While followers of Bharata Natyam style of dancing would look forward to the Arangetram of a youngster later next week, the same occasion would also appease ardent admirers of Tamil Literature.
Riti Sharma will present, among other things, ‘Thiruppugazh,’ as ‘Varnam,’ the quintessential item for any debutant at on September 13 at 530 pm Dorothy Winstone Centre, Auckland Girls Grammar School in Central Auckland.
Her Guru, Kalaichchelvi (Selvi) Uthayakumaran, Director of Narthana Aalayam School of Indian Dance, has choreographed ‘Senthil Mevum’ (in Neelambari Ragam and Adi Thalam), from the original composition of the Late Violin maestro Lalgudi Jayaraman.
“The song is a part of ‘Thiruppugazh,’ which is a challenge to any artiste and the Nilambari Varnam will test the endurance of dancers, especially those performing at their Arangetram,” Selvi said.
Anthology in Tamil
Thiruppugazh is a 15th Century anthology of Tamil religious songs dedicated to Lord Murugan, known as ‘The Tamil God.’ Written by Saint Arunagirinathar, the anthology is considered one of the central works of medieval Tamil Literature for its poetical and musical qualities and for its religious, moral and philosophical content.
Priti is also due to perform ‘Shanmuha Kauthuvam’ (Sanmugapriya, Adi), ‘Chaliye Kunjanamo’ (Brindavana Sarang, Adi) as Padam and all other regular items.
Selvi has also trained the young dancer to present ‘Ganesha Pancharatnam,’ (Raagamaalika, Catushra Eka), as a tribute to the Remover of All Obstacles.
Riti’s debut will mark the 33rd Arangetram ceremony for Selvi.
Rigorous training
Beginning with baby steps when she was eight years old, Riti has had to comply with a rigid and uncompromising regime to which Selvi subjects all her students, especially those preparing for their Arangetram. The dawn-to-dusk punishing schedule involves continuous rehearsal as well as teaching junior students at Narthana Aalayam
“Riti’s passion for dance has increasingly grown over the years. She has gained self-confidence and her willingness to teach and continue to be active in this art of classic dance has slowly built her into a mature young woman,” Selvi said.
According to Riti’s mother Namrata Sharma, Narthana Aalyam has taught her persistence, hard work and commitment in all aspects of life.
“Bharata Natyam has afforded my daughter an opportunity to explore more about her Indian cultural heritage. Riti was privileged to learn this Divine art form under the Kalakshetra legend the late Adyar Lakshman and Sajilal Narayanan at workshops organised by Selvi,” she said.
A student pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce at the University of Auckland, Riti hopes to become a lawyer. Her other interests include swimming, playing the keyboard and learning various genres of dance.
The live orchestra will include Selvi (Nattuvangam), Arun Gopinath (Vocal), Nagarajan Shanmugalingam (Mirudangam), Ramesh Baswa Nagarayan (Flute) and Shankar Venkatraman (Violin).
