The cultural community of Sydney celebrated a milestone as Sarjna Shah, daughter and disciple of Guru Dr. Kanan Shah, performed her Bharatnatyam Arangetram with Prisha Patel, disciple of Guru Dr. Kanan Shah. The debut performance for these young classical dancers, Sarjna (13) and Prisha (15), was held at the prestigious Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Penrith on 29th June.
The atmosphere was divinely created by auspicious rangoli and rose water sprinkling to welcome the guests. A wonderful slide show flowing through the welcome and break showcasing the remarkable journey of the young girls. The jugalbandhi of the music ensemble tied the audience to the seats.
The evening began with paying respect to both Australia and India, followed by auspicious Pushpanjali and Ganesh Stuti, Saraswati Vandana, and an invocation to Lord Nataraja, the cosmic dancer. The performance showcased the culmination of years of rigorous training, discipline, and dedication to the art of Bharatanatyam, the ancient Indian classical dance form.
Each performance, from expressive Varnam to intricate Shri Ramstuti, was executed with precision and grace, reflecting the dancers’ deep understanding and passion for the art form.
The highlight of the evening was the Abhinaya segment, where Sarjna and Prisha displayed exceptional storytelling through expressive facial expressions and gestures, bringing mythological stories and characters to life. The Emcess so well connected the act of performers with the audience. The Padam performance connected the audience to the nostalgia of their childhood memories.
Guru Smt. Kanan Shah expressed immense pride in her disciples’ achievement, stating, “An Arangetram is a significant milestone in a dancer’s journey, symbolizing not just technical proficiency but also a deep spiritual connection to the art. Sarjna and Prisha have demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication, making this performance a memorable one.”
The stage was supported by a talented team of musicians: Shri Rucha Lange, Shri Maharshi Raval, Shri Satvik Desai, Shri Sabin Ghising, and Shri Nishant Solanki, with Ranjith providing PA support. The emcees included Krina, Veda, Dhwiti, Riona, and the light and special effects production was managed by Sireesha. Rangoli was by Nimisha, henna by Rachana, decorations by Aravinda, and hair and makeup by Ratna. The entire event was captured on video and photos by Venkatesh Babu.
The event was attended by eminent personalities, including Hon. Chris Bowen, Minister of Climate Change and Energy; Lord Mayor of Penrith, Todd Carney; Ms. Niyati Mehta, Director of Vivekanand Cultural Centre, Consulate General of India; Councillor Susai Benjamin; Councillor Suman Saha; many community leaders and supporters, family of Sarjna and Prisha who flew in from overseas, friends, and well-wishers. All showered the young artists with praise and blessings. Many remarked on the dancers’ flawless technique, emotive expression, and the seamless blend of tradition and innovation.
The heartwarming speeches by Sarjna and Prisha, thanking their guru and parents, brought tears to everyone in the audience. One audience member commented, “The performers were not only connected to the music ensemble and their guru but also to the audience equally. We were moved by the vibrations of their dance, and we couldn’t stop having tears.”
The successful completion of the Arangetram marks the beginning of a promising career in Bharatanatyam for Sarjna and Prisha, who aspire to further hone their skills and contribute to the rich legacy of Indian classical dance.
