Anandita Narayanan, a talented young dancer and disciple of Padma Shri Geeta Chandran, presented her solo Bharatanatyam performance, ‘Sopaan – The Next Step,’ captivating the audience at Triveni Kala Sangam in New Delhi, writes SAKSHI PRIYA
In a world where emotions often remain hidden, dance speaks volumes, transforming feelings into a breathing art form. On a recent evening, the prestigious Triveni Kala Sangam auditorium in New Delhi became the stage for a captivating performance by young Bharatanatyam dancer, Anandita Narayanan. Her solo performance, titled ‘Sopaan - The Next Step,’ promised to take the audience on a journey not only through the intricate movements of classical dance but also through the emotional depths that only art can reach. As the evening unfolded, it became clear that Anandita performance was more than just a showcase of talent; it was a mesmerising expression of her dedication to Bharatanatyam.
Anandita, a disciple of the esteemed Padma Shri Geeta Chandran, stepped onto the stage with grace, drawing the audience into the world of traditional Indian dance from the moment she began. Her performance commenced with the Pushpanjali in Ragam Shree, a ritualistic offering of flowers symbolically presented to the stage, her teacher and the audience. This introductory piece, set to the rhythm of Adi Talam, established a humble yet powerful tone for the evening, filled with reverence for the art form she holds so dearly. The simple yet elegant movements of the Pushpanjali invited the audience into the performance, preparing them for the deeper narratives that would follow.
The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the Varnam in Ragam Poorvikalyani, a piece that provided a showcase for Anandita’s technical brilliance and emotional depth. In this Varnam, composed by the legendary Dandayudha Pani Pillai, Anandita embodied the Virahotkantitha Nayika – a heroine tormented by her separation from her beloved, the god Kartikeya. Through her expressions and gestures, Anandita conveyed Nayika's intense longing and sorrow with remarkable sensitivity. The audience could feel the emotional weight of the performance, as she brought to life the pain of unrequited love, working it into the intricate footwork and hand movements that define Bharatanatyam. Her portrayal made it seem as though the stage had transformed into a canvas for her emotions, with every movement adding to the visual poetry unfolding before the audience.
The ability to seamlessly blend emotion with technique is a hallmark of great dance and Anandita demonstrated this with ease. As she transitioned to the next part of her performance, she moved from the intense, heart-wrenching narrative of the Varnam to lighter, more playful pieces, displaying her versatility as a performer. One such piece was the Padam “Inendu Vachitira” set in Ragam Surrati, where she portrayed the Khandita Nayika, a woman confronting her unfaithful lover, Krishna. Anandita’s portrayal of the heroine was both poignant and humorous, as she conveyed a mix of anger, sarcasm and hurt. Her facial expressions and body language effortlessly conveyed the heroine’s frustration, while also injecting a sense of lightness into the performance. The audience responded with appreciative laughter and applause, a tribute to the range of emotions Anandita was able to convey.
Following the Padam, Anandita performed a Javali in Ragam Paras, titled “Smara Sundaranguni.” In this piece, she depicted the Swadheenapatika Nayika, a confident and assured woman who takes pride in her secure relationship. Anandita’s performance here was full of joy and exuberance, a stark contrast to the sorrowful tone of the earlier Varnam. Her ability to switch between such diverse emotional landscapes was nothing short of impressive, as she continued to captivate the audience with each new piece.
The evening reached its crescendo with the final performance, a Tillana in Ragam Yamuna Kalyani, composed by Shri Lalgudi G. Jayaraman. The Tillana is traditionally the concluding piece in a Bharatanatyam performance, known for its fast-paced rhythms and celebratory tone. Anandita’s rendition was no exception, as she delivered a vibrant and energetic performance that left the audience captivated. Her footwork was sharp and precise, while her movements were full of life, embodying the joy and devotion of the piece. The performance celebrated Lord Krishna, and Anandita’s energy lit up the stage, drawing the audience into the festive mood.
What made Anandita’s performance truly special, however, was not just her technical skill but the emotional depth and sincerity she brought to each piece. She was not simply performing a series of dances; she was telling stories, sharing emotions and inviting the audience into her world. This sense of connection was visible throughout the performance and it was clear that Anandita love for dance went beyond just the physical movements. As one audience member remarked, “Anandita’s expressions and storytelling took us into the heart of each character. It was not just beautiful but deeply moving.” Another attendee added, “Watching her dance was like seeing poetry come to life. She made complex emotions feel real.”
For Anandita, dance is not merely a performance but a way of life. In her own words, “Dance flows through every cell of my being. It’s an integral part of who I am.” This dedication to her art was evident in every gesture and movement on stage. The connection between Anandita and her dance was clear to all who were present and it added an extra layer of depth to the performance, making it a truly memorable evening.
‘Sopaan - The Next Step’ was not just a dance recital; it beautifully showcased Anandita’s growth as an artist. Under the guidance of her guru, Geeta Chandran, Anandita has mastered both the technical precision and emotional depth that bring Bharatanatyam to life. The performance highlighted her potential to become a prominent figure in classical dance, and the audience had the privilege of witnessing the rise of a gifted young talent. With her journey only just beginning, many more remarkable performances are sure to come. The grace, emotion, and artistry she displayed in ‘Sopaan - The Next Step’ will leave a lasting impression on all who watched.
