Sahanas Bharathanatyam Arangetram

Plano, Texas, celebrated Sahana's Bharathanatyam Arangetram on September 13th, 2025, coinciding with Krishna Jayanthi. Sahana Koushik, an 8th-grade student at Rice Middle School in the Plano Independent School District, enchanted an audience of heritage enthusiasts with a vibrant arangetram. Sahana Koushik, a devoted disciple of Guru Smt. Rajalakshmi Krishna (Artistic Director of Shreebala Nrithyalaya), completed her extensive nine-year Bharathanatyam training. This rigorous training culminated in a captivating two-hour performance. She showcased various traditional sequences with grace, precision, and heartfelt expression, transporting the audience with the art form's brilliance and devotion. This Arangetram highlighted Sahana's dedication and her guru's meticulous guidance. Through an exceptional student-teacher relationship, Sahana achieved technical mastery and a deep cultural understanding. Rigorous training in complex choreographies and a varied repertoire culminated in a stunning debut, honoring both Sahana's artistic growth and the lasting impact of their bond.Guru Smt. Rajalakshmi Krishna, a distinguished Bharatanatyam exponent in the Vazhuvoor tradition, is known for innovative choreography and strong foundational teaching. Her students have performed extensively in the US and India. She began her Bharatanatyam training at six, studying with Natyacharya Kalaimamani K. R. Radhakrishnan and Guru Kalaimamani Thanjai Jayalakshmi Arunachalam Pillai, culminating in her 1986 Arangetram. She holds a Master's in Bharatanatyam, Natya/Nattuvanga Visharadha with distinction, and is a gold medalist from Chennai Music College.We are deeply honored to have Kalaimamani Smt. Bala Devi Chandrashekar, our esteemed Chief Guest, grace Sahana's Arangetram with her presence. A beacon of classical Indian dance, she was trained under Guru Padma Vibhushan Dr. Padma Subramanian and has performed at prestigious venues in 37 countries across India, the United States, Europe, the Far East, South America, and the Middle East, with over 300 concerts.The orchestra featured a remarkable ensemble of Carnatic artists:Nattuvangam: Guru Smt. Rajalakshmi Krishna, an esteemed teacher and visionary artist, has enriched the world of Bharatanatyam for 35 years with her exceptional dedication, passion, and profound knowledge, distinguishing her as an extraordinary educator.Vocalist: Kalaimamani Gandharva Nipuna Shri. Hari Prasad Kaniyal, a respected Carnatic vocalist, was trained by notable gurus including Vidwan Shri D ChellamIyengar, Shri Vairamangalam Lakshmi Narayanan, Shri S. Rajaram, Dr. S Subramanian, and Dr. M. Balamuralikrishna. He is celebrated for his universally resonant music.Mridangam: Shri. C.H. Sreekanth, known as Tripunithura Sreekanth, is an acclaimed Mridangam artist. Violinist: Smt. Srilakshmi Venkataramani, a disciple of Padmashri A. Kanyakumari, is known for her soulful performances and impeccable technique.Flautist: Shri Bharat Raj B., an accomplished Carnatic flautist, blends deep tradition with artistic versatility, having trained under the late Vidwan A. V. Prakash.Sahana's Arangetram began with Kalaimamani Gandharva Nipuna Shri. Hariprasad Kaniyal invoking Lord Ganesha. Her first song, “Siddhi Vinayakam”, included a Pushpanjali where she offered flowers to God and the audience, seeking blessings. In the sanchari, Sahana depicted Lord Ganesha swallowing Sudarshana Chakram, requiring Lord Vishnu to perform thopukaranam to retrieve it. Sahana then presented a Shiva stothram, including Ardhanadheeswara Stothram, Mahamruthyunjaya mantram, and Nataraja Kritham, followed by Aadiya Padan. This devotional padam by Ramalinga Vallalar explores the beauty and profound meaning of Lord Nataraja's cosmic dance, symbolizing the universe's creation, preservation, and dissolution.Sahana's performance of 'Chinnanjiru Kiliye' masterfully depicted a mother's love through captivating expressions, precise mudras, and graceful movements. Her blend of technique and emotional expression made it a heartwarming and visually captivating experience, showcasing her as a remarkable artist and Bharatanatyam's enduring storytelling power.Sahana's rendition of Muthiah Baghavathar's Varnam 'Maathe Malayadhwaja' paid homage to Goddess Meenakshi. Through pure dance (nritta) and expressive acting (abhinaya), Sahana depicted the Meenakshi Kalyanam, the divine marriage of warrior queen Meenakshi to Lord Sundareswarar (Shiva), symbolizing the union of divine power and asceticism. Her performance also powerfully showcased Goddess Chamundeshwari's victory over Mahishasura, making the Varnam a remarkable display of both technical skill and divine storytelling.The Arangetram's second half began with Devi Stuthi, a devotional piece by Smt. Priyadarshini Govind and Dr. Rajkumar Bharathi, honoring Devi's manifestations. Sahana also performed to Sri Chakra Raja Simhasaneshwari, a kriti for Goddess Lalita Tripurasundari. The accompanying orchestra's talent enhanced this lively piece with intricate melodies and precise rhythms that intertwined with Sahana's dance.Following this, Sahana presented the Kavadi Chindu: Kannan Varugindra Neram. This lively Tamil folk piece infused her Bharatanatyam repertoire with vibrant joy. Her performance skillfully captured the excitement, longing, and happiness linked to Krishna's arrival, conveyed through delicate expressions, charming gestures, and a hint of playfulness.The performance culminated with the Hindolam Thillana, a composition gracefully weaving together themes of love and happiness. Sahana's profound understanding of Thaalam was particularly evident during the Jugalbandhi in the Thillana. At the end, Sahana performed for the Sai Mangalam, a traditional and auspicious concluding piece in Bharatanatyam, offering salutations to God, her Guru, and the audience.Kum. Sahana Koushik's grand Arangetram concluded spectacularly, captivating the audience. A thunderous standing ovation was given to Sahana, her Guru Smt. Rajalakshmi Krishna, and the exceptionally talented orchestra. The event beautifully celebrated Indian heritage and the enduring legacy of Bharathanatyam, offering significant cultural enrichment.- Our Overseas Reporter Sheela Ramnan from San Antonio