The rising number of youngsters taking to the South Indian classical dance of Bharata Natyam and the consequent increase in the number of ‘Arangetrams’ constantly challenge Gurus to add new dimensions to these occasions.
Kalaichchelvi (Selvi) Uthayakumaran, Director of Narthana Aalayam School of Indian Dance would be facing such a challenge in organising the Arangetram of Sheena Pindoria at Dorothy Winstone Centre, Auckland Girls Grammar School (Newton) on Saturday, September 27 at 5 pm. This would be her 34th Arangetram since she launched her career as a teacher more than 20 years ago.
Selvi (Nattuvangum), Arun Gopinath (Vocal), Nagarajan Shanmugalingam (Mridangam), Ramesh Baswa Nagarayan (Flute) and Shankar Venkatraman (Violin) will be the accompanying artistes at the Arangetram.
Sheena is a London-born New Zealander of Indian origin who apparently has what it takes to be a classical dancer. Selvi has instilled in her disciple, passion, knowledge, tolerance and unquenchable thirst to learn more.
According to Selvi, Sheena has invested years of learning and practice in preparing to present her Arangetram of dances.
Ardent student
“She has acquired graceful body movement (line), perfect sense of rhythm and expression. She is a joyful and enthusiastic student in the class and cares about other students and is helpful to everyone. Over the past 11 years, she has had several opportunities to perform at public events, accruing for her invaluable honesty and self-confidence,” Selvi said.
Opening her ‘Arangetram Account’ with ‘Pushpanjali,’ a floral tribute to Mother Earth, Lord Nataraja, the Supreme King of Bharata Natyam, Mother Earth (who bears ‘the weight’ of all living beings and inordinate objects), Sheena will then present ‘Siddhi Vinayakam,’ a number dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the Remover of all Obstacles.
Innovative spirit
Sheena’s inevitable engagement with the innovative spirit of her Guru will be manifest in ‘Jathiswaram,’ one of the purest dance numbers that form an inevitable part of any Bharata Natyam Arangetram.
“Jathiswaram is a pure nritta piece, composed of a series of short sequences (jadhis) of rhythmic movements of the feet and body. This number often tests the dancer variations and speeds of movement,” Selvi said.
Invoking the blessings of Lord Shiva is a sacred duty of every debutante and Sheena would not be an exception. Shiva is the Cosmic Dancer who fulfils the sacred ambitions of thousands of people is believed to be in the audience and seek his blessings.
Sheena will also present ‘Kali Kowthuvam’ in praise of Goddess Shakti (Power), a ‘Kirthanam’ called ‘Sri Shankara Sigiri.’
Endurance test
‘Varnam’ is a traditional item that tests the skills of the dancer. Selvi says, “This is the longest and most enthralling piece in the recital, which challenges the dancer’s endurance and ability to coordinate between all the elements of expression, story-telling and complex foot work in a structured sequence of rhythms. I have chosen a song that pays tribute to ‘Surya,’ the Sun God. Called, ‘Aadavane,’ this dance item will pay tributes to Surya. The lyrics and composition by Madurai R Muralidharan would enthral the audience,” Selvi said.
British forebears
Born in London, Sheena came to New Zealand when she was 18 months old along with her parents. Her passion for Bharata Natyam encouraged her parents Dr Ramesh and Rekha Pindoria to seek admission for their daughter at Narthana Aalayam. Beginning her dance journey at a tender age, Sheena was determined to complete her Arangetram through hard work and dedication.
A year 11 student at Howick College, this young woman displays talent in a number of other areas. As well as a good Pianist, she is a member of the Local Girl Guides and the Brownies Club. She recently attended the School of Science & Technology in Singapore as a part of a three-day camp.
Bharata Natyam Arangetram of Sheena Pindoria on Saturday, September 27, 2014 at 5 pm at Dorothy Winstone Centre, Auckland Girls Grammar School, Newton Auckland. For more information, please contact Rekha Pindoria on 021-452457; Email: Rekha.pindoria@live.com
(Picture by Sevum Sabashivam)
