Neesha Nathwani, a resident of Chelmsford, MA and daughter of Jitendra and Nutan Nathwani, recently performed her Nritya Nipuna or solo dance debut. Nritya Nipuna, which literally translates to 'expert dance, is a dance recital and graduation highlighting the age old tradition of learning and mastering Indian classical dance.  Nritya Nipuna has evolved from the tradition of Arangetram. It incorporates the graceful style of Manipuri and the diverse approach of folk dance with the elegant technique of Bharat Natyam. 

Neesha’s Guru, Smt. Jasmine Shah of Aangikam Dance Academy has been teaching Indian Classical Dance for the past twenty-four years and has celebrated the Nritya Nipunas of many of her students. She is well known throughout the New England community for her enthusiastic teaching of classical dance techniques incorporating innovative and contemporary ideas.

Neesha performed to an audience of over 200 people at the Performing Arts Center of Nashoba Technical High School in Westford.  Audience members were enthralled by the variety of Neesha’s pieces, ranging from the aesthetic perfection of Bharat Natyam, the fluidity of Manipuri, to the spontaneous liveliness of folk dances.  

Neesha proved that she had the grace, devotion and endurance of a true Bharat Natyam dancer.  The evening began with a contemporary version of Ganesh Vandana, a prayer offered to Lord Ganesh, followed by Pushpanjali, a dance offering flowers to Natraj, the divine Lord of Dance.  Shloka and Stuti came next, the traditional overture in which the dancer makes obeisance to Lord Shiva and her Guru. Following that was the demanding yet graceful Jathiswaram. 

The next dance, which strayed from the classical theme portrayed in her earlier dances, was Sur Ke Ghungroo. In this piece, Neesha danced to the sweet music of Lord Krishna’s flute, tying imaginary bells of musical notes on her feet.  This dance was a privilege for Neesha to perform as it was originally presented by her Guru Smt. Jasmine Shah.  Moving back to Bharat Natyam, Neesha performed the last two dances of this segment. These were Natnam, a storytelling dance describing the eternal cosmic dance of Shiva Tandav and Thillana, the finale of Bharat Natyam dances, consisting of scintillating composition and intricate body movements. 

After the intermission, Neesha switched from traditional Bharat Natyam to Manipuri and Folk.  With an elaborate costume, Neesha danced gracefully to dances from the region of Manipur, depicting the purest form of devotion and love between Radha and Lord Krishna.  After a quick costume change, Neesha performed a series of folk dances, including songs in Assamese and Gujarati.  One of the highlights was the Assamese folk dance with the traditional assamese sari. The grand finale of the program was the popular Rajasthani song Dholna.

The evening was well appreciated by a captivated audience. They were left in little doubt that while we have committed and talented young people like Neesha (as well as an equally dedicated group of their teachers and parents), our-age old cultural, musical, dance and drama traditions will remain alive and kicking!

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