Genesis Theatre at the Telstra Clear Events witnessed an alluring performance of Michelle Antony on September 15, as she presented her Arangetram of Bharata Natyam.
The public debut was the culmination of her eight years of intense training and fine-tuning of the traditional South Indian art under the tutelage of Kalaichchelvi (Selvi) Udayakumaran, Director of Narthana Alayam School of Indian dance.
It was a proud moment for her parents Dr Cecil and Maggie Antony.
I was transfixed and bedazzled as Maggie performed ‘Mangalam,’ the concluding item on the repertoire. Many of us gave the young dancer and the accompanying artistes a standing ovation.
Michelle stole the heart of the audience and captivated them with her intricate movements and excellent expressions. Many items deserved an encore.
Beginning the Arangetram with the traditional ‘Pushpanjali,’ a floral offering to the Almighty, set in Arabhi Ragam and Adi Thalam, Michelle went on to present Ganesha Sthuthi (Kanakangi and Adi), followed by ‘Panchamurthi Anjali’ (Malika) and ‘Jathiswaram’(Malika and Misrachapu).
Tribute to Jesus
My pick of the event was ‘Jesus Geetham’ (Malika and Adi), in which she portrayed the life, trial, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ with poignancy, divinity, passion and devotion.
She was in her elements while reciting this epic story on the stage. It was a delight to watch her performing ‘Varnam’ (Shanmugapriya and Adi).
Michelle’s most impressive item in the second part was arguably ‘Shiva Thandavam’ (Hamsanandhi and Adi), in which she executed impeccable footwork and flexibility.
Michelle’s love for dance extends beyond Bharata Natyam. Her mother Maggie told me that she started with Ballet, Indian folk dance, Tap and Hip-hop.
“Michelle has also choreographed a number of Bollywood dances for her school events. She dedicated the Arangetram to the Hibiscus Coast Hospice as she loves to help the suffering,” Mrs Anthony said.
Among the accompanying artistes were Selvi (Nattuvangam), Gomathi Nayagam Ratnam (Vocal), Senthil Kumar (Mridangam), Ramesh Baswa Nagarajan (Flute), Shozhapuram V Shankar (Violin).
Joseph Kuriakose, aka Jomichen is a teacher by profession with teaching experience in African countries including South Africa. As well as fine arts, he has a penchant for political and literary analysis.
1. Michelle presents ‘Jesus Geetham’ 2. A version of ‘Padam’
