CHICAGO: Satvika Veeravalli, a tenth grade student at Neuqua Valley High School, Naperville performed her Bharatanatyam Arangetram (Debut) on September 12 before a packed audience of over 800 people at the Oswego East High School, Oswego, a Chicago suburb.
The continual cheering was as well-deserved as it was hard earned, since Satvika trained for more than a decade (since she was 4) under Guru Smt. Vanitha Veeravalli, who is also her mother.
Satvika began the three-hour marathon with the traditional Pushpanjali (Malahari) composed by Dr Balamuralikrishna and Alarippu (Ragamalika, Talamalika) followed by Saraswati Kauthuvam. Promptly, she launched into the main item – the Varnam Devarmunivar (Shanmuknapria) composed by Sri LalgudiJayaraman, which, during its 55-minute odyssey, offered the dancer continual opportunities to exhibit her skill in all the three elements of Bharatanatyam, namely Nritta, Nritya and Natya.
After this, Satvika performed Madura Nagarilo (Anandabhairavi), a breezy romantic number. Next was a profoundly touching sketch depicting the anguish of Yashoda, who learns that Krishna in fact is another’s child (by birth). With valuable input from the musicians, Satvika herself had conceptualized this theme, which was executed using Periyalvar’s pasurams.
One could not help wonder how such a young dancer was able to elucidate those waves of emotions so eloquently. The program continued with a brisk piece on Shiva and a thrilling Tillana in Natakurinji. Each was distinct from the others for a different reason, be it raga, tala, language, mood, complexity or a specific dance element that Satvika chose to highlight.
The entire presentation was a tribute to teamwork, led by Guru Smt. Vanitha Veeravalli’s Nattuvangam (choreography and direction).
Vocal music by Sri Gomathi Nayagam Ratnam with his resonant baritone voice and clear diction elevated the ambiance to a divine level. Sri. Sakthivel Muruganandhan (Mridangam) led the Laya (rhythm) front, fully complementing the Nattuvangam and voice artists.
Accompanists Sigamani Natarajan (Violin) and Sankarapillai Sunilkumar (Flute) were at their melodious best, rounding off a magnificent ensemble. Satvika’s sister Sutikshana Veeravalli was the emcee for the evening, and contributed beautifully. To top that, she also sang to perfection the last two numbers, including the Tillana.
Suri Swamy
