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1. Pushpanjali
In Sanskrit, Pushpam means 'flower' and Anjali means 'offering with folded hands'. So Pushpanjali is the offering of flowers with folded hands. In this Pushpanjali, which is the first piece in the Arangetram, the dancer seeks the blessings of God, the Guru, and the audience. This traditional piece is set in Hamsadhwani ragam and Adi talam which will be followed by a Ganesha Shlokam.
2. Prathama Sumara - Hamsadwani
Prathama Sumara is a song devoted to the elephant god, lord Ganesh. Different mudras (hand gestures) are used to depict his praised good looks and ability to rid worry and obstacles. It portrays his physical attributes as well as his achievements
3. Alarippu
An Alarippu is considered a warm-up piece as it showcases "Nritta" which means pure dance. This piece highlights the dancer's controlled movements and focused concentration in her preparation for more complex and elaborate dances. This will be performed to the rendition of Fur Elise by Beethoven.
4. Jatiswaram
A Jathiswaram is a pure dance presentation, it is devoid of any abhinaya (emotions). In this piece intricate sequences are fused with repetitive musical notes. The dance deals with the execution of Adavus (basic steps) and mudras (hand gestures), combined in definite groups. It consists of many jathis, or patterns, based on the framework of ragam (Ragamalika) and talam (Misra Chapu).
5. Varnam
The varnam is considered the most intense piece in a bharatanatyam repertoire. Varnam is a test of the dancer's ability and stamina since a varnam demands both fast paced pure dance parts and storytelling expressions alternating throughout the piece. The Varnam is a display of the dancer's skill in nritta, nritya and natya as it combines both footwork and abhinaya (facial expressions). This dance follows the story of a devotee of Krishna who craves his attention to the point of depression. The stages of her grief is shown through flowers being shot at her, each with their own burden. She is ridden with agony when Krishna does not pay attention to her. The devotee compares her plight with that of Rukmini, a princess who was saved by Lord Krishna.
6. Rama Katha - Bajore
This piece illustrates stories from Ramayana such as Lord Rama's fight with the demon Ravana and his marriage to Sita. This dance praises Lord Rama's valiant persona and his great achievements. Rama Katha and Bajore display loyal devotees and their unwavering devotion to Lord Rama, swaying with joy, singing, and dancing about Rama while calling others to join.
7. Adum Kalai Deivame
Is a joyous cosmic dance of Shiva and Parvati. Shiva represents divine consciousness, or purusha, and Parvati represents nature, or prakriti. Their seamless dancing symbolizes the manifestation of consciousness through the material world. Jathis and swaras intersperse in a cascading rhythm ending in a grand finale portraying the joyous dance between Shiva and Parvati.
8. Thillana
A fast paced and energetic dance, the Thillana is a brisk and lively number and it is a predominantly rhythmic composition. The Thillana is a display of intricate footwork, coordinating body, hand, head and eye movements. The movements of a Thillana are joyous and expansive, giving it a vivacious quality. This Thillana is in praise of Lord Krishna.
9. Mangalam
The concluding prayer where the dancer graciously seeks the blessings and expresses her gratitude to the Lord, her Guru, the Orchestra, family and the audience. This devotional verse marks the completion of the program.
"Vande Mataram" is a patriotic song and the national song of India that symbolizes deep love and respect for India as a mother figure.
"Aigiri Nandini," is a Hindu devotional song which praises and celebrates the goddess Durga, highlighting her divine qualities and victories, particularly her triumph over the demon Mahishasura.
"Bhumi Mangalam'' can be used as a blessing or prayer to invoke the blessings and protection of Mother Earth. It is a way to honor and seek harmony with nature, life and the universe.
"Vande Mataram" is a patriotic song and the national song of India that symbolizes deep love and respect for India as a mother figure.
"Aigiri Nandini," is a Hindu devotional song which praises and celebrates the goddess Durga, highlighting her divine qualities and victories, particularly her triumph over the demon Mahishasura.
"Bhumi Mangalam'' can be used as a blessing or prayer to invoke the blessings and protection of Mother Earth. It is a way to honor and seek harmony with nature, life and the universe.
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