CHS student dazzles in solo dance debut

Anvitha Addanki performs her arangetram at Sharon Middle School. (Photo courtesy of Vijay Addanki)

By Saketh Mynampati

Along with the sound of rustling leaves and chirping birds, Sharon Middle School in Sharon had also experienced the sounds of the streaming audience in both traditional Indian and Western attire as they came to witness the magnificent Bharathanatyam Arangetram (solo dance debut) of 14-year-old Anvitha Addanki, daughter of Chandana and Vijay Addanki on Saturday, September 24.

Currently a ninth grader at Canton High School, Anvitha began learning the ancient and revered form of Bharatanatyam from Guru Smt. Poornima Risbud, founder and creative director of Rasarang School of Performing Arts, from the tender age of 5. The audience was treated to a spell-binding performance, a perfect confluence of grace, talent, and a deep understanding of the traditional dance form. This showcased the skills of both the teacher and the student.

Anvitha started her recital with Pushpanjali, a traditional opening dance, in which the dancer offers flowers to seek the blessings of Nataraja — the deity of dance, the Guru, and the accompanying artists, as well as the audience, for a successful performance. This was followed by a prayer in praise of Lord Ganesha, the remover of all obstacles.

A very colorful Mayura Alarippu followed. This invocational piece was inspired by the movements of a peacock. Anvitha’s movements and rhythmic steps were done with elegance, and it was fascinating to see her perform like a peacock. Next, she performed Jathiswaram, which is an abstract dance, devoid of any Abhinaya. Anvitha showed her versatility in elaborate footwork and graceful movements.

Shabdam followed, and Anvitha introduced abhinaya and beautifully depicted Lord Krishna playfully teasing all the gopikas. The audience was mesmerized to see this teenager’s expressive expressions. The Varnam concluded the first half of the Arangetram. Anvitha beautifully described Valli’s desire to be with her heartthrob Kumaraswami. The audience was in awe after seeing her beautiful storytelling interspersed with her intricate footwork.

The second half began with Mahadeva Shiva Shambo. Anvitha beautifully depicted the divine features, physical appearance, and celestial qualities of Lord Shiva, the God of dance. Next, she portrayed the grace and feminine energy of Goddess Parvathi, showcasing her skills in both Nritta and Abhinaya.

Following that was Muddugare Yashoda, a keerthana by Annamacharya in praise of Lord Krishna. Anvitha performed beautifully, comparing Krishna to each of the nine gems. A highly energetic and joyful Thillana followed, with sahithyam in praise of Lord Hanuman.

Concluding the recital, Anvitha performed to songs from the award-winning movie Swarna Kamalam, showing how hard work paid off in helping her reach this milestone of performing solo in front of the audience and thanked Lord Nataraja, her Guru, accompanying musicians, and the audience in her Mangalam.

Sri EP Sudev Warrier and Smt. Vijaya Kondapi provided the vocals. Sri KS Sudhaman performed on the mridangam, Kum. Varshini Narayanan on the flute, and Guru Smt. Poornima Risbud with the Nattuvangam provided a perfect accompaniment.

Overall, the spectacular performance by Anvitha, excellent choreography and training by Guru Smt. Poornima Risbud, and mesmerizing accompaniment by the talented orchestra were very well appreciated by all who attended the event.

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