 Archana's spirited performance
 "There is no wisdom, nor knowledge, no art, no craft, no means, or action that cannot be found in the fine art form of Bharatanatya, which is wisely deemed a synonym for dance, drama and music."
This ancient verse in Sanskrit came to my mind while witnessing Archana Srinivasan’s solo Bharatanatyam recital at the Madras Music Academy mini hall, recently.
This disciple of Chitra Visweswaran, for more than a decade, evidenced quite commendably, all the related nuances of the classical art with ease and élan. Her spirited, youthful performance, mirrored throughout her 75 minutes on stage, the delicate touches of her illustrious guru and the meticulous training she has received from her all along. Archana has courage and confidence, verve and variety, dedication and determination so essential to advance further, meaningfully, in this highly competetive field.
 The occasion was the Academy’s 17th Spirit of Youth Festival of Music & Dance, sponsored by TVS Sundram Fasteners in memory of Ambujam Krishna, ‘a rare, devoted and inspired composer of our times’. It is not easy to get invited to perform at this annual Academy festival. The Academy has rigid standards. Selection itself is acknowledgment of proven, flowering merit.
Archana did not disappoint. Right from the ‘GNB’ composed Varavallabaramana (Hamsadhvani : Aadhi) and Visweswaran’s Thaam Thaam opening numbers, to the fast-paced, Dhanasri - Aadhi - Swati Thirunal Thillana with lilting jathi patterns, she showed that she will be a force to reckon with in the dancing arena sooner than her twinkling feet would ensure.
The Papanasam Sivan Pada Varnam (Nattakurunji - Aadhi) showcased her geometrical proficiency and efficiency in consonance with the nrithya-natya-abhinaya lakshanas. It has often been said the visual satisfaction the dancer engenders in the viewer dynamic energy that again induces in him a state of well-being and mental peace, despite differing nature. That is ‘rapport specific’. Archana managed to instil in her audience that rare rapport. The enlightened audience applauded her ‘Varnam’ liberally.
 Ambujam Krishna’s Kannan Idam Poi Solladi (Ragamalika) and the Andal Kauthuvam (Nattai - Chatusra Eka) were two more numbers that were artistically performed.
Guru Chitra’s nattuvangam, Visweswaran’s vocal music, Vedakrishnan’s percussion support, Vijay Venkatesh’s flute melodies and veteran Muruganandam’s violin embellished Archana’s recital pleasingly.
Archana, a commerce graduate, is now in her first year B.L. in Dr Ambedkar College, Chennai. Her well-planned management of academics and dance has enabled her outstanding recognition in both.
R Srinivasan
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