Classical Indian Dance

Repertoire

A classical Bharatanatyam Arangetram presented in the Pandanallur tradition

Pushpanjali
01

Pushpanjali

Ragam Gambira Nattai
Talam Kanda
Composer Guru V.S. Muthuswami Pillai

The opening invocation piece marking the commencement of worship, invoking Lord Shiva's blessings through structured, rhythmic nritta dance performed at three speeds. The dancer offers flowers to the deity, the guru, and the audience.

Pushpanjali
Pranavakaram
02

Pranavakaram

Ragam Arabhi
Talam Adi
Composer Oothukadu Venkata Subbaiyer

A celebration of Lord Ganesha's glory and cosmic dance, praising his role as the remover of obstacles and the grantor of blessings. The piece guides the seeker toward spiritual enlightenment through graceful abhinaya and rhythmic footwork.

Jatiswaram
03

Jatiswaram

Ragam Rasikapriya
Talam Adi
Composer Sri Lalgudi G. Jayaraman

A pure nritta (rhythmic) piece performed to musical notes, testing the dancer's technical precision through intricate thirmanams and korvai sequences. The emphasis is on disciplined footwork and the beauty of abstract movement with no narrative.

Jatiswaram
Varnam
04

Varnam

Ragam Panthuvarali
Talam Roopakam
Composer Thirunavukkarasar

The most challenging centerpiece of the Arangetram, requiring exceptional stamina and complex footwork. This piece depicts Lord Shiva's features and divine accomplishments through rich narrative dance (abhinaya) interwoven with intricate nritta passages.

Rusali Radha
05

Rusali Radha

Ragam Misra Yaman
Talam Adi
Composer Rangeshvar

An exploration of the Radha–Krishna relationship and its emotional complexities. The piece portrays the dynamic between two young lovers and the ripple of their feelings across the world around them, expressed through expressive abhinaya.

Tillana
06

Tillana

Ragam Mand
Talam Adi
Composer Sri Lalgudi G. Jayaraman

An energetic, joyful composition praising Devi through her many names and divine roles, requesting her protection and blessings. The Tillana brings the concert to a crescendo with fast-paced footwork, dynamic formations, and vibrant energy.

Mangalam
07

Mangalam

Ragam Madhyamavati
Talam Adi

The concluding celebratory piece, bringing the Arangetram to a graceful and auspicious close. Features a traditional mangalam along with a special custom performance by Meera and Varsha, with songs composed and sung by their fathers Anil Nair and Prasad Akavoor.