Abhinava Dance Academy (Banglore), proudly presented the Bharata Natyam Samarpanam performance by talented dancer Mihika Sankuratri on 6^th July 2024 at Kala Dwaraka Auditorium in Koramangala in Bangalore.

Blessed with large expressive eyes and a striking stage presence, it was sheer pleasure as it was the delightful expressions that dominated the entire performance.

Mihika developed passion for Indian classical dance at a tender age and started learning Bharata Natyam from Guru Asha Gopal in Phoenix, Arizona. Later Mihika arrived in India and became the disciple of accomplished mentors and dancers, Guru Nirupama Rajendar and Guru T.D Rajendar,who are SNA Awardees and heads the Abhinava Dance Academy that has been fruitfully functioning for almost three decades. Mihika is also privileged to learn from senior faculty Guru Indu Ramdas.

Mihika says “Although I was living in Arizona, I belong to a family who are great lovers of Indian Classical Music and Dance and I am an Indian at heart and appreciate and understand that Indian Classical Dances is a reflection of India’s rich cultural heritage, which is acclaimed universally. Indian classical dance is a fine combination of mind, body, spirit and soul. In fact this divine art form is also known as expression of the soul, relating to The Almighty through the medium of varied stories from the Hindu Mythology. The highlight of classical dance is discipline which is very important to be successful person.”

Mihika Sankuratri commenced her performance with Saraswati Stuti which is inclusive of Mudras,Talas and Karanas from the fourth chapter of Natya Sastra, Sriman Narayana and.Nattakurinji Varnam, Swati Thirunal's Chaliye Junjanmo and Tamboori Meetidava was the grand finale. It was interesting to observe the complete involvement of the dancer in the interplay of varied expressions, simultaneously maintaining the precision and execution of rhythmic, intricate and stylized movements that left a lasting impression on the audience.

Mihika received fine orchestral support from Guru Nirupama Rajendra on nattuvangam, Raghuram for vocal, Bhavani Shankar for mridangam, Veena by Gopal and flute by Mahesh Swamy. With consistency, passion and determination, Mihika can defintely rise to great heights as fine professional classical dancer.

By Guru Vijay Shankar