An Evening of Devotion and Skill: Bharatanatyam Arangetram of Swathi Kannan & Arthi Kannan

On a balmy Saturday evening of July 27th, 2024, the Medway High School Auditorium became a vibrant hub for classical Indian art, hosting the Bharatanatyam Arangetram of Swathi Kannan and Arthi Kannan, disciples of the esteemed Smt. Sapna Krishnan. This event was not merely a recital, it was a celebration of dedication, artistry, and the rich heritage of Bharatanatyam. The performance was a testament to the sister duo's dedication and the rich tradition of Bharatanatyam, marked by both technical precision and emotive expression. Their presentation was not only a reflection of their rigorous training but also a tribute to their family, with their parents, Kannan Kathiresan and Uma Kannan, proudly supporting their journey.

A Grand Entrance

The moment guests entered the corridor, they were greeted by a spectacle of magnificence that resembled a grand wedding. The decor was nothing short of breathtaking, with an abundance of jasmine flowers creating a fragrant, enchanting atmosphere. The meticulous attention to detail was evident in every element, from the elegantly arranged floral displays to the thoughtfully designed photobooths. Each corner of the corridor was adorned with intricate decorations that captured the essence of the event and set the stage for the evening’s performances.

The presentation of the Bharatanatyam arangetram was elevated by the exceptional quality of the guest book and brochure. The guest book was a visual delight, featuring stunning photographs of the dancers with their family and an exquisite design that perfectly complemented the event’s elegance. Similarly, the arangetram brochure stood out with its thematic coherence and creative layout. Each section was thoughtfully crafted, drawing the reader in and adding to the overall charm of the celebration. Both the guest book and brochure showcased a refined attention to detail that enriched the entire experience.

The Performance: A Blend of Tradition and Artistry

The evening began with "Natyanjali," an invocatory evocative piece set in Ragam Hamsadhwani, which masterfully set a reverent tone for the performance. Swathi and Arthi, through their graceful tribute to Lord Ganesha, Goddess Saraswathi, and Lord Nataraja, created an atmosphere of profound devotion.  The sisters displayed a beautiful synergy, their movements fluid and their expressions aligned with the devotional spirit of the piece. The intricate footwork and graceful gestures were handled with commendable ease, showcasing their deep understanding of the classical form.

The next piece, “Narayana Kauthuvam” in Ragam Gambeera Nattai and Talam Chaturasra Ekam, celebrated Lord Vishnu and his ten avatars. Swathi's performance adeptly blended narrative and movement, vividly illustrating Vishnu’s glory through expressive and technically sound choreography. Their portrayal of the deity’s divine attributes was infused with vibrant energy and reverence. Swathi skillfully navigated the rhythmic complexity of Chaturasra Ekam Thalam, with her varied expressions—from serene devotion to exuberant joy—beautifully capturing the essence of the Kauthuvam in a Dashavatar piece.

“Nachiyar Thirumozhi” was a standout piece by Arthi, showcasing the lyrical beauty of Andal’s Tamil literature. This segment was a feast for the senses, with its rich and varied ragas creating a tapestry of sound that complemented the dancers' emotive portrayal. Arthi brilliantly conveyed the intense love and yearning of Andal for her Lord Ranganatha. Her performance masterfully captured the depth of Andal’s dreamy devotion, vivid imagination, and longing for union with her divine beloved. At the end of the Vaaranam Aayiram song, a breathtaking moment unfolded as Lord Vishnu himself appeared to marry Andal. Swathi portrayed Lord Ranganathar in a stunning depiction, and was accompanied by talented dancers from the Lasya School, adding to the grandeur of the scene. It was a celestial wedding scene, truly a goosebump-inducing moment!

The highlight of the evening was the Varnam, performed in Ragam Sivaranjani and Talam Adi. The Varnam was a true test of the dancers’ skills, blending intricate rhythmic patterns with evocative storytelling. Swathi's and Arthi’s performance was marked by their impressive stamina, precision, and the seamless integration of rhythm and expression.

This piece, dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, intertwined the tales of Goddess Kollur Mookambika and Goddess Abhirami. The sisters' performance was both technically sophisticated and emotionally stirring. The depiction of divine stories of Abhirami Bhattar and Adi Sankaracharya through expressive storytelling, vibrant choreography, and expressive abhinaya demonstrated their understanding of Bharatanatyam’s narrative and emotional depth, resonating deeply with the audience.

The second half of the performance featured “Abhang: Rusli Radha,” set in Ragam Misra Yaman. This Marathi devotional song, which depicts a playful quarrel between Radha and Krishna in Vrindavan, was rendered with a charming mix of grace and humor. Swathi and Arthi brought the celestial lovers' playful banter and tender reconciliation to life through expressive gestures and fluid movements. Their rendition captured the song's essence perfectly, allowing the audience to relish the endearing dynamics of Radha and Krishna’s relationship.

Following this came the vibrant “Kavadi Chindu,” a traditional Tamil folk tune that celebrates the Kavadi Attam, a ritual dance performed by devotees carrying ceremonial structures. The piece was characterized by its energetic rhythms and dynamic display of devotion. Swathi and Arthi’s performance was brimming with exuberance, capturing the fervor and dedication of the devotees as they danced with the kavadi on their journey to the temple town of Palani.

