Ashka & Kavya,
Thanks to Ramaa, her musicians, and the Patel family for making this arengetram possible. It was an enjoyable evening for all of us. Amidst this pandemic situation, last evening was a refreshing and a positive start. Let me start with the venue first, not sure if the Patel family chose this as their first choice, or this became their choice due to COVID, I’m glad the arengetram was hosted in such a divine place. A place where many many happy occasions happen and very many Indian cultural events are organized, who can ask for better and a meaningful place than this! The songs chosen just matched the venue- a culmination of many Indian languages/culture. Ashka and Kavya’s arengetram satisfied everyone’s craving, right from a traditional audience to a person who is not exposed to this South Indian art form- it covered it all.
Ramaa, I don’t know how you managed to coordinate your musicians with the challenging 3 tiered seating, but you did it. Rathi and Mrs. Latha did their part precisely and I saw them enjoying each other’s singing as well! I even caught the proud smile exchange between Latha and you when Rathi finished her part of singing!
Thanks to the intro video on showing the different gestures! I really enjoyed watching it, and it’s a great intro that came in handy when the girls expressed during different songs later. I could see Ashka and Kavya have a very different style of dancing. You used their personalities and exposed it in their solo. I loved the raga selections and the songs that gave much importance to the host family.
I enjoyed the Kalyani varnam very much. An intense preparations for the war choreography and Rathi and Rama’s very well-coordinated nattuvangam made it even more powerful. This arengetram was different in all levels. Marathi Abhang and the Gujarati songs stole our heart. In Jasoda Tara Kaunda, I loooooved the scene where yosodha tried to feed baby Krishna by showing the birds, butterflies, and even the tiny worm! So cute!! The girls’ expression, and the hand gestures were beautiful. We all enjoyed watching the girls bounce the ball, and the one that came to the audience, Dr. Sriram takes the credit there!! Kaho Ram fit aptly for Kavya and Majhe Maher couldn’t have been any more fitting for Ashka.
Overall, for what the girls, the family, and Ramaa and team went through for days, weeks, and months of uncertainty during pandemic, this arengetram was a fulfilling one. “Enjoyed” is the apt word for what I felt. Praying Lord Nataraja that Ashka and Kavya keep up this dance passion and perform in very many stages in the future.
Love
Sangeetha Aunty
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