An Auckland student, with proven qualifications in Bharata Natyam, is getting ready to perform her Arangetram before an invited audience later this month.
Twelve-Year old Vethahi Arunthayaparan will perform a number of traditional items at her debut to be held at the Dorothy Winstone Centre, Auckland Girls Grammar School on June 23.
She is reportedly the only student from New Zealand to top in all four grades of Bharata Natyam theory and practical examinations with distinction. Conducted by the London based Academy of Fine Arts, the qualifications are recognised by the University of Madras.
Initiated by Vasuki Jegatheswaren of Sri Lanka when she was four years of age, Vethahi had her initial training from her aunt Kalaichelvi (Selvi) Uthayakumaran of Narthana Alayam. Three years later, she joined Sai Natyalaya Dance School based in St John’s in Central Auckland.
Her Guru, Renuka Ketheesan described Vethahi as a ‘bright and quick learner.’
“She is one of the brightest students at Sai Natyalaya. As well endowed with immense talent, Vethahi is disciplined, methodical, hard-working and punctual. She has had her own say during training sessions and has evolved her own method of handling instructions,” she said.
Vethahi was the first student of Ms Ketheesan to have extended training from 2007 to 2011 (during Summer Holidays) under the guidance of Adayar Lakshman, respected as one of the foremost exponents of Bharata Natyam.
She has also been trained by Madurai R Muralidharan.
As well as performing at several festivals and programmes in New Zealand, Vethahi had opportunities to perform in events organised as a part of ‘Margazhi Utsavam’ held during the music and dance season in Tamil Nadu between December 2011 and January 2012.
Apart from dancing, the youngster’s talent extends to Carnatic vocal music and Veena, of which she is respectively a Grade 5 and Grade 4 student.
Renowned Carnatic musician Yesudas invited Vethahi (she was then six years of age) to render a musical piece at his concert held in Auckland in 2006.
Her scholastic performance at Diocesan School of Girls in Epsom is also a source of endearment for her parents, teachers and peers. She is an enthusiastic participant and winner in several extra-curricular activities including debates, drama and netball.
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What: Bharata Natyam Arangetram Who: Vethahi Arunthayaparan When: Saturday, June 23 at 5 pm Where: Dorothy Winstone Centre Auckland Girls Grammar School Howe Street, Newton, Auckland Contact: Arunthayaparan on (09) 2744100 or 021-466328 Email: accounts@design-print.co.nz |
