Bharatanatyam is a very popular and oldest classical dance of India. It is a dance of mind and soul. It’s antiquity lies about 3000 years ago with a mythological as well as a historical origin. The name Bharatanatyam is understood in two ways: It is the dance (natyam), that beautifully blends the three elements – ‘Bha’ – Bhava (from expressions), ‘Ra’ – Raga (from musical melody) and ‘Ta’ – Taaala (from rhythm). The name ‘Bharata’ is after Bharata Muni, the great author of the “NATYA SHASTRA”.
Arangetram, is the debut on-stage performance of a Bharatanatyam student, after undertaking years of training. Recently Priya Datt student of Natyanivedan performed Arangetram at Sydhey Bahai Centre at Silverwater on 06th October 2012 with a grand success witnessed by 700 people.
Natynaivedan, a presentation of bharathanatyam to the community was established in 1998 in Sydney to impart training in classical Bharathanatyam. The school offers technical and professional training on this divine art to students from ages 5 and above. The school has trained nearly 50 students over the period of its existence. Most of these students have made notable contribution to the community in Sydney. Guru Smt Nikhila Kiran, disciple of Guru Sri H R Keshava Murthy and Guru Sri Shamprakash in Bangalore. Smt Nikhila has completed Vidwath Grade exam conducted by the Karnataka State Education Board. She also holds Diploma in Bharathanatyam from Keshava Nrityashala, Bangalore. Smt Nikhila Kiran performed her arrangetram in the year 1995 and has earned great appreciation from art critics with good appreciation in the local newspaper articles. She has performed and won many prizes in dance competitions during her stay in India. She has shared stage with many eminent artists which are her pride. Major performances to her credit are performance at Badami Dance Festival, Dance festival at Bangarupete & Tiptur. Kannada Sahithya Sammelan Gundalpet (Mysore district), Karnataka & Kerala festival of dance at Tiruvananthapuram, Bharathiya Vidyabhavan, Ganeshotsava Sydney, Tamil Mandram Sydney, fund raising programme in Toowoomba and many more. Smt Nikhila has performed in a Nayika (Heroin) role in most of the dance dramas created by her Guru which has been showcased in and around Karnataka, Kerala & Tamil Nadu. Smt Nikhila has choreographed around 30 dances for group Bharathnatyam and solo performances in and around Sydney. She has been in the judging panel in many dance competitions in Sydney. She has drawn inspiration from the traditional Kannada and Sanskrit songs and slokas for many dance choreographed by her.
Priya Datt, is a budding talent of Natyanivedan. Priya started her training in the year 2000 and has enthusiastically participated in all the dances staged by her Guru. She has been performing on annual events in Sydney organised by Basavasamithi Sydney Chapter, Sai Organisation South East Pacific Wing, Friends of India, Tamil Manram, Tamil Sangham, Kannada Sangha , Malayalam Association, Bramhotsava at Helensberg Temple, Liverpool Council Diwali Festival, Parramatta Council Diwali Festival and Buddhist Organisation Annual Meet. Hailing from a non-Indian background, Priya is very fortunate to have her family support in practicing this form of art showing high dedication with pursuance till this grand day is very admirable. Priya is studying year 11 at Cecil Hill High School. Her other hobbies are tile carving, photography & travelling with her family.
