By Dr. Saritha Venkat
BOSTON—In the fall of 2023, plans were set for a dual Bharathanatyam Arangetram under the guidance of Guru Smt. Pooja Kumar Shyam. The event, featuring students Harsheta Krishnakumar and Unnimaya Sajeev, took place on June 29, 2024 at Littleton High School Auditorium in Littleton, MA, and highlighted a unique collaboration between the dancers and their supportive families.
The preparation for the event involved meticulous planning and teamwork. Mothers of the two students– Aarthi Krishnakumar and Dhanya Menon–dedicated their efforts to organizing costumes and jewelry, ensuring everything was ready for the early morning makeup session on the day of the event. Makeup artists included Saritha Venkatesh and Smt. Niveditha Sharath, the artistic director of Mayur Indian Cultural Academy.
To watch a brief vido highlight, please click here, or on the image below:
The event emphasized the importance of collaboration and familial support that allows for the two students to showcase their mastery of Bharanatyam. The community’s collective efforts were reminiscent of organizing an Indian wedding, complete with festive decorations, elaborate costumes, and sumptuous food. The support from friends, family, and volunteers played a crucial role in the success of the evening.
The evening’s program commenced with welcome addresses by the dancers’ fathers, Mr. Krish Velmurugan and Mr. Sajeev Vallat. The performances began with a prayer song, “Mulaadhaara Moorthi,” composed by Papanaasam Shivan, and sung by Smt. Arthi Kumar Angl.
The dual arangetram featured a variety of pieces, including Pushpanjali on Lord Natrajar, Shanmugar Kauthuvam, Jathiswaram, and Shabhdam on Lord Narayana. Each performance was marked by the dancers’ grace, intricate choreography, and expressive storytelling.
Renowned musicians, including Sri BV Ganesh on the Mridangam, Sri CK Vijaya-Raghavan on the violin, and Sri Kumar Babu on the flute, accompanied the dancers. Guru Smt. Pooja Kumar Shyam demonstrated her expertise in nattuvangam and choreography, showcasing her dedication to her students and her art.
The second half of the program continued with exceptional performances, including Varnam on Goddess Meenakshi, Shakthi Koothu, and the Thillana. The evening concluded with the dancers performing “Yogeshwaraya,” a piece composed by Sounds of Isha, Pandit Jasraj, and Rakesh Chaurasia, and concluded with a Mangalam.
The event was a proud moment for the dancers, their families, and their teacher. The standing ovation and the shield of completion presented by Guru Smt. Pooja Kumar Shyam marked the culmination of their hard work and dedication.
Gratitude was expressed to all who contributed to the success of the event, including the teachers and friends who felicitated the artists, and Dr. Shami Ram for the beautiful decorations. The event’s catering was provided by Shiva’s Kitchen, known for their mouth-watering dishes.
I have known Guru Smt. Pooja Kumar Shyam for over many years and have been awed by her dedication to her dance, ethnicity of her choreography, disciplined unconditional love to her students and moreover the respect she beholds for elders in the community. She has always nurtured the community with young talented artists participating in temples, dance community events and dance competitions in the New England area. Today after seeing her unique choreography and Nattuvangam skills, I have become a true ardent fan of her simplicity and talent. She is the artistic director of Nrithyapooja Dance Academy and the ardent disciple of legends Smt. Savithri Jaganaatha Rao, Sri A. Lakshman, and Smt. Rama Vaidyanathan.
Yet another piece in raagam Simhandra Mathyama for a Varnam on Goddess Meenakshi was choreographed extraordinarily by Smt. Pooja Kumar depicting the stories of the birth, growing up and marriage of the same. Unnimaya’s expression upon seeing Lord Shiva and showing Sringaram was priceless. How can I not compliment the force bull Harshetha who transformed into a bull in totality as the demon Mahishasura. A wonderful treat for the audience to enjoy.
Following intermission, the arangetram went off as an extraordinary entertainer with the girls performing Shakthi Koothu, composed by Mahakavi Subramanya Bhartiyaar, Nada Murali in Hamir Kalyani, composed by Sri Oothu-kaadu Venkata Subbaiyyar, Karuna Cheyvan Endhuu Thamasam Krishna in Yadhukula Kambodhi, composed by Sri Irayimman Thampi. The Thillana was yet another masterpiece of the girls competing for the best Nrita and perfection. The whole aragetram ended with blessings of Lord Shiva by the girls performing Yogeshwaraya composed by Sounds of Isha, Pandit Jasraj, & Rakesh Chaurasia. To add a jewel to the crown, this song was special with Rohita joining the duo and concluded with a Mangalam. Such a heartwarming surprise.
Credits:
Video coverage and Livestreaming : Meyyappan (Kolam Media Creations)
Event Photograpy : Anil Nair (Fotoreminisce)
Brochure Photos and Design : Krish Velmurugan (KrispFotos)
