Ramaa,
Congratulations on completing 50 arangetrams! I pray to Lord Nataraja and Kanchi Kamakshi that you perform many more arangetrams, and that I can attend each and every one. You mentioned starting this season with blessings from Kanchi Periva temple; I am certain his grace will always be with you, your family, and your music and dance family.
Today’s Natyarasa was a fitting finale for the 2024 arangetram season for Nardhana. Thank you for this wonderful concept and flawless execution. I know it required countless practice sessions at all odd hours. Your dedication is truly amazing; it seems like you have 48 hours in a day.
I had never sat in the front row before; today was such a treat. It felt up close and personal, almost royal as if the entire show was performed just for me!
The colorful, vibrant "sabai niranja" Anjali and the fast, upbeat "Sri Vignam" by the Kalaivanan family filled us with excitement for the upcoming pieces. Despite the age difference between the three, they danced in perfect unison, showcasing their rigorous practice and passion. Rathi, I admire how you still wanted to sing with so many dance numbers coming your way! Hats off to you.
"Dolayam" by Reva, Janaki, and Dhanya transported us to Thirupathi Dolotsvam. I am in awe of how these young girls portrayed the powerful "Paanchali Sabatham" scene, understanding its deep emotions. This was truly Reva's masterpiece, and the trio's teamwork made it even more amazing.
We can never get enough of Madurai Meenakshi's "Angayar Kanni". All the dancers, with their well-coordinated costumes, performed seamlessly synchronized and exceptionally well. I thoroughly enjoyed Rathi’s portrayal of learning archery and sword fighting. Each dancer portrayed every navarasa beautifully.
It was a pleasant surprise to see Daksha students dance to the peppy song medley! I can hardly believe that Rathi also teaches Bollywood dance! Kudos to Dhruv and Rathi for their wholehearted commitment to teaching Bollywood dance and for always encouraging their students.
Ramaa, my favorite Nataraja song was beautifully choreographed to showcase each dancer, giving them all an important role in bringing out the power and essence of the song. Your jathi still vibrates in my ears.
Abhinaya and Remah were perfect for performing "Saramaina". Abhinaya's beautiful smile was the talk of the town today, and Remah's graceful bhavam was exceptional. Ramaa, only you could conceive of a duet with two different story narration scenes. Salute to you for choreographing it, and to the dancers for executing it flawlessly despite its challenges.
I always regretted not knowing you and your family during Rathi's arangetram. Today, I am so fulfilled after seeing Rathi dance "Jagadhodharana" alongside Rasya. They both danced effortlessly. Chella kutti kanna Rasya and Yasodha Rathi performed with such ease, as is their nature—like an older sister and her favorite mischievous younger sibling in real life, making this dance feel like a lived experience.
"Nama Ramayanam," my favorite sloka to chant, came to life with this wonderful, challenging choreography. Every single dancer gave their best, making it feel like a dance production. Thank you for highlighting the important and popular scenes from Ramayanam. I overheard people behind me discussing how educational it was and how glad they were to have brought their children to watch it. Thanks to you, Ramaa, and all the dancers for bringing out the essence of Ramayanam.
"Malon Marugan," everyone's favorite thillana, was the perfect choice for an event like this. From Anjali to Thilana, the dancers ruled the stage. My eyes were on Janaki and Dhanya—absolutely beautiful.
Namaskaram to Shankar sir, Ramesh Sir, Venkataramana Sir, and Bama akka for their tremendous support. Their involvement and dedication made all the arangetrams, including this one, a grand success. Students and their families are blessed to have their musical support for this event. I saw tears of joy from parents today; it was a proud moment for all parents/spouse to see their loved ones dance to such wonderful music. A huge thanks to them for giving your students the opportunity to dance to this special live music, which many missed due to COVID. I feel beyond blessed to have been closely involved these past few weeks and to have received their complete blessings.
Lots of love, hugs, and kisses to all the dancers. Each one leads a busy life, yet they took the time to practice diligently and many outdid themselves!
Lots of love to Aadharshini and Akshara for their tireless work and calm energy in making this event colorful. I just adore those girls, Ramaa.
Hugs to our own gorgeous Ritika and beautiful Sayuri for taking their time to understand each and every word in the script, practicing it, and delivering it in such a slow manner for everyone to understand. The proud raised eyebrows and cute smiles after delivering a complicated name or phrase to each other's faces were admirable. Keep up the good work and enjoy what you do girls!
I terribly missed my new buddy Giftson. Please pass on my love to him as well.
Ramaa, with the blessings of Lord Nataraja and MY Kamakshi, I have no doubt you will organize more such events, and I will be in the front row, thoroughly enjoying them.
Love,
Sangeetha
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