Program
1. Pushpanjali
Ragam: Ragamalika
Talam: Adi
Composer: Sri Prathivadhi Bayankaram & Anna Vedanthachari
Pushpanjali is an invocatory item in which the dancer offers flowers to Lord Nataraja and seeks not only His blessings but those of the other Gods and Goddesses, the Guru, the Orchestra, and the audience as well.
2. Allarippu
Talam: Chathurashra
Composer: Saint Arunagirinathar
Alar is a Tamil word, which means to bloom. This dance involves rhythmic and enchanting movements of the eyes, neck, hands, and feet for varied speeds of syllables. Just as the flower bud opens its petals to the warmth of a morning sun, the dance steps are formed to resemble the blooming of a bud into a flower.
3. Jathiswaram
Ragam: Rasali
Talam: Adi
Composer: Padmabhushan Vidwan & Madurai Shri N Krishnan
The word Jathiswaram itself lends a straightforward description of the dance itself; Jathis are time measures and Swaras are the musical notes. Jathiswaram unifies the musicality of the song with the rhythmic movements of the dance. This piece offers the dancers an opportunity to display the intricacies of footwork and hand movements that involve the whole body from head to toe.
4. Tridevi Stuthi
Ragam: Ragamalika
Talam: Rupaka
Composer: Adi Shankaracharya
Cerdits: KH Kanna
Tridevi Stuthi is a depiction of devotion to the powerful Goddesses.
Tridevi:
1. Kamakshi/Durga - the invincible, the mother of the universe.
2. Kanakadhara/Lakshmi - the goddess of wealth, fortune, and prosperity.
3. Sharada Bhujanga/Saraswathi: Goddess of knowledge.
The dancer uses Abhinaya and poses to bring alive the lyrics on the goddesses while complex Nritta patterns adorn the instrumental sections.
5. Varnam
Ragam: Shanmuga Priya
Talam: Adi
Composer: Lalgudi Jayaraman
Varnam means color in Tamil. True enough, this dance is considered the rainbow of dances, which combines the finest ingredients of the dance elements from intricate steps woven to rhythmic sollu kattu, to intense emotions expressed to bring to you the story of Lord Thirumala and various avatars. A dancer’s endurance is greatly put to the test in this dance.
6. Kumara Kavithuvam
Ragam: Ragamalika
Talam: Adi
Composer: Madurai R Muralidaran
Kavithuvams hold significant cultural and historical importance as they were performed as rituals in the temples during special occasions or festivals. In this dance item, the dancer describes Lord Muruga and portrays stories of him.
7. Javali
Ragam: Purvi Kalyani
Talam: Adi
Composer: Sri Pattabhiramayya
A Javali is a light classical love song that is often performed towards the end of a dance recital. These songs are known for their expressive and emotive content, typically depicting themes of love and longing. The lyrics are usually simple and colloquial, making them relatable and engaging. Javali allows the dancer to showcase their abhinaya (expressive) skills, providing a contrast to the more vigorous pieces performed earlier in the recital.
8. Kavadi Sindhu
Ragam: Senjurutti
Talam: Adi (Tisra Nadai)
Composer: Dr.K.Sivaloganathan
Kavadi Sindhu is a generic name for a variety of folk dances. This song is on Lord Nataraja, the cosmic dancer. Described here as Lord Eesan - “The Supreme Ruler”, ever the same merciful lord who can redeem us all. Here the dancer showcases Lord Nataraja's form and how it relates to the cosmic balance.
9. Thillana
Ragam: Brindhavani
Talam: Adi
Composer: Dr. M Balamuralikrishna
Thillana is the showstopper for all Arangetrams. This dance consists of strenuous footwork involving sudden slow and fast rhythm changes, challenging the dancers' agility. This vivacious and scintillating item, a Thillana on Lord Krishna is a fitting finale on an exuberant note.
10. Managalam
Ragam: Revathi
Talam: Adi
Composer: Pandit Ravi Shankar
The dancer concludes the program with an expression of gratitude towards the Divine, the Guru (teacher), the Orchestra, and the audience.