East Meets West With Bharatnatyam
Bharatnatyam is a classical dance from India.
I have been a Bharatnatyam dancer since elementary school and am diploma certified by the Samved Conservatory of Indian Classical Music and Dance. I have scored an A or higher on every exam - all of which included a dance and written component (which focused on Sanskrit).
Below is a highlights video of my debut solo Bharatanatyam dance performance called an Arangetram. This solo performance was over two hours long and took intense and focused preparation for over a year.
For the past several years, I have also been choreographing dances. I enjoy taking traditional Bharatnatyam steps and applying them to Western/Pop music. Below are a few of my award-winning dance choreography submissions to the PTA Reflections Program, which is an arts contest available to students across America. Included below is my artist statement for each year’s theme.
I am planning to teach younger girls Bharatanatyam and hope to continue dancing for the rest of my life both individually and with dance groups!
2025 - Arangetram - Debut Solo
Highlights video
Arangetram means ascending the stage. It is a milestone in a classical Indian dancer’s journey. It is the culmination of many years of formal dance training (at least 7 years) and a dancer's first major solo performance on stage.
An arangetram is made up of several dance components and highlights the different skills learned during the course of the dancer’s training. The dancer typically dances for over two hours to showcase these skills.
Song: Jathi Mix by Indian Raga
2022 - Surefooted
NJ state judging - 4th place
Contest Theme: Show your voice!
The show must go on! Sickness, homework, and bad weather won’t stop me!
I like to show my voice through dance because it is a reminder of all that is beautiful and hopeful in the world despite all the conflict, unhappiness and hardships. I have been learning Bharatanatyam, a classical Indian dance, and love to pair it with Western beats and modern rhythms. Bharatanatyam is just as beautiful as other dance forms.
Like my own voice that is shaped by both my American upbringing and Indian culture, the dance is the blend of two worlds - made beautiful through the synthesis!
Song: Better When I’m Dancin’ by Meghan Trainor
2021 - Better When I’m Dancin’
NJ state winner - Honorable Mention
Contest Theme: I will change the world by….
I will change the world by spreading the universal joy of dance. Meghan Trainor best captures my feelings through her song, Better When I’m Dancin’. Dance has given me a lot of happiness throughout my life, but especially during the hardships of the pandemic. My dance combines two things I love – Western/Pop music and Bharatnatyam, a classical Indian dance. Many kids my age find classical dance dated and less exciting than other dance forms. I believe that whatever dance spreads joy is relevant and exciting and I would love to share this joy with others.
PS. I sewed my costume!
Song: Shape of You Indian Remix by IndianRaga and Aditya Rao, Vinod Krishnan and Mahesh Raghvan
2020 - Melting Pot
NJ state winner - Award of Excellence
Contest Theme: I matter because….
I matter because I am a bridge between two cultures - Indian and American. During this pandemic, dance has been an outlet for me to express myself. I picked a remix of Ed Sheeran’s song because dance is enjoyable regardless of one’s shape and while I look different from my friends, it doesn’t matter when I dance. NYC is my backdrop because it is a melting pot of many cultures. I wore white to show women/girl empowerment.
Song: Harry Potter - The Ultimate Indian Theme by Mahesh Raghvan
2019 - A Little Bit of Magic
NJ state winner - Outstanding Interpretation - Sent to Nationals
Contest Theme: Look within
I truly believe we all have some magic in us. If we look within ourselves, we will realize that everyone is talented in their own way. I chose a Harry Potter song because I love the series and can really related to Harry. Harry is passionate about Quidditch and I am passionate about dance. It helps me express myself and I find it relaxing and fun. Like Harry, I am learning more about myself as I grow-up and I hope my skills as a dancer improve over time.