In Tamil “Arangetram” literally means climbing the stage – thus representing the graduation ceremony where the guru presents the student to the public.  Under the able guidance and tutelage of Smt.Ranjani Saigal of Eastern Rhythms, Monica Lakshmi Manickam (daughter of Meena and Swami Manickam) started learning BharathaNatyam at the age of 6 and was ready to showcase her BharathaNatyam on July 30, 2011 at the Bellingham high school, MA.  Swami Manickam started the proceedings by welcoming all.  Monica’s brother Surya Manickam did a great job of MCing his sister’s arangetram.

Monica started her arangetram with “Panchamurth Anjali” in ragam Nattai and talam Misra Chapu, she offered obeisance to Lord Ganesha, Lord Muruga, Lord Nataraja, Goddess SivakamaSundari and Chandikeshwara. It was followed by Ganesha Pancharatnam set to Tisraekam. She set the perfect groundwork for the rest of the evening.

The next item was “Jatiswaram” in ragam Bahudari and talam Adi, this was followed by padam “Devi Neeye Thunai” in ragam keeravani and talam Adi. In this Monica portrayed the greatness of goddess Meenakshi with a beautiful rendition of sanchari where she accomplished smooth change over to God and Goddess with a natural ease.

This was followed by the center piece of any BharathaNatyam Arangetram, “Varnam” in ragam Bhairavi and talam Adi on Lord Venkateshwara. Monica showed an entire gamut of expressions in the varnam during sahithyam, sanchari while enacting the stories of sage Brigu, Thirumangai Alwar and Arjuna. Monica’s clarity, confidence and composure during the Varnam were impressive. The combination of Monica’s intricate footwork, Ranjani’s compelling nattuvangam and Haribabu’s glittering mridangam artistry made very interesting and feet-thumping moments for the audience.

No traditional recital is complete without a keerthanam on Lord Nataraja. Thus, the second half of the Arangetram commenced with  "Natanam Adinar". This cosmic dance of Shiva in the Golden temple of Chidambaram is benchmarked by speed, abinaya, Nritta and Karanas is one of the exhausting solo items of any repertoire. Monica executed the piece with co-ordinated movements of the body in response to the beats of the nattuvangam and mridangam and striking poses of Lord Nataraja. The muzhumandi spin and the precise footwork  impressed the audience.

It was followed by “Govindan Kuzhal Osai” in ragam Ragamalika and talam Adi.  In this soothing piece,  I must mention the talented orchestra’s special effects – Hari Babu creating a little bird flapping sound with his Mridangam, Vivek creating a bees buzzing sound  with his flute added grandeur to the beautiful dance expressions of Monica’s describing the magic of the music created by Krishna’s flute. This was followed by “Kavadi Chindhu” in ragam Senchurutti and talam Adi. Monica expressed the desire of Nayika and her love f or Lord Muruga beautifully.

The Arangetram concluded with “Thillana” in ragam Simhendramadhyamam and talam Adi, Monica captivated the audience with her complex footwork and precise sculpturesque poses. This was followed by Mangalam, a unique composition of Dr. Subrahmonia Ayyar (father of   Smt. Ranjani Saigal).

Guru Smt. Ranjani Saigal lead the whole orchestra and delighted the audience with her enthralling voice modulations and vibrant Nattuvangam. Sri Srikanth Gaplakrishnan, a well-known vocalist from India captivated the audience with rare nuances and a melodious voice. Sri. B. P. HariBabu glittered on the mridangam with multifarious rhythms. Flutist Sri. Vivek and Violinist Sri. Suhas Rao gave nice introductions to each piece with their alapanas and provided a steady support to the vocalist.

The chief guest of the evening was Mr. Peter Marano, Principal of the Bellingham High school. He and Mr. Grupposo, Monica’s Middle school Math teacher, were in all praise of Monica for her dedication and hard work in all aspect of whatever she undertakes.

Monica’s ability to sustain talam through an unhurried tempo and at the same time bringing out the essential depths in Abinayam,  the vibrant orchestra and Ranjani Saigal's beautiful choreography made the audience awe struck which was witnessed by the standing ovation. Each of the items performed, clearly reflected the several years of hard work and training invested by this young dancer under the meticulous guidance of her guru Ranjani Saigal.

Overall Monica enthralled the audience by her scintillating performance.  I wish Monica every success in all her endeavors and looking forward for her performances in this beautiful art form.

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