Classical traditions honored in the modern world: Nithya Sampath's Arangetram

When you think of going to a dance recital, the image that pop into your mind is of dainty girls in pink tutus and high buns dancing swan lake on pointe shoes. There exists a lesser known form of the dance recital, however, that may take even more practice and skill than classic ballet. On Sun. May 25, I had the privilege of attending Nithya Sampath’s Bharatanatyam Arangetram at the Garfield Theater in La Jolla.

Bharatnatyam is one of the oldest forms of classical Indian dance, most popular in South India. The style combines the three aspects of dance, Nritta (rhythmic dance), Nritya (expressive dance) and Natya (dramatic dance), and the dance creates a beautiful and harmonious performance by balancing all three aspects.

Sampath began her instruction in Bharatnatyam dance when she was seven years old and has worked diligently and participated in many cultural performances all leading up to her Arangetram, or solo performance debut. She was taught by her guru and aunt, Smt. Subashinee Venkatesh, who had trained at the renowned school of Sri Saraswathi Gana Nilayam and has trained many accomplished students, earning her the title of Natya Thilakam. The Arangetram marked Sampath’s graduation from her dance training as she is celebrated in front of friends and family for her first solo performance.

The Arangetram began with a prayer followed by Sampath’s entrance on stage. She came out in a costumes made of silk sarees with gold zari embroidery designs. The pleats in her costume opened up in a beautiful fan as she performed an introductory dance called the Nritha Vandanam. Through her expressions, hand motions and body movement, Sampath expressed her welcome to the audience and paid her respects to the Gods by offering flowers and a prayer at the altar set at the front of the stage.

Sampath continued her performance with another prayer dance to the Lord Ganesha, or Elephant Faced God, called the Sri Vignarajam bhaje. The most impressive dance of the night was the Varnam: “Velanai Kaanboam Vaareer” dance, which is dedicated the Lord Karthikeya, the Warrior God. The dance lasted over 20 minutes and combined all three aspects of Bharatanatyam in an intricate and complex performance which required a mastery of technique, attention to minute details and athletic stamina and body discipline for Sampath to perform. This was the central dance of the performance and a short intermission followed, allowing Sampath to change from one ornate costume to the next.

The performance resumed with a series of shorter dances, though no less intricate or complex in their composition, honoring various Gods such as Lord Krishna and Goddess Shakthi. These dances told a story that was communicated through Sampath’s body language and expressions as well as the vocal accompaniment of Sunanda Chandramouli. In addition to Chandramouli’s voice, Sampath’s performance was highlighted an enhanced by Subramaniyam Sudhakar on the Mridangam and Krishna Kutty on the violin. The dancing and music wove together to create a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing performance for the audience.

In addition to the beautiful and culturally enlightening performance, the Arangetram was broken up by words of praise for Sampath’s many accomplishments, inside and outside of dance. Family and friends spoke of Sampath as a shy but incredibly intelligent and witty young woman who has excelled in academics, through dance, in a program called Odyssey of the Mind and as a Girl Scout. The pride with which those close to her spoke of her dedication and the sheer number of people who showed up at the event, showcased how large of an accomplishment Sampath completed that night and how deserving she is of it.

Sampath ended her Arangetram by thanking all of those who had played a role in the event and with Thillana and Mangalam dances of conclusion and thanks for the audience and Gods. Afterwards, Sampath was rushed with congratulations and praise for her performance as guests participated in a reception where they enjoyed traditional Indian cuisine.

While the night was ultimately about the accomplishment of one individual, the event highlighted the unique and sacred traditions of the Indian culture which are often lost in a modern world. It was refreshing to see someone put so much effort into preserving an ancient art and take pride in her heritage. It was obvious to the audience that the dedication required of Bharatanatyam dance has manifested in Sampath's character and the way an entire community came together to both help Sampath on her journey and celebrate its completion reminded me of the importance that the people and events around us have in shaping our lives and who we are.