A brilliant beginning

The weekend witnessed a brilliant debut Arangetram performance by Nihaarika student of Guru Geetha Ganesan. Nihaarika has been learning at Uttaraa Centre for Performing Arts presently having first started out under senior guru Hema Malini Arni.She is pursuing business management studies at St.Francis college with a compelling academic record.She has undergone meticulous and formal training by her distinguished guru who has produced many outstanding and talented students under her aegis; and been a part of several ballet productions like "Devi Mahatmyam" etc. as well.

Ravindra Bharathi was gaily decorated florally for the occasion.A pink and gold bordered costume set off Nihaarika's trim figure to perfection.The recital opened auspiciously with Ganesh Kouthuvam invocating Lord Ganesha in NataaiRagam.The young and talented artiste was very competent in her depiction of the lyrics in honour of the Elephant headed God.

Her large and lustrous eyes were as apt in conveying expressive Abhinaya matching the brisk footwork of Nritta.The Varnam which is the centrepiece of any Bharatanatyam recital being the most extensive and elaborate part, a test of the artiste's stamina and skill; was the majestic Shankarabharanam composition of Ponnayya Pillai of the legendary Tanjore Quartet.

This particular item has been hailed by senior critics as being a masterpiece containing grandeur, grace and textured substance.It takes the acme of perfect learning to essay in Dance the resplendent lyrics embodying descriptions of Lord Shiva as Brihadeeswara in some of the most eloquently beautiful lines.Ample scope given was excellently used by the Dancer in her rhythmic sense of space and line.

Rasa was evoked by harmonious blending of all the Bhavas.Devotion brimming with love is shown in this song requesting the most beautiful Lord to take her hand without disappointing.The great One is beseeched exquisitely to show compassion.The magnificent stature of Siva residing in Tanjore is shown through episodic illustration of his valour and ever readiness to come to the aid of Devotees.Goda Devi's dream sequence - " KanakkandenThozhi " in Ragamalika was from NachiyarThirumozhi.

This sequence was charmingly performed by Nihaarika in the typical dress associated with the character of Andal.The Vaishnavite Saint explains her dream to a friend about getting married to Lord Sri Ranganatha and all the ceremonies associated.The Lord is received and enters the canopy, Brahmins and Guests assemble,music and processions take place.Javali was in Purvikalyani by Pattabhiramayya.

This piece based on the emotions of the heroine was an intricate study in Abhinaya.Poise and grace were well displayed in the emotive sequences.A briskly vibrant KavadiChindu full of energy was presented by the Artiste in Chenchurutti.The rustic tone captivated the audience.

The finale was a Thillana in BrindavanaSaranga by Balamuralikrishna with a concluding Mangalam.The superb Orchestra was led by Geetha Ganesan herself doing both Vocal and Nattuvangam,Rajagopalachari on Mridangam,Sai - Violin, Tabla Srikanth and Flute by Venkateshwarlu.The program was graced by the Governor of Maharashtra ChVidyasagar Rao,KVPRamachandra Rao,Rameshwar Rao and eminent Kuchipudiguru Deepika Reddy.