Janhvi’s Nrityarpana: A Celebration of Tradition, Dedication, and Heartfelt Surprises
Date: Oct 27th, 2024 @ 4:00 PM
Venue: Plaza Theater
Makeup: Vidya
Decor: decoristaeventdecor
Photo and Video: Saravana Creations
Janhvi’s Nrityarpana was not just a traditional Bharatanatyam debut; it was a heartwarming, innovative celebration brought to life by her dedicated guru, Dr. Sarita, a trendsetting teacher known for crafting personalized Arangetram experiences. This performance, crafted uniquely for Janhvi, was a beautiful synthesis of passion, creativity, and years of practice, blending tradition with a refreshing twist. Dr. Sarita guided Janhvi through each piece, making every moment of the evening a memorable celebration of dance and devotion.
A Special Dedication: A Surprise Tribute to Janhvi’s Mother
One of the evening’s most touching moments came with an unexpected surprise: a dedication from Janhvi to her mother, Vardhini. With guidance from Dr. Sarita, Janhvi performed her mother’s favorite piece, “Nayakanai Nindra,” dressed as the beloved goddess Andal. This emotional surprise was a tribute not only to her mother but also to Janhvi’s grandmother, who had taught Vardhini this very piece years ago. Janhvi’s transformation into Andal was stunning and deeply moving, evoking the divine beauty of the goddess. Thanks to the artistry of Vidhya, Janhvi’s makeup brought Andal to life on stage, creating a moment of profound beauty and emotion that resonated deeply with everyone present.
Vardhini - The Support System
As Janhvi’s danced in her mother’s footsteps, she embodied both nostalgia and love, celebrating their shared passion for Bharatanatyam. This piece was a heartfelt Nrityarpana in its truest form—a touching offering to the two women who shaped her love for dance. The audience was captivated, witnessing the bond between mother and daughter expressed in the language of dance.
Guru. Dr. Sarita Venkatraman
Dr. Sarita's exceptional storytelling skills, particularly the reimagining of Sita Kalyanam from Sita’s friend’s viewpoint, and the playful narrative where Radha and Krishna switch roles, adding a layer of depth and whimsy to the classic themes. It was a journey not only for Janhvi but for everyone present.
The Performances: A Journey Through Classic Bharatanatyam
Each piece of the evening was a testament to Janhvi’s dedication and Dr. Sarita’s vision:
1. Kauthvam: The performance opened with a Ganesha Kauthvam, honoring her roots with choreography originally taught by Guru Smt. M.P. Bhargavi in Bengaluru. This traditional invocation to Lord Ganesha set the reverent tone of the evening.
2. Shabdam: Janhvi gracefully portrayed various deities—Ganesha, Shiva, Parvati, and Murugan—capturing their unique qualities through different raagams. Her Abhinaya showed both innocence and maturity, reflecting her growth as an artist.
3. Sita Swayamvara Padam: An innovative narrative from Sita’s friend’s viewpoint, this piece highlighted Dr. Sarita’s storytelling and Janvi’s ability to embody complex characters. The portrayal of Sita’s journey captivated the audience.
4. Shyam Tori Murali: In this playful exchange between Radha and Krishna, Janhvi embodied Radha’s playful request to switch roles with Krishna. This piece, choreographed by Shri Vaibhav Arekar, displayed Janhvi’s expressive range.
5. Thillana: A high-energy finale that showcased Janhvi’s mastery of rhythm and footwork, the Thillana was a joyful tribute to Lord Nataraja and a perfect conclusion to her debut.
A Family Affair: Behind the Scenes Support
Arathi School of Dance, led by Guru Smt. Revathi Satyu, laid the foundation for Janvi’s growth, fostering her talent and devotion. The evening was not just a showcase of Janhvi’s skill but also a testament to the support of her family and friends. Her brother Raj provided understated yet heartfelt emceeing, while family friend Deepa Iyer guided Vardhini in planning every detail of this event. Saravana Creations captured the evening’s precious moments, ensuring these memories were preserved for years to come.
Tanushri - Our Audio and Light
Tanushri, overseeing audio and lighting, and a dedicated team of volunteers worked tirelessly to bring this milestone to life, with Vidhya’s exquisite makeup artistry adding the final touch to Janhvi’s transformation.
In Conclusion: A Celebration of Art, Family, and Tradition
Janhvi’s Nrityarpana was a heartfelt celebration of the art form, a beautiful journey from tradition to innovation. The audience witnessed an offering of dance that was not just about skill but a deeply personal expression of love, family, and cultural heritage. With Dr. Sarita’s visionary guidance, Janhvi crafted an evening filled with grace, storytelling, and profound emotion—an unforgettable *Nrityarpana* in every sense.