| Arangetram: Dalian and Jong May Urbonya by Kalaanjali School of Dance |
| Dalian and Jong May then presented the most challenging and longest piece of their Arangetram, the Varnam, a dance that means color. This dance piece adds color to a Bharatanatyam performance because it depicts both the technical as well as the visual representation aspects of dance in praise of Lord Nataraja, Lord of Dance. Dalian and Jong May started the second half of their Arangetram with a snake dance, that demonstrated the level of the sisters' skill in executing seemingly boneless movements in an extremely graceful way. Dalian performed the Thillana, a dance full of rhythmic footwork, sculpturesque poses, and quick and glided neck movements. The thillana was choreographed in five-combination rhythms and was very well received by the audience. More than 300 people witnessed this special event, including Ganesan's gurus from India who were specially invited to take part in this milestone in Ganesan's career. The Orchestra members included : Meenakshi Ganesan (Nattuvangam), Sriram Natarajan on the Mridangam, and Vijaya Desikan on the Violin. Prema Nagasundaram accompanied Ganesan in Nattuvangam (kattai) and her other guru, Padmini Radhakrishnan enthralled the audience with her melodious music. Lakshmi Sarkar, a Kalaanjali dancer, emceed the event. The teachers, members of the orchestra and the special guest, Mrs. Sandhya Sridhar, were offered flowers before the last dance piece. Mrs. Sridhar spoke about Meenakshi Ganesan and her school, then appreciated the music and the presence of Meenakshi's Gurus, the wonderful orchestra members, and the performance of the Urbonya sisters. Dalian and Jong May then spoke about their teacher, Meenakshi, presented her with flowers, and took her blessings. Jong May then presented the concluding piece, Kurathi, a south Indian gypsy folk dance in classical style whereby the dancer (a kurathi girl) sells her beads and talks proudly about her culture. The song for this Kurathi was specially composed by Meenakshi's Guru, Smt. Padmini Radhakrishnan. The special costume from India was a highlight to this dance. The finale, the Mangalam, was meant to thank the teacher, Meenakshi Ganesan and her Gurus, the members of the orchestra, the great Lord, the audience and all those who helped make their Arangetram a big success. |
| Here are some of the reviews from those who were present at the Arangetram: "Having seen Dalian and Jong May perform at different events, I was struck by the speed with which they nimbly danced their way over the years to a very well-performed Arangetram. Dalian's flawless execution and Jong May's spritely presence were a pleasure to watch. Congrats on a job well-done, Meenakshi!" -- Sita Baskar , a longtime Madison resident and author of "Shielding her Modesty" "It was a wonderful evening for us to enjoy the lovely music and the dance. Both the dancers had a lovely smile and good expressions all throughout the performance. The attire of the little one for the Kurathi dance was apt for the song. The vocal recital of Mrs. Padmini Radhakrishnan was excellent, the accompanists gave a wonderful support to the vocalist ." -- Usha Narayanaswamy, a longtime Madison resident and Indian Classical arts enthusiast |
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| The many years of training in dance by sisters Dalian and Jong May Urbonya culminated in a meaningful Arangetram on August 5 at the Verona High School Performing Arts Center. Dalian and Jong May trained in Bharatnatyam classical dance under the tutelage of Meenakshi Ganesan, founder and director of Kalaanjali School of Dance. The sisters commenced their Arangetram with Natyavedam, a prayer that depicts the birth of dance, then a Pushpanjali, an invocation dance piece. They then performed Ganesha Sthuthi, a dance in praise of the elephant-headed God, Lord Ganesha, describing his various attributes and seeking his blessings. Afterward, the Urbonya sisters presented a Kauthvam in praise of Lord Ganesha's brother, Lord Muruga. |
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| (L-R) Ms. Vijaya Desikan on the violin; Guru Padmini Radhakrishnan on the vocals; Ms. Meenakshi Ganesan; Guru Prema Nagasundaran on the kattai; and Mr. Sriram Natrajan on the Mridangam |
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