R ARIVANANTHAM
CHENNAI, JAN 8
Natyanrit Academy of Bharathanatyam announced that ‘salanga poojai’ of baby T Nrithruthi was staged here on Saturday.
T Nrithruthi is the daughter and disciple of Mrinalini Thiyagarajan, Artistic Director of Natyanrit Academy of Bharathanatyam, Madipakkam, Chennai. She is a class 3 student of Modern Senior Secondary School, Nanganallur, Chennai
She has been learning dance from the age of 3 in traditional Vazhuvour style and strives hard to achieve her dreams in becoming a solo artist in the field of Bharathanatyam.
As a dream come true she started performing in various Sabhas and temples showcasing her talent since then.
“T Nrithruthi gave her first solo performance by doing her salanga poojai dancing away a full margam with a thematic presentation named ‘Shanmadham’ at RR Sabha Mini Hall, Mylapore, Chennai on Saturday. This was well received by the audience and dance connoisseurs alike,” said Mrinalini Thiyagarajan.
Incidentally, Nrithruthi has performed in more than 20 stages, including a ‘Kalinga Natthanam’, at the age of 5 which was well appreciated by Kalaimamani Guru Anitha Guha.
Dr Archana Narayanamurthy, director of Pandannallur School of Arts and Sridharan, secretary, Modern Senior Secondary School were the guests and appreciated Nrithruthi for her efforts as an emerging artist who wholeheartedly performed with dedication and devotion.
‘Salanga Poojai’ is basically a ceremony where the guru or dance teacher ties the ‘Salangai’ (anklet with bells) around her student’s ankles and blesses the student. ‘Salangai Pooja’ (worshipping the anklets) is part of Bharatanatyam tradition and is the first time the student performs on stage. It motivates the student to intensify her commitment to the art form.
Mrinalini has been teaching dance for the past 20 years and established the Natyanrit Academy of Bharathanatyam in 2005 with a vision to impart till this traditional art form to youngsters of this generation.