The “Shiva Keerthanam,” set in Ragam Palini and Talam Tisra Adi, presented a vivacious portrayal of Lord Shiva, focusing on his potent tandava dance. Swathi delivered an intense and vigorous depiction of Shiva’s cosmic dance and his association with the kapalam (skull). Her intricate footwork and dramatic expressions effectively conveyed the formidable and energetic aspects of Shiva’s divine presence.

The rendition of the popular Kannada devotional song “Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma” in Ragam Madhyamavathi was a serene and uplifting highlight of the performance. Arthi’s graceful execution and poignant expression of devotion captured the essence of the piece, reflecting a deep reverence for goddess Lakshmi and providing a moment of tranquility and inspiration.

The evening reached its rhythmic zenith with the Kalinga Narthana thillana set in Ragam Gambheera Nattai and Talam Adi. This thillana, composed by Sri Oothukadu Venkata Kavi, depicted the youthful Krishna’s exhilarating dance on the hoods of the serpent Kaliya. Swathi and Arthi’s rendition was a lively display of rhythm and rhapsody, with their super flexible movements and precise footwork illustrating the joyous and triumphant nature of Krishna’s divine intervention.

The program concluded with Harivarasanam and Mangalam, in Ragam Madhyamavathi. This final piece, a devotional prayer to Lord Ayyappa, was performed with a sense of gratitude to seek divine blessings. Arthi's and Swathi's expressions and movements conveyed a heartfelt appreciation for the Lord's blessings and the audience’s support, bringing the performance to a serene and fulfilling close.

A Culinary Delight

The evening was further enhanced by the meticulously curated dinner menu from Adyar Ananda Bhavan. Each dish exemplified culinary excellence, featuring a delightful array of traditional and contemporary items that truly pleased the palate. Presented with impeccable attention to detail, the scrumptious menu was warmly received by the audience and delighted their taste buds, who enjoyed a satisfying and memorable dining experience.

Conclusion

The Arangetram of Swathi Kannan and Arthi Kannan was an impressive demonstration of Bharatanatyam’s intricate beauty and spiritual depth. Their performance skillfully wove together traditional and devotional elements, showcasing their extensive training and deep connection to the art form. Each piece was performed with a distinct blend of technical prowess and emotional expression, making for a captivating and spiritually resonant evening. This event was a celebration of both personal achievement and the rich heritage of Bharatanatyam, affirming the dancers' readiness to further explore and contribute to this timeless tradition.

The thoroughly curated program, with its blend of devotional hymns and intricate choreography, was executed with both grace and fervor. The evening was a testament to their hard work and the profound influence of their Guru, Smt. Sapna Krishnan.

The makeup artist, Anu did a fantastic job transforming the girls into gods or goddesses, while their costumes and coordinated temple jewelry were equally stunning, perfectly complementing their dances.

Heartfelt speeches from the family and friends deeply moved the audience, adding an emotional touch to the evening.

The star-studded musicians provided exceptional support and partnership, perfectly complementing Swathi's and Arthi's Arangetram. Their remarkable performances added depth and brilliance to the evening, enhancing the overall experience and showcasing a harmonious collaboration that enriched the sister duo’s debut.

Swathi and Arthi Kannan’s Arangetram was a resounding success, marked by not only their exceptional performance but also the impeccable planning and execution of the event by the family and close friends. The magnificent decor and delectable dinner created an immersive experience that complemented the beauty of the Bharatanatyam performance.

This Arangetram was a celebration of both artistic achievement and the rich cultural traditions of Bharatanatyam, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.

A special note of appreciation goes to Guru Smt Sapna Krishnan for her exceptional guidance to the girls. Her brilliant concept, spirited choreography, and overall vision played a pivotal role in the success of the event. Her dedication and expertise were evident, from the captivating performances to the seamless execution.

The event was a testimony to the collective effort of the community and showcased the vibrant diversity within it, reflecting a deep appreciation for cultural heritage and artistic excellence. 

Heartfelt congratulations to Swathi and Arthi on their magnificent Arangetram. May this remarkable achievement be the beginning of a bright and successful journey in their Bharatanatyam careers. Wishing them a future filled with continued artistry, joy, and many more accolades.

The Orchestra

Nattuvangam: Guru Smt. Sapna Krishnan

Vocal: ‘Sangeeta Ratna’ Shri. E P Sudev Warrier

Mridangam and Rhythm Pad: Sri. Nagarajan Shanmugalingam

Flute: Sri. Ramani Thiagarajan

Violin: Sri. Anandhu Lal

Credits

Master of Ceremony: Dr Saritha Venkatesh

Pre-Event Photography: KT Kannan Photography LLC

Event Photography: Mr. Jeyakumar Sathyamoorthy, Mr. Veera, Mr. Kannan Kathiresan

Video: Kolam Media Creations

Makeup: Mrs. Anu Metra

Sound: Mr. Satish Movvar

Lighting: Mr. Athipathy

Decorations: Mrs. Anitha, Mrs. Sandhya

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