Natya Tarangini (New Delhi) presented the Kuchipudi Rangapravesham by talented young danseuse at the Kamani auditorium in New Delhi on 9^th August 2024.

The debut performance was particularly noteworthy for its precision, rhythmic excellence and dramatic quality that was applauded by the packed audience.

Adiva said, “I arrived at the premises of the Natya Tarangini Academy when I was barely six years old, I was confused and nervous as to  how I would face my veteran mentors, who are internationally acclaimed performers and mentors. Over my journey for more than ten years, the institute has become my second home and shaped me as a student of dance and also a fine human being. The strict lessons of Radha Aunty, devotion of Guruji and his technical expertise and Kousalya Aunty for meticulous concern for perfection and precision has paved the way for me to achieve the fulfilment of my dream of becoming a classical dancer. Whatever little I have achieved it is due to the foresight of my mentors, my hardwork and the support of my parents and my family that I will always cherish. A memorable occasion for all of us”.

Adiva Agarwal, disciple of Padma Bhushans Guru Raja,Radha and Kousalya Reddy commenced the performance with a beautiful composition on Lord Ganesha “Gananathaya” which was followed with the spectacular and dramatic display of Dashavataram, along with audio visuals portraying all the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Adiva danced this number with fine dramatic quality portraying the avatars like Matsya,  Koorma, Varaha, Narasimha, Vamana, Parshurama, Rama, Balarama, Buddha and Kalki. Besides the intricate Thillana, the highlight number of the evening was the poet Amir Khusro composition ChaapTilak Sab Chini that incorporates the devotional quality and the relationship of the teacher and student and his ardent devotion for his mentor, Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya.

The finale number was the extract from Narayana Teertha’s Krishna LeelaTarangini – Tarangam, the dancer interprets the various leelas and deeds of Krishna and the balance on the rim of the brass plate with rhythmic movements and precision creating a lasting impression on the audience. If Adiva continues to dance with the same of devotion and passion, she can definitely aspire to be among the main ranks of dancers.

Adiva received fine orchestral support from Guru Kousalya Reddy for nattuvangam, Carnatic vocal by Lavanya Sundaram and DV Ravikatnh, Hindustani vocal by Aditi Sharma, Violin by VSK Annadurai, mridangam by Manohar Balachandran, flute by Rajesh Prasanna and table by Pranath Joshi and the wonderful compering by Sadhna Srivastava. On the whole it was a sparkling performance.

By Guru Vijay Shankar