Statuesque Shiva, playful Krishna

Priya Datt presents an impressive debut

Priya Datt was only four when she saw her first full-fledged Bharatanatyam performance.

“It was simply amazing,” she recalls. “I was completely hooked”.

She had only just started lessons some six months before, but for the first time, became aware of the beauty of it all. Her devotion to the dance form became deeprooted, and she began to love the mythology behind it all.

“My mum is of Indonesian heritage, and she has always loved bharatanatyam too: she influenced me a lot”.

The 17-year-old Year 11 student presented her arrangetram (debut) performance earlier this month at the Sydney Bahai Centre. She demonstrated more than satisfactorily that she has bloomed into a gifted dancer.

Priya is a disciple of Nikhila Kiran, of the Natyanivedan Dance School in Sydney. The school was established in 1998 and has trained more than fifty students to date.

It was a debut with enthusiasm

Karva

item. A playful Krishna character was evident. Gajendra Moksha was enacted impressively in Hey Govinda, the Surdas bhajan The movements seemed free and were performed with ease. The program also included Thillana in Raga Pharas and Mangalam which portrayed Dashavatara

A houseful audience thoroughly enjoyed the dance. The experience was heighted by the accompanists, all from Bangalore. Guru Nikhila’s guru Shamprakash performed on the essential Mridangam. Bharati Venugopal gave vocal support with her sweet voice. Vivek V Krishna accompanied on the flute. Guru Nikhila provided Nattuvanagam.

And what does the future hold for this skilful dancer?

“I’d love to tour other countries and present my art,” Priya was quick to respond. “I’ve danced to non-Indian audiences before and I love it that I leave them spellbound! Also, I would love to visit my guru’s school in India, Keshava Nritya Shala”.

Sydney Srinivas