Meghna Iyer
Meghna Iyer
Song : Sri Vigna rajam Bhaje
Ragam : Lalitha & Gambheera Nattai
Talam : Kanda Chapu
Composed of two words, “Pushpa” meaning “flowers” and “Anjali” meaning “offering”, the dancer will offer flowers and respectfully seek blessings from Her Guru, Lord Nataraja and everyone present here. This is the first dance in the “margam” meaning “repertoire” and is rendered in praise of Lord Ganesha.
Ragam : Kalyani
Talam : Rupakam
A jatiswaram is an active dance that showcases the energy and stamina of the dancer. This dance does not have “abinaya” or emotions, instead focuses on pure dance movement. The melody is repeated and the dancer weaves rhythmic patterns called “jatis” that are derived from the primary “adavus” or “basic steps”.
Ragam : Hindolam
Talam : Kanda jathi eka
Composer : Sri Madurai R Muralidharan
A kavuthuvam is a hymn or a song of devotion dedicated to a particular deity, originally performed in the temples of South India. This kavuthuvam is in praise of Goddess Kali and portrays her beauty, benevolence and unbridled bravery through expressions and movement.
Song : Swami Naan Undan Adimai
Ragam : Nattakurinji
Talam : Adi
Composer : Sri Papanasam Sivan
Varnam is the central, most elaborate presentation in the repertoire, which tests the dancer’s knowledge, skill and endurance. Two or more stories are strung together and the dancer brings them to life with her seamless transitions between pure dance, or “nritta” and expressions, or “abinaya”. Shiva varnam brings the power of “Bhakti”, or devotion to the audience with stories of Kannappa Nayanar and Nandanar, concluding with a surrender to Lord Nataraja, the God of Dance.
Song : Maddu Meikkum Kanne
Ragam : Senchurutti
Talam : Tisra Adi
Composer : Oothukadu Venkata Kavi
A shabdam is a reflection of everyday events in the life of a God or Goddess. This light hearted folk tune composition is a conversation between Lord Krishna and his mother, Yashoda. They are each trying to rationalize their point of view about whether or not little Krishna can take the cows out to the fields for grazing. The dancer must adapt the “abinayas” or expressions to the character that she is portraying.
Song : Jayadurge Durgati Pariharini
Ragam : Bhairav
Talam : Adi
Composer : Pandit Bhimsen Joshi
This composition on Goddess Durga celebrates her as a fearless warrior who decimates the demon Mahishasura. She is the “Shakti”, or strength, both in the physical and emotional forms that needs to be awake in each one of us. From a symbolic angle, the demon personifies ignorance and darkness.
Song : Paarkadal Alai Mele
Ragam : Ragamalika
Talam : Adi
A padam is a dance loaded with expressions and stories. This padam narrates the story of “Dasavataram” or the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu- Mathsya (fish), Khurma (tortoise), Varaha (wild boar) Narasimha (half-man half-lion), Vamana (dwarf), Parasurama, Lord Rama, Balarama, Lord Krishna and Kalki (the mighty warrior).
Ragam : Desh
Talam : Adi
Composer : Lalgudi Jayaraman
Thillana is an energetic and lively dance performed towards the end of an arangetram repertoire. It consists of complex rhythmic syllables set in the 3 different speeds. It has a lyrical component in praise of the handsome Lord Muruga, highlighting his valor, compassion and love for his consort, Valli.
Song : Maate Malayadwaja Pandya Sanjate
Ragam : Khamas
Talam : Adi
Mangalam is a prayer of gratitude from the dancer to God, Guru, musicians and everyone present here to support her. An ode to the feminine Shakti, this song shows the Goddess being born from flames, growing into an accomplished warrior, meeting the love of her life and passing on her skills to her own two children.