Young ‘Arangetram’ dancers leave Bahrain audience spellbound
TDT | Manama
The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com
Staff Reporter
Arangetram (stage debut) is an important milestone in any dancer’s life, for it is the culmination of years of intensive efforts and struggle undergone to master a particular Indian classical art form.
It was a special moment for students along with their parents, invited guests and dignitaries including Indian Ambassador Piyush Srivastava after nine disciples of Guru Chitralekha Ajith took the stage to perform their ‘Bharatanatyam Arangetram’ last Friday at Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam (BKS) Diamond Jubilee Hall.
The event titled ‘Nupur Dwani’ left the audience absolutely enthralled as the dancers synchronized their steps involving footwork, hand and body movements in classical finesse. The event has opened a new chapter in my life,” said 11-yearold Ananya Mahesh, who had her stage debut in Bharatanatyam.
“The learning process has definitely been not easy but my relentless passion for the dance would eclipse all difficulties. During the last one month, I was having four to five hours of intense classes,” said Ananya, who has been learning Bharatanatyam since the age of five. The student of British School Bahrain, said she is ambitious of climbing new echelons in the world of dance.
“To me, Bharatanatyam is a constant motivating force and I want to take this tryst with the most classical Indian art form forward
“I am really thankful to my parents, who supported and initiated me into the world of dance,” said Ananya, who finds the performances of Bharatanatyam dancer Rukmini Vijayakumar “really impressive and inspiring”.
Most of the parents could not refrain themselves from becoming emotional seeing their children showcase their talents obtained through years of hard work and dedication. Prashant Govil, who works as a Senior Specialist with the Central Bank of Bahrain, said it was really overwhelming to watch his daughter Ridhika Govil performing her ‘Bharatanatyam Arangetram’.
“There was an influx of emotions, which is beyond expression. We offered a Bharatanatyam-learning platform to our daughter only because we discovered her interest in it.”
Mr Govil said he doesn’t belong to the league of parents, who want their children to learn art forms to improve their resumes for getting admissions to Ivy League universities.
“Every Indian parent would want their children to realise Indian traditions and values, especially while staying abroad. I believe one of the ways to achieve this goal is providing a platform for children to learn classical Indian art forms including Bharatanatyam.”
He said it has been a great privilege to be an expatriate in a country like Bahrain, where all cultures and traditions are respected. “I am thankful to the Kingdom’s leadership and people for making this nation a land of great tolerance.”
Guru Chitralekha, who has been teaching Bharatanatyam to students for over 20 years now, said ‘Arangetram’ is an essential part of an artist’s development and life.
“I have had the opportunity to teach over 400 students, with approximately 350 of them completing their ‘Arangetrams’. “The training received during an Arangetram is intensive, ensuring that the dancer/artist establishes whatever they have learned over the years.
“This very systemic idea of practising what you learn and putting on a performance becomes an unforgettable experience for the artist because it provides a platform for them to showcase their artistry.”
“Furthermore, ‘Arangetrams’ serve as visibility platforms for our Indian Classical Arts, and I believe it is imperative that we continue to preserve this beautiful art form in the future.”
She said there has been a growing interest from the part of non-Indians to learn Indian classical art forms.
“I have worked at Indian School for many years and taught students of various nationalities. “And, as part of their curriculum, these students from various nationalities have had the opportunity to learn Indian classical art forms such as Bharatnatyam.”
“The students have never failed to impress me with their curiosity and openness to learning new things in life. It all comes down to how receptive and adaptable you are at the end of the day.
“Young minds are always inquisitive and eager to absorb everything they see around them. Children, in my opinion, should be exposed to a variety of art forms because it improves the overall quality of their well-being.”
Guru Chitralekha said there are several benefits of learning Classical art forms like Bharatnatyam. “It has been proven to improve several aspects of an artist’s body and mind such as flexibility, stamina, balance, body awareness, concentration and learning abilities etc.”
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