Nandida's Bharatanatyam Arangetram

01/16/2021

'Margazhi Masam’ that runs mid-Dec to mid-Jan is the month of spirituality and music in Tamilnadu. Intricate Kolams adorn homes. Chants of Thiruppaavai - 30 verses composed by poet saint Andal - break the dawn.

The Maargazhi festival started by the Madras Music Academy in 1928 has been a long-standing tradition that has evolved into a premier event. Today, it draws not just people from the city but from all around the world.

I was super thrilled and humbled to be a part of ‘Rise of Margazhi’ - a global, virtual dance and music event that featured so many eminent artists who I admire and draw inspiration from. This event was conceptualized and brought to life in large part by my Guru - Kripa Baskaran of the Natyarpana Dance Company.

“Athi viraivil en munne”... Oh Krishna, please appear before me as soon as you can. You are my Master and my Lord. Protect me from harm, as you protected people of Vridavan from rainstorms by lifting the Govardhana hill.

Checkout the playlist in the channel; you won’t be disappointed! The ‘Grand Finale’ creatively captures the scale and the many talented people around the globe who pulled this together.

https://youtu.be/9WmE3W5HuO0

LINKS TO DONATE:🇺🇸 WICA (Wisconsin Indian Classical Arts)https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=LBR83J554XRMN🇮🇳 SSGT (Sri Sandeepani Gurukula Tru...

10/24/2020

My daughter, Navya, who did her Chilanka Pooja five years ago, was all set to do her Arangetram this year. She’s been practicing towards it until COVID disrupted all our plans. Navya was highly motivated by the idea of recording a piece for Navaratri to one of her favorite songs - 'Sri Chakra Raja'.

The lyrics offer salutations to Devi - the one who is seated on the lion, the ruler of the universe, Divine consort of Lord Nataraja, the embodiment of Vedas and arts, the mother of all, and goddess of knowledge.

Anoop Shankar’s soulful rendition of this song creatively adds the popular Mahishasura Mardini Stotra at the end of this Carnatic classical in Raagamaalika. This Stotra, written by Sri Adi Shankaracharya, brings out the glory and power of Devi as she is
incarnated in her fiercest form as Durga.

"Goddess of the universe, you have made me a better person through the challenges you’ve thrown at me. Amidst all that’s going on in the world this year, you have showered your love and blessings on us, keeping us safe and healthy. I surrender unto you."

Please support Navya with your blessings as she continues the journey to her Arangetram.

Wishing everyone a Happy Navaratri!

Navya Francis performs to this contemporary adaptation of the carnatic classic by Anoop Sankar. Raaga...

10/22/2020

Wishing everyone a happy Navaratri!

05/25/2016

I can't believe it's been a year already since the big event ! Last year, at this time, I was going through the final preparations with the musicians and the Guru at home. Fortunately, my love for this art form didn't end with the arangetram. It seems to have been just the beginning, as it is intended to be. In the past year, I have been able to continue learning, teaching at the Natyarpana Dance Company and performing in various settings, including one at the prestigious 2016 Cleveland Thyagaraja Festival!

I thought this is a good time to re-live the memories and be grateful to all those who helped make this dream of mine come true. I hadn't planned for this page to live beyond the arangetram day. As I scrolled through this page after a long time, I realized that this page has evolved to be a network of friends who support me and/or share the same passion for Bharatanatyam. So, why not keep it alive ?!

The video of the event came out really well, thanks to the creativity and attention to detail by Roshan Varghese – the videographer. I thought I'd kick off this "anniversary week" with a few excerpts from the pieces.

Here's a 2 minute compilation with a few highlights from the Mallari. I have to admit, it's hard to watch one's own performance... I feel I could have, should have, done better. Then again, I console myself with the thought that it was just the beginning :)

Murali sir, the amazing 'feel' in your rendition brought out emotions I never thought I was capable of creating when I practiced with pre-recorded tracks. Several times, I was so immersed to the point that I forgot there was an audience in front of me. The joy of dancing to a talented, live orchestra !

07/11/2015

A couple of moments with our good old friend Shoba Pillai who did a fantastic job as the MC for the event, making time in the middle of an extremely busy life of her own.

07/11/2015

My heartfelt thanks to each and every one in these pictures for making it so memorable.

07/11/2015

The final pieces in the repertoire... concluding with thanks to the musicians, the guru and the audience.

07/11/2015

A few clicks from the padam - jagadodharana, with captions ! Photos courtesy : Ramesh Kumar.

06/19/2015

From the Keerthanam, Gopalaka Pahimam. Photos courtesy : Ramesh Kumar