This event in my life; the maiden Arangetram as a teacher of this divine art form of Bharatanatyam, was undoubtedly the most exciting, satisfying and humbling of all previous ones. Probably, the only other all-encompassing experience was the birth of our son last year. How can I describe the feelings that I lived through, during that period of two and a half hours, in five short paragraphs, especially when I have not come to terms with them myself? It seems like a dream still, one that I have had since several years now and never admitted to anyone for fear of it not coming true! But, take place it did and I have foremost, my Guru's, then my parents' and the Almighty's blessings to thank for it!
A few words about Pravallika before I go on.
She is the ideal student, one who could be groomed unabashedly, moulded in the way you have been taught that a student should be, one who would follow instructions to the T and with so much ease, that it results in immense satisfaction as a teacher! She came to me with great interest, dedication, drive and right there was half the battle won. Six months prior to the D-day were days filled with a combined process of learning, correcting, improving, for both of us.
I was lucky that Aunty's senior-most dance student, Parvathi Narayan (whose student Pravallika was, before she became mine), based in Cleveland, agreed along with her husband, to accompany me with the singing and Nattuvangam and play the mridangam respectively. Parvathi's presence during the function felt to me like Aunty's own. How I missed Her, Her guidance, Her silent (never vocal) approval and Her reprimands. If there was something about the Arangetram that I could have changed, it was the fact that SHE was not there physically, singing the first song with me, as She always did with all Her students' maiden Arangetrams!
Once the programme began at about 6:45 pm (could not start at sharp 6:30, as Aunty would have liked), it was a roller-coaster ride. Nothing could stop the orchestra, Pravallika or me, once we began the exciting journey together. The thrills were manifold - doing the Nattuvangam for a full-fledged programme, singing for one too and being fully aware that it was your student performing in front of the world, making a small but undeniable mark in the field.
Ever since the Arangetram, the recognition for our Insititution in the Chicago area has been definite. This translates into more opportunities to perform for my students and me and to let the world know how lucky we are to have Aunty as our Guru and guiding beacon! Distance has not in any way reduced the influence She has over the way I practice this art form (that is Her gift to begin with) and me. She is with me in spirit constantly, as I teach, perform, do the Nattuvangam, sing and in general, is guiding me ALL the time! I feel Her gentle hold over my hand and follow blindly wherever she leads me, as I know that any path chosen by Her for me cannot be anything but the correct one! May God keep Her healthy and fit for many more years to come and may we, Her students be recipients of Her blessings for an eternity.
- Anupama Rajesh
