| 11-year old Anusha Ramaswami's Arangetram A great dancer in the making By Heidi M. Pascual |
| professional orchestra that accompanied her was composed of accomplished musicians: Shrimati Neela Ramanuja (vocal); Shri N.G. Ravi (Mrudangam); Shri N. Rajkamal (flute); Shrimati Chitra Lingam (veena); and Shri Pramath Kiran (electronic and hand percussions). Guru Kripa Baskaran provided vocals for some of the numbers. Anusha's Arangetram started with the traditional prayer to Lord Ganesha, the elephant god and patron of the arts, and ended with the Thillana, composed of "complicated and rhythmic Adavus (steps) sculpturesque poses and varied patterns of movement woven together like a garland." The event closed with the Mangalam, when Anusha honored the orchestra members individually and her guru not only with flowers and gifts but also with her head bowed so low in high respect for the adults who helped her perform so well. Anusha, a seventh grader at Kromrey Middle School in Middleton, also studies Indian classical voice and Western Classical violin. She's a member of the Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Madison Youth Choirs. Anusha has been sharing her love for music with our community. We salute you, Anusha!! |
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| Youth, form, beauty, grace, and discipline. Some words to describe the Arangetram of Anusha Ramaswami, 11-year old student of Guru Kripa Baskaran, on September 1. Anusha's solo dance debut was a celebration of her years of intense training in Bharatnatyam Indian classical dance. Proof of what she has learned from Natyarpana School of Dance was most especially highlighted in the Varnam, featuring Nee Manamaringee. Anusha's awesome skills in Nritta (pure dance) and in Abhinaya (mime and expression) definitely deserved the generous applause from a huge audience at the Middleton Performing Arts Center. Anusha's support came not only from her proud parents, Aparna and Karthik, but from relatives, friends and guests from here and abroad. The |
| (Above) Anusha's proud parents |
| Thanking her Guru, Kripa Baskaran |