Shraddha Guha

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bharathanatyam

Bharathanatyam

Bharathanatyam is the most appealing and yet the most difficult of Indian classical dances full of rich beauty and unfettered rhythmic movements. It is over 2,000 years old.

The name Bharathanatyam consists of two words, Bharatha and Natyam. Natyam means dance in Tamil. Bharatha is the name of the writer of the earliest known treatise of dance in Sanskrit called Natya Shastra written in the Second Century BC. Bha- stands for Bhava or Emotion, inner spiritual feeling expressed visibly. Ra- stands for Raga or Melody. Tha- stands for Tala or Rhythmic movements and expressions ideas. Bharathanatyam has two major components nritta or pure dance and abhinaya or facial expression.

Arangetram

An Arangetram is the first formal solo presentation of a student to the audience by her teacher. This takes place after the student has completed the basic training called a Margam or path. It is only an important stepping-stone in the study of this art form. On the day of the Arangetram, the student offers her knowledge of this art form at the feet of her Guru and to the Lord Nataraja.

 

arangetram

The Guru – Indrani Parthasarathy

Indrani Parthasarathy is the daughter disciple of Karnataka Kala Thilaka Guru. Smt. Radha Sridhar of Bengaluru, India. She is also a student of Guru Muththiah Pillai in Pandanallur style of Bharathanatyam, and M.R. Krishnamurthy, the Dhananjayans in the Kalakshetra style of Bharathanatyam. She is also trained in the Kuchipudi style of dancing and in Caranatic Music.

Her achievements include the first rank in the proficiency dance diploma exam in the state of Karnataka. She is a graded artist of Doordarshan. As a solo artist she has performed extensively in India, UAE & USA.

She has been imparting training to young aspirants for more than thirty years. She is the Artistic director of Abhinaya School of Performing Arts, Houston, Texas where she trains students at all levels of Bharathanatyam.

Indrani-Parthasarathy

Guest of Honor – Guru Lavanya Ananth

Guru Lavanya Ananth

Bharatanatyam dancer Lavanya Ananth is a disciple of Vazhuvoor Gurus S.K.Rajarathnam Pillai and K.J.Sarasa.

An “A” grade artist of Doordarshan Kendra, she has received the prestigious “Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar” from the Sangeet Natak Akademi-New Delhi. Other honours include the “Nadanamamani” from Karthik Fine Arts and “Yuva Kala Bharati” from Bharath Kalachar, Chennai. She has performed in prestigious platforms abroad like the Musée Guimet in France, Royal Tropical Institute in Amsterdam and in Stanford University in California.

As a performing soloist, she has been featured in noteworthy festivals in India and abroad.

The Shishya – Shraddha

My dance journey officially started with Bollywood dance at the age of 7. Although, some might say I first started dancing around in my mother’s womb! Later, on the insistence of my Bollywood teacher, Ms. Arzan Patel Gonda, I started learning Bharathanatyam. I was 8 years old when I joined The Abhinaya School of Performing Arts. I quickly realized my passion for this art form which involves intricate footwork, facial expressions, and intense ‘aramandi’ half-sitting positions. Over 11 years of dancing and the past year of rigorous Arangetram training, I have learned that, as a dancer, it takes immense discipline for the steps to become second nature and to immerse yourself in the music. My journey with Bharathanatyam has been very fulfilling and has given me a lifetime of memories that I will cherish forever.
The Shishya – Shraddha
I recently graduated from Seven Lakes High School, where, in addition to maintaining my dance practice, I was an officer for our National Honor Society, President of the Indian Cultural Association, and part of the Seven Lakes Chorale Varsity Choir. During summers, I volunteered at the Memorial Hermann Hospital in Katy, and interned at the Pediatric Dental Safari under the guidance of Dr. Priya Rao. In September, I will attend the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Pre Cognitive Science.

I would like to thank my Guru, Smt. Indrani Parthasarthy, for her guidance and inspiration through this incredible journey, my family for their continuous support and encouragement, and each one of you for being such an integral part of my life and taking the time to attend my Arangetram today!

 Program – Margam

Pushpanjali & Ganapathi Keerthanam

Ragam : Vijayavasanta & Hamsadhwani
Talam : Adi

The Pushpanjali is an invocation performed at the start of a Bharathanatyam recital. It represents an offering of flowers by the dancer. The Ganapathi  Keerthanam dance is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.

Jathiswaram

Ragam : Bahudhari
Talam : Adi

The Jathiswaram is a form of pure dance or nritta. The dancer weaves several patterns of steps to a musical composition with jathis (beats) and swarams (musical notes).

Varnam – Amma Anandadayini

Ragam : Gambheera Nata
Talam : Adi

Varnam is the longest and most challenging of all dances in the Bharathanatyam repertoire. The ability to strike a balance between Nritta (pure dance) and Nritya (story telling) is assessed here. Amma Ananda dayini is dedicated to Devi who is referred to as Amma, the Divine mother, who gives great happiness, and the very incarnation of the three syllables of Aum.

Shivatandava Stothram

Ragamalika
Talam : Tisra Gathi Aditala

In the Shiv Tandav Stotram, the poet Ravana describes the various aspects of Lord Shiva, such as his dance, his third eye, his matted hair, and his trident. asks for his blessings and protection.

Esho Shyamolo Sundaro

Ragam : Desh
Talam : Adi

This is an abhinaya set to a Bengali composition, which captures the anticipation and joy associated with the arrival of the monsoon, offering respite from the harsh summer, and bringing new life to nature.

Rusli Radha Ragam

Ragam :  Misra Yaman
Talam : Adi

This is an abhinaya set to a Marathi composition, which is based on a love tiff between Radha and Krishna. Looking at Krishna with other girls, Radha is upset. While Krishna tries to pacify Radha, looking at her anger, Krishna is upset. Looking at both upset the entire nature is upset.

Thillana

Ragam :  Hindolm
Talam : Khanda Ekam

Thillana is a dance filled with fast intricate footwork and complicated rhythmic patterns. It is a fitting finale for a Bharathanatyam recital.

Mangalam – Bhoomi Mangalam

The dancer wishes tranquility on earth, on water, in fire, in the wind, in the sky, in the sun, on the moon, on our planet, in all living beings, in the body, in the mind, in the spirit everywhere, and in everyone.

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