Living her dream

Pulling off a successful dance debut is no easy feat. To understand the nuances of an ancient, sophisticated and acclaimed art form like Bharatanatyam, and to eventually master it, a danseuse needs true passion for the genre. Not only is it physically and mentally demanding, it takes years of focus and commitment. No wonder then that an artiste’s achievement is often described as a sadhana

And Sharanya Shrikanth, the 17th graduate of Lingalayam Dance Academy, proved herself a worthy shishya of Guru

Anandavalli. What a momentous occasion it must have been for the renowned Bharatanatyam teacher as she invoked the blessings of Lord Nataraja at Sharanya’s arangetram.

The gifted Year 11 student of Meriden Girls School is a second-generation disciple, proudly carrying forward her family’s classical tradition. Her mother Tharani was among the pioneer students of the Academy back in late eighties.

As well, her grandmother, dance stylist Radha Ruthiramoorthy has been an integral part of Sydney’s close-knit dance community for three decades now.

As a child, not content with merely enjoying her mother’s performances, Sharanya nurtured a deep desire to follow in her footsteps and excel in Bharatanatyam. Fired by this ambition to accomplish, she took on the arduous task of mastering this ancient temple dance under Anadavalli’s tutelage, vastly expanding her repertoire over the last eight years. Sharanya recently made several trips to India to undertake additional training under Guru Udupi Laxminarayana.

As the high achiever donned the salangai for her maiden solo recital at the Gillian Moore Centre in Pymble, there was high expectation, and Sharanya delivered a memorable performance. After all, through her arangetram, Sharanya was not only living her ammamma’s dream but her own too.

In keeping with her high standards, everything was impeccable – from the elaborate floral arrangements at the foyer, stage decoration and lighting, to the costumes, item selection, live musical support and actual dance rendition. Well done to Sharanya’s support team for executing a grand success. She took the stage with the customary Pushpanjali and Ganesha Stuthi. The Jathiswaram (set to Lathangi), which followed, provided her the opportunity to show off her agility, technical skills and footwork.

An energetic kavuthuvam dedicated to Ardhanaarishwara (Shakthi-Shiva) effortlessly integrated the seemingly opposing male and female strands into a harmonious combine.

In contrast, the leisurely Varnam (the backbone of any recital) celebrating the many aspects of Shakthi allowed Sharanya to explore in greater detail the subtleties of the genre. Mayai manam kanitharul purivaye was a feast for the senses, marrying nritta, natya and of course nrittya Sharanya is a capable storyteller, conveying complex narratives with her liquid eyes and sculpturesque postures. Be it the coy bride or fearless warrior, her emoting ability is quite advanced. Clearly the aspiring shishya has blossomed into a seasoned dancer and her rigorous training schedule over the past eighteen months paid rich dividends.

A talented all-rounder, she has also excelled in piano, debating, trombone, tennis and public speaking. Her determination to succeed in any pursuit she undertakes and extraordinary selfdiscipline make her an excellent role model for aspiring students. Her newest muse (post Master Chef) apparently is cooking. Armed with confidence and a great sense of humour, she is a very capable young woman no doubt.

While the spotlight was all Sharanya’s, her younger but no less talented sibling Arnanth delighted the packed auditorium with a fine display of instrumental prowess. His mrindangam taniavarthanam was followed by a Carnatic saxophone (Raaravenu) recital.

Likewise the musical interludes by the accompanying artists Kottayam Jamaneesh Nair (vocal) Thiagarajan Ramani (violin), Ghanavenothan Retnam (flute) and Bala Shankar (mridangam) were a real bonus.

The latter half of the Arangetram was devoted to lyrical compositions, reaching a crescendo with Andi Mayanguthadi and Brochevarevarura The former, a Kannadasan classic was specially choreographed as a tribute to her grandmother. In Andi Mayanguthadi, an ode to love, Sharanya portrayed the lovelorn nayika’s sheer anguish at separation, pining to be reunited with her beloved. The bhava-soaked Brocheva is another eternal favourite. Incorporating the stories of Gajendra moksham and Sita Kalyanam, it offered the danseuse a wide palate to paint on. Sharanya signed off the arangetram with an ecstatic Thillana set in Bhaagesri

Live your dreams, Sharanya, your future holds endless possibilities. Age Quod Agis!

Usha Arvind