Lola,
Thank you for kick-starting our Arangetram season with your wonderful performance. I’ve heard from Ramaa Aunty that you are a dedicated and loving student. From what little I know and have seen of you, I could say that the songs and choreography were as delightful as you! Your calm demeanor throughout was remarkable. The rendition of Kalinganardhanam with Narayaneeyam slokam was beautiful. Mayil Kavithai was extraordinary. The costume, your adorable face, and the musicians made us feel as if we were in a forest just before sunset, with lightning striking, wind swishing, and rain about to start, while a beautiful peacock danced exclusively for us. Along with Venkatramana sir's melodious flute (due credit to his wind swooshing sound), veena, miruthangam, nattuvaangam, all of it, transporting us elsewhere. Ramaa's beautiful Thamizh jathi and nattuvangam truly made it a 'Paarinil Sirantha Arangetram.' The depiction of the bunny rabbit, parrot, and the scent of the earth before rain was utterly charming. The audience was blessed to witness this dance exclusively taught to you by Ramaa aunty.
From a vibrant peacock to the powerful Hanuman, you transitioned very well to the extreme opposite styles of dancing. From now on, whenever I chant the Hanuman Chalisa, I will think of your dance and how flawlessly you explained its meaning. I was moved when I saw the bhavam of Hanuman tear open his heart to reveal the “Srirama” within him. Only Ramaa aunty could conceive of such a pose!
A big salute to the whole team for the Varnam. It was beautiful teamwork that brought this important piece together for today's Arangetram. The choreography seemed rigorous, but you managed it well. I particularly enjoyed the 'pallaku' sequence!
The second half of the Arangetram was purely 'Lola Exclusive.' The portrayal of Goddess Lakshmi and the adorable Krishna came so naturally to you. Kalabhairavashtakam was both different and powerful. The emotional connection you have with your guru was evident today. Ramaa aunty enjoyed watching you perform while doing nattuvangam and coordinating everything on stage, especially during 'Radha Sametha Krishna.' Bhama akka expressed her satisfaction with Rathi’s singing and your dance to Ramaa Aunty while you were performing. It seems this song was Ramaa Aunty's favorite too! We all enjoyed 'Gana Lola,' a different Mangalam in western notes.
My Namaskarams to Smt. Bhama, Ramesh sir, Shankar sir, and Ramana sir. Oh my! How much we missed them these four years! Ramesh sir played the veena with such calm demeanor and dedication, as though he were playing in front of Ambhal Sanithi. Ramana sir played as though he was playing for Lord Krishna, and Shankar sir played as if for the Lord himself in Kailasam. Bhama akka and Rathi brought everyone together with their voices, while Ramaa proudly sat and fulfilled every rasika’s desire. Lola, you are lucky to have such a great team behind your successful Arangetram today.
Your relatives back in India did a great job choosing your costume; the color combination was exceptional and suited you perfectly. The makeup and jewelry complemented your face and your beautiful smile.
My best wishes for your success in college and to continue learning from Ramaa Aunty. Just as your Shivaji Thaatha said, the wait was worth it. Perhaps you were meant to be the first in your family to have an Arangetram, and I hope many from your family will carry on the tradition for future generations. Overall, your Arangetram was like poetry. A peacock didn’t have a guru to teach, but Lola-mayil is blessed to have this beautiful and brilliant Guru Ramaa. Cherish and continue to serve through dance.
Love
Sangeetha aunty
Comments