Captivating abhinaya and scintillating footwork marked Ranjani Veena Belavadi’s Bharatnatyam Arangetram, debut solo stage performance on Dec 19th 2021 at JSS Auditorium, Jayanagar, Bangalore under the guidance of Vidushi K. S. Nagashree of Natya Sankula School of Dance.
Amidst eminent personalities and chief guests, the artist performed traditional items starting with Alaripu, Jatiswaram, Shabdam and a Varnam which is the most central and elaborate item demanding not only the stamina of a dancer but the training, the skill, the imaginative faculty of a dancer to improvise and to successfully alternate between pure dance and abhinaya. The Varnam displayed not only Ranjani’s exquisite dancing skills but also maturity and discipline of an accomplished dancer.
Second half of the event was vibrant starting with Popular Kriti “Sri Chakra Raja” , followed by Purandasa’s Devaranama – “Yamanelli”, Jayadeva Ashtapadi from Geeta Govindam and concluded with a Thillana, a traditional finale to an Arangetram. The event would not have been successful without outstanding live accompaniments.
Highlight of the event was Ranjani performing prelude for Jayadeva Ashtapadi in Indian classical bamboo flute herself which demonstrates that the artist is multi talented with a rare combination of excellence in flute as well as dance.
The event was witnessed by hundreds of audience at the auditorium and thousands through livestream around the world.
It was a great thought and a unique gesture that the event was organized in aide of Samarthanam Trust for Disabled ( https://www.samarthanam.org/ ) and Ranjani wanted to dedicate her debut performance to enable the disabled and help disabled children learn dance and music.
The meticulous training imparted by Vidhushi K S Nagashree was clearly visible in Ranjani’s performance, which was a testimony to Ranjani’s dedication, hard work, her passion for perfection and involvement in Bharatanatyam. Ranjani is been learning Bharatanatyam for the last 11 years and is currently pursuing her 11th grade at Greenwood High International school.
Congratulations to Ranjani on a spectacular performance and best wishes in her future endeavors.
The event can be watched under
