engaging the audience with every intricate detail of the dance.

This was followed by the Devi Stuthi, a Ragamalika, composed by Sri KV Mahadevan. This composition beautifully encapsulates the myriad aspects of Devi, the mother of the universe. Avani portrayed the divine qualities of Akhilandeshwari, Chamundeshwari, Ashtalakshmi, and Saraswati with grace and devotion. The performance resonated deeply with the audience, showcasing their ability to embody powerful feminine energy through expressive movements and intricate abhinaya.

Accompanied by the talented Nilanjana Nambiar on vocals and Sudevji, the musical backdrop enriched the performance, creating a harmonious blend of dance and music that captivated everyone present.

Following this divine invocation, the duo presented the centerpiece of the Arangetram, Bhavayami Raghuramam. This magnificent composition by Maharaja Swathi Tirunal narrates the epic story of Ramayana, weaving together the major events from Rama's birth to his coronation. Avani and Shriyanka's rendition were a masterclass in storytelling, beautifully unfolding each kanda through intricate choreography and expressive storytelling. The piece is structured with six charanams, each exploring a different segment of the Ramayana. The dancers brought each kanda to life with their dynamic expressions and technical prowess, transitioning seamlessly between the narrative elements while maintaining rhythm and grace. The incorporation of varied ragas for each charanam added depth to the performance, creating an engaging auditory experience alongside the visual storytelling.

After the intermission, the girls performed Chandrachooda, a Ragamalika set to Talamalika, composed by Saint Purandara Dasa. This piece beautifully praises Lord Shiva, depicting him adorned with the crescent moon and as the beloved consort of Parvati. Avani and Shriyanka skillfully portrayed various stories from the Shiva Purana, immersing the audience in the rich tapestry of mythology through expressive movements and intricate abhinaya. Their portrayal of Shiva's duality was particularly captivating, reflecting both strength and tenderness, and setting a reverent tone for the evening.

Next, Shriyanka presented the Mahishasura Mardini Stotram, a powerful traditional composition that exalts Goddess Durga. This stotram, extracted from the verses of Adi Shankaracharya, honors the fierce feminine energy that vanquished the demon Mahishasura. Shriyanka embodied the essence of the divine mother, showcasing her command over intricate footwork and dramatic expressions. Her performance was a stunning tribute to the strength and valor of the goddess, resonating deeply with the audience.

Following this powerful piece, Avani danced to the enchanting Abhang, Vrindavani Venu, set in Ragam Bhimpalasi. Composed by Saint Bhanudas, this lively piece captures the playful spirit of Lord Krishna in his divine playground of Vrindavan along with the animals and birds. Avani's joyful expressions and fluid movements brought the essence of Krishna's playful mirth to life, painting a vivid picture of the idyllic surroundings and his melodious flute.

The performance reached an exhilarating peak with the Thillana, composed by Sri Sudev Warrier in Ragam Chandrajyothi and Adi Talam. This vibrant composition is a celebration of pure nritta, showcasing the dancers' technical prowess and rhythmical brilliance. The energy and joy exuded in their movements were infectious, culminating in a spectacular display of skill and artistry. The incorporation of Lord Shiva's praise in the end verse added a beautiful spiritual dimension to this lively piece.

The Arangetram concluded with the Mangalam, a heartfelt expression of gratitude and respect. This final item encapsulated the essence of the evening, with Avani and Shriyanka conveying their appreciation for their guru, the audience, and the divine. Each item flowed seamlessly into the next, creating a cohesive and engaging experience for all attendees.

Amongst the sequence of the dance items, there were heartfelt speeches in between from family and friends. It was warmly emotional to hear from family and friends, praising the girls while they shared interesting anecdotes about their dance journey. Nilanjana Nambiar supported their complex pieces by narrating a demo and guided the audience.

Avani treated the audience with her vocal singing on that day. Avani's vocal rendition was nothing short of enchanting. Her voice resonated with clarity and emotive depth, effortlessly navigating the intricate melodies and nuances of the 12 ragams involved in the Kriti Arabhimanam. Avani's brother, Aneesh played the saxophone, which added a unique and refreshing dimension in the interlude. His mastery of the instrument was evident as he seamlessly integrated, creating a harmony as he played Vatapi Ganapatim Bhaje and Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma. Aneesh's improvisational skills were particularly noteworthy, as he explored the intricate ragas with creativity and finesse.

The live orchestra provided an enriching backdrop, enhancing the immersive experience of the duo arangetram. The synergy between the dancers and musicians underscored the seamless integration of movement, melody, and rhythm—a hallmark of a well-executed Bharatanatyam recital.

Vocalist Sri Sangita Ratna E P Sudev Warrier, Mridangist Sri Nagarajan Shanmugalingam, Violinist Sri Anandhu Lal and Flute by Sri Ramani Thiyagarajan provided unwavering support to Siri. Guru Sapna Krishnan on the Nattuvangam enthralled the audience with her fast-paced rhythmic recitation of the jathis throughout the recital.

This event was not just a performance; it was a vibrant celebration of dedication, artistry, and cultural heritage. The Arangetram not only showcased the individual talents of Avani and Shriyanka but also highlighted their camaraderie as dance partners. Smt. Sapna Krishnan's choreography was a perfect blend of traditional and innovative elements, allowing the students to shine while remaining rooted in classical Bharatanatyam. It was an evening of music that will be cherished by connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike for its beauty, depth, and sheer musical brilliance.

As they continue their dance journey, we eagerly await their future contributions to the world of Bharatanatyam. Their performances not only honored the rich traditions of Bharatanatyam but also inspired all attendees to appreciate the beauty and depth of this classical art form. We look forward to witnessing their continued growth and contributions to the world of dance in the years to come.

Ensemble

Nattuvangam: Guru Smt. Sapna Krishnan

Vocal: 'Sangeeta Ratna' Sri E P Sudev Warrier

Mridangam and Rhythm Pad: Sri Nagarajan Shanmugalingam

Flute: Sri Ramani Thiagarajan

Violin: Sri Anandhu Lal

Musical Interlude: Avani Kashalikar(Vocal) & Aneesh Kashalikar(Saxophone)

Credits

Emcee: Ramya Srinivasan

Photography: Jeyakumar Sathyamoorthy

Video: Manoj Panicker / MRK Visuals

Makeup: Anu Metra

Sound: Jawed Wahid

Lights: Mark Buchanan

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