Young steps to a tradition

DREAM DEBUT

It was an enriching experience for all present at the Ravindra Kalakshetra at the rangapravesham of Kruthika Thyagarajan. A disciple of Shakuntala R Prabhat, Artistic Director of Prabhat Arts International, the young girl has been training in Bharatanatyam for the past seven years.

Titled Nruthya Sanjeevani, the programme started with Pushpanjali in Amruthavarshini raga, followed by Devakaksha Ugabhoga Satata Gananatha. This was followed by Jatiswara in Rasika Priya raga and Devistuti in Kalyani raga. Following this was a composition by Raghavendra J Prabhat himself, the director of Prabhat Arts International. As the evening progressed, the young girl went on to dance to many compositions gracefully. 

Says the dancer, who is a student of class 10, “When I first came on stage, I was bit tensed and didn’t feel confident. But it turned out to be an extremely thrilling experience.” Kruthika has also been learning Carnatic classical music from Vasumati Raghunath for the past six years. How does she take the time out for her studies? “I finish my studies first, and practice dance and music the rest of the time,” she answers. Her inspiration is her guru Shakuntala and her aunt, who is a Kuchipudi dancer. “I will be performing soon at the Education Development Centre,” she informs about her upcoming performance.

“A rangapravesham is always a test for any dancer,” feels Raghavendra Prabhat, who also conceived the entire programme. “Nrutya Sanjeevani means spiritual healing through dance,” he explains. The event was graced by many known people from the dance fraternity, with the guests of honour being the dancer couple — Shridhar and Anuradha, Directors of Khechara Academy of Bharatanatyam. The chief guest was Manu Baliger, Director of Kannada and Culture, Government of Karnataka. Also present was Satyanarayana Raju, Director, Samskruti.