On the perfect summer afternoon on August 10^th 2024, Janya performed her debut at the Saint Johns High School in Shrewsbury, MA. Her program was an exquisite repertoire of Bharatanatyam which demonstrated her deep connection to her cultural heritage and the Indian classical arts. The program opened with a Pushpanjali, an offering of flowers to Lord Nataraja, in raga Hamsadhwani set to Adi tala. Seeking blessings from her guru and the audience, Janya then performed Pari Pari Nee Padame, also in raga Hamsadhwani and Adi tala, composed by the legendary artist Dr. M. Balamuralikrishna. This beautiful dedication to Lord Ganesha set the stage for the well-known Ragamalika Jatiswaram in Chapu tala, which features the five ragas Kalyani, Begada, Atana, Thodi, and Surutti. In this piece, composed by the Tanjore Quartette, Janya presented intricate footwork with a precise sense of rhythm. She captivated the audience with her mastery of nritta—the aspect of pure dance—as she executed complex movements with angasuddhi, the purity of posture and movement.

Natajana Palini in the lilting raga Nalinakanti set to Adi tala was enchanting. As Janya explored the Navarasa, the nine human emotions of Sringara (love), Veera (valor), Karuna (compassion), Adbhuta (wonder), Hasya (laughter), Bhayanaka (fear), Bibhatsa (disgust), Raudra (anger), and Shanta (peace), she drew inspiration from stories of the mother goddess from the Puranas. Her dramatic portrayal of the divine mother's valor as she defeated the arrogant demon Mahishasura beautifully contrasted with her deep concern for the safety of Lord Shiva as he swallowed the deadly poison Halahala that rose from the churning of the ocean of milk.

Lalgudi Jayaraman's Varnam, "Chendil Nagar Mevum" on Lord Muruga in raga Neelambari set to Adi tala was the centerpiece of the recital. The Varnam is a technical composition that enables the performer to demonstrate her stamina and skill while seamlessly blending abhinaya and nritta. In this highly demanding item, Janya brought the story to life with intense rhythm and a deep connection to the sahitya. Veena Vidwan Dr. Ram Naidu and Dr. Radha Narsimhan commented, "Janya's dancing was effortless, elegant and spontaneous. She made complex footwork appear easy as she executed trikala jatis, teermanams, arudhis and expansive sancharis with confidence, dexterity and smiles of satisfaction. This is the result of the deep understanding that she has gained through years of intense hard work and the blessings of her guru."

Following a brief intermission, Janya performed Sri Jalandharam composed by the Mysore Maharaja Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar in raga Gambheera Nata set to Adi tala. In a dramatic sanchari, she showed us Shiva arresting the energy of the mighty Ganga as the river descended from the heavens to earth in response to Bhagirata's penance.  In Brahma Kadigina in raga Mukhari and Adi tala, Janya presented facets of the Dasavatara with Vishnu first as Vamana who regained control of the Earth from the asura king Bali with three magnificent steps, and then as the playful Krishna who overcame the serpent Kaliya. Janya brought these mythological stories to life, capturing and contrasting their grandeur and divinity with grace and excitement.

The program was filled with the thoughtful choreography of Smt Sridevi. It was evident that the guru had understood how to bring out the best in her student. Janya's expressive talent was showcased in the devotional sancharis of the navarasa, followed by the dramatic depiction of Valli's marriage to Lord Muruga and finally the sringara of the Javali Smarasundaranguni in raga Paras. You could almost hear the veena being tuned by the heroine before she performed for her beloved nayaka who showered her with appreciation and praise. 

As the grand finale, Janya performed Lalgudi Jayaraman's Thillana in raga Sindhu Bhairavi set to Adi tala. This lively and rhythmic piece with its beautiful charana on Lord Muruga was a fitting conclusion to the performance. Janya's movements, dynamic and precise, filled the stage with a vibrant energy that left the audience exhilarated. The afternoon concluded with a mangalam, filling us with a sense of fulfillment and joy, for Janya, for her guru, and for all those who had the privilege of witnessing her Arangetram.

Smt. Tara Bangalore, who is also Janya's vocal music guru, provided beautiful melodic support on the violin. Her detailed and imaginative expositions of the ragas Nalinakanti, Neelambari and Paras seamlessly aligned with Janya's abhinaya. She also enthralled the audience with her soulful rendition of Adi Shankara's Bhaja Govindam.

The music of the orchestra seemed to dance along with Janya. It was delightful to witness the performance of a dedicated group of talented young musicians that included the voices of Amrita Ajai Thirumalai and Medha Jayendran, Tarun Bangalore on the Mridangam, and Sudarshan Ajai Thirumalai on the Rhythm pad. Together, with Smt. Sridevi on the Nattuvangam and Smt. Tara on the violin, they highlighted the beauty of each piece as they created the appropriate atmosphere of melody, drama, suspense and devotion.

Photography by Saravanan Meyyappan

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