Natya Arpanam - a special evening of dance by Smt. Sneha Narayan and Sri. Yogesh Kumar hosted by Spandha School of Dance

Jeyanthi Ghatraju 

It is quite uplifting when we come across a perfectly synchronized couple in thought, word and deed that has dedicated their life to a passion that they share. New England dance community and connoisseurs of the art of Bharatanatyam hosted this special dancing duo, Sneha Narayan and Yogesh Kumar from Bengaluru for a week in October to teach Bharatanatyam workshops and perform. 

Sri Yogesh Kumar began his initial training under Guru. Smt. K. Brinda and is currently studying under Guru Vidwan Sri Sathyanarayana Raju, world-renowned Bharatanatyam exponent. He holds a diploma in mechanical engineering, completed Vidwat grade in Bharatanatyam from Karnataka Secondary Education, and Visharada from Akhila Bharatha Gandharva Maha Vidyalaya, Miraj. He is an A- grade artist who received the young talented artist’ award from the South Zone Cultural Center. He was named the second best dancer during the 28th annual “spirit of youth” music and dance festival, held at the prestigious Music Academy in Chennai.

Smt. Sneha Narayan hails from the Sagara Shimoga district. Born into a family of art lovers, Smt. Sneha was initiated into dance and music at a very tender age. She started her training under Guru Sri G.B. Janardhan and then continued her training under Guru Sri P. Praveen Kumar in Bangalore. She pursued her training further under the late Guru Smt. B. Bhanumathi and Guru Smt. Sheela Chandrashekar. Smt. Sneha holds a masters in Bharatanatyam and degrees in Sanskrit and Carnatic Music.

Together, Vid. Sri Yogesh Kumar and Vid. Smt. Sneha Narayan have traveled widely including the United States, Malaysia, Qatar, and Russia. Through their energetic and enthusiastic performances, they have won the hearts of both dance critics and connoisseurs. They are involved in teaching students Bharatanatyam and have
established a school called “Kalasnehi and Narthanayoga” with the goal of passing on Indian culture and heritage to future generations. They have dedicated their lives to the arts after years of sadhana.

That synergy and dedication shines through their performances, elevating audiences to a high level of bliss. One such experience was in the air when they performed at a Friday evening presentation sponsored by the Spandha School of dance, founded by Smt. Suman Adisesh. 

The program commenced with a rare Ganesha Stuthi, a composition of Saint Adi Shankara, choreographed by the duo. This set a brilliant and auspicious start for a stellar evening. 

The next 45 minutes or so was this uplifting story telling of the Ramayana - Bhavayami Raghuramam, a time-tested classic befitting to tell the epic story of Ramayana, composed by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal. 

Every episode was woven so beautifully and aesthetically as Sneha and Yogesh role played the characters. Many  in the audience including students of Spandha were mesmerized by the seamless role transitions, the amazing synchronization between the dancers and some spontaneity as they went about performing the jathis. 

The engaging question and answer segment covered aspects on their perfect synchrony despite coming from different schools of Bharatanatyam, the importance of disciplined daily routines for physical and mental dexterity. 

It is a commendable effort by Suman Adisesh and the Spandha School of Dance and Creative Arts to set and continue this tradition of hosting professional performing artists every few weeks, and their students emceeing the performance. The Q&A sessions are often eye opening to learn from the thoughts and experiences shared by these professional artists. It is also heart warming that they open up the performance to dance enthusiasts in the community to enjoy and interact with the artists. The artists of the evening were introduced by Poorvi Hemmige and the Q&A mediated by Sobha Mahunthan, both students of Spandha. 

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