Thursday November 19, 2009
Dancing sisters
By SHAMALA VELU
NEXT week, sisters Sonia and Irvina John will treat the public to an inspiring arangetram (dance graduation).
The girls aged 18 and 19, are of mixed parentage, and have chosen songs in Hindi and stories on the Lord Jesus and Lord Krishna to reflect their rich cultural background.
Studying Bharatanatyam under the tutelage of Dr Amirtha Devi Sakathevan for the last 13 years at the Amithanjali Dance Academy in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, the sisters said the challenge now is to keep their energy going for the 90-minute performance.
“We have always practised together, advising each other on how we can improve ourselves. That has made us better dancers,” said Irvina, who hopes to pursue a degree in pharmacology.
Sonia, who is doing her A-levels, has set her mind on doing dentistry.
Captivating: Irvina (left) and Sonia John will perform their arangetram at Dewan Sivik in Petaling Jaya, Selangor The girls will start their performance with Unda Ganapathy, the invocation to Lord Ganesha, which will be followed by Jathiswaram, a dance emphasising footwork. This particular piece is set to a complex and challenging 11-beat time cycle choreographed by their teacher.
The next item, Shabdam Innai Maryin, is interesting as it is a dance set that recounts the life and times of Jesus.
The duo will then dance to a song with a series of complex jathis (rhythmic syllables) that relate Lord Krishna’s divine exploits. They will also dedicate a dance – the Thevittaatha Thirunadanam – to Lord Shiva.
Chaliye Kunjanamo is a Hindi song about the secret love trysts of Lord Krishna with the young gopis (devotees).
The girls have also chosen to dance to Jhansi Ki Rani (Rani Of Jhansi), a Hindi song extolling a martyred queen’s courage in battle when she takes up arms after her husband is killed.
The show ends with Thillana, a dance full of vitality and joy.
● The performance will be held on Nov 26 at 7.30pm at Dewan Sivik, Petaling Jaya, Selangor. For invitations, call tel: 03-8948 5741 (Ashley John) or 012-2171 157 (Honney Dograa).
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