An Arangetram is the debut performance of a student, and literally means ascending the stage. It usually takes place on an auspicious day in the presence of critics, artists, and well-wishers, after the dancer has acquired sizeable repertoire of dance items. The performance is dedicated to the cosmic dancer Lord Nataraja, the Guru, and the audience.

Naveena Shanmugam, a disciple of the well-respected and immensely talented Smt Sridevi Thirumalai transcended the stage and danced into the realm of the sublime in a 3 hour performance in Ashland High school in front of a large audience of family, friends and well-wishers.
Naveena has been learning Bharathanatyam at the Natyamani School of Dance under the able tutelage of Smt Sridevi Thirumalai since the age of 10. She is sixteen years old and has entered her junior year at Mass Academy this fall. She enjoys playing on her school’s Basketball team and participates in the Robotics team. She has been training in Carnatic Music with Smt. Uma Shankar for the past year and a half. In addition, Naveena is well-versed and fluent in Tamil and has compered for programs benefitting non-profit organizations such as CRY (Child relief and you).

The evening’s program began with  Thodayamangalam in praise of Lord Rama, Lord Krishna, Lord Narasimha and Lord Venkateshwara.

This was followed by Ganesha Stuti dedicated to the powerful remover of obstacles.

She then presented Jathiswaram which is a pure dance (nritta) piece, rich in rhythmic patterns and intricate footwork. This musicial composition consists of swaras (Musical notes) and jati (rhythmic syllables)

Naveena’s training and talent were expressed in full force in these items. Her serenity, grace, and poise were ably expressed in the beautiful Shabdam in Ragam: Malika and Tala: Mishra Chaapu.

In this Shabdam the dancer fondly beckons little Muruga, who is wearing an anklet on his tiny feet. She further described his beauty and the item concluded with Valli’s marriage to Lord Muruga. From depicting the innocence of little Muruga to his powerful form and his loving deception of Valli, Naveena astounded all with her deep perception and interpretation of the story.

Varnam in Raga Dhanyasi, Tala Adi literally means color. This is the central, and most intricate item of a Bharatha natyam performance, for the dancer needs all her talent and resources to perform the variety of the art form. The dancer’s agility, artistry and expertise are put to the test since complicated nritta (pure dance sequences) are alternated with Abhinaya (expression) throughout the Varnam. This Varnam was on Lord Krishna, the most celebrated Lord of the Hindu Pantheon. Here, the nayika cannot bear the pangs of separation. She asks the Lord to come to her and delight her with his presence. Naveena immersed herself in this emotionally charged piece and captivated the audience.

After a short intermission, the Padam in Raga: Charukesi Tala: Adi ensued.

The padam “Yaar aadinaar” was in praise of Lord Shiva. He is the consort of Goddess Parvathi and is ever merciful and grants salvation to his ardent followers.

This was followed by Keerthanai in Raga: Malika Tala: Adi where the Goddess Rajaeshwari was eulogized and a

Tulsidas Bhajan in Raga: Sindubhairavi Tala: Adi

The dance recital concluded with a Thillana in Raga: Katanakutuhalam Tala: Adi which is a pure dance piece with scintillating and intricate movements. This item helps in creating a musical atmosphere and final crescendo of pure dance.

This was followed by Mangalam where the dancer thanks God, the Guru, the accompanists and well-wishers for the successful completion of the dance recital.

Naveena’s Arangetram was a perfect blend of the three components of Bharata Natyam: “Nritta” (pure dance), “Nritya” (interpretational dance), and “Natya” (expressional dance).  The rigorous training and long hours put by her under her Guru’s tutelage was evident in her grasp of the material and command of each item and the ease with which complex items unfolded.

She was ably supported by some famous artistes from New England including Nattuvangam by Guru Sridevi Ajai Thirumalai, Vocal support by Vidwan Mathur Srinidhi, Mridangam by Vidwan Srihari Rangaswamy, Violin by Vidushi Tara Bangalore, Flute: Vidwan Narasimha Murthy Ramamishra.

Naveena’s proud parents, sister, family and friends spoke a few words and expressed their pride and happiness in her achievement. The audience greeted the completion of her arangetram with a standing ovation and blessings from all the elders. As her Guru Sridevi aptly said” Arangetram is not the end but just the beginning of exploration of a vast ocean of knowledge in the pursuit and performance of Bhartnatyam”. We wish Naveena every success and hope to see her frequently on stage performing the art form that she loves so much and excels at.

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