Suresh family & Natyananda
Proudly present & cordially invite you to the
Bharatanatyam Arangetram of
SOWMYA SURESH
Proudly present & cordially invite you to the
Bharatanatyam Arangetram of
SOWMYA SURESH
The Disciple - Sowmya Suresh
Sowmya is a rising Senior at Hoover High school. She is an outstanding student academically and excels in extra curricular activities like debate, tennis etc
Sowmya started learning Bharatanatyam when she was around 6 years and has pursued it with passion until today. She started learning the basics in Portland, Oregon under the tutelage of Guru Smt. Radhika Narayanan and Guru Smt. Sivakami Venka.
She joined Natyananda in 2013 and has since then been learning under Guru Smt. Sheila Rubin. Sowmya has performed in some prestigious platforms representing Natyananda including Natyananda’s 40th anniversary, Alabama Dance Festival, International cultural exchange at Mercedes Benz and Education for Girls Empowerment (EDGE) charity fund raiser & several other community programs. She has attended special workshops with Sri. Venkatakrishnan Mahalingam, Smt. Brinda Venkatakrishnan, Smt. Shaly Vijayan and Smt. Sheila Rubin.
This incredible journey has not only enhanced her Indian classical dance skills but also instilled discipline, mental strength, and a passion for dance. Additionally, Bharatanatyam has allowed Sowmya to stay connected to her heritage and religion through the various items and abhinaya pieces. The group of dancers at Natyananda are inspiring and bring this ancient art form to life through their dedication and passion for dance. From late Friday nights to 8 hour summer practices, Sowmya has a community of friendship and encouragement for which she feels fortunate.
Sowmya excels in Tennis, and has been a member of the Middle and High school Tennis teams since her middle school years. She plays in various USTA tournaments. She is an active member of the Alabama Tamil Sangam Youth wing.
The Guru - Smt. Sheila Rubin
Director Natyananda School of Indian Classical Dance, Birmingham
For over four decades, Guru Smt. Sheila Rubin, fondly called as Sheilakka has brought the colorful and vibrant art of Indian classical dance, Bharatanatyam alive in Birmingham. Founder/ director of the Natyananda Dance school, Ms. Rubin graduated from Bharata Kalanjali, a dance company established by the great Dhananjayans and performed extensively with the company during her subsequent years in India. She has also learnt from great dance legends like Sri. C.V. Chandrasekar and Sri. Adyar. K. Lakshmanan.
Since her return to the US in 1978, she has performed and taught from coast to coast as well as in Europe, the Bahamas, and Central America. She has trained hundreds of students in the Natyananda school.
Several of her students have gone on to garner national awards. In 2018, Natyananda marked its 40th anniversary with the gala performance of HOME, which celebrated cultural diversity and was made possible by grants from the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. She has been proclaimed by the Mayor of Birmingham for promoting intercultural understanding while showcasing the unique and rich heritage of Alabama’s Asian Indian American community.
As a teacher she stands as a role model for her students. She infuses fun and playfulness in her classes keeping the students engaged in the Arts.
Sowmya is blessed to have Sheilakka as her dance teacher.
Program
Date: May 29th, 2021
Seating: 2.00 PM
Due to COVID restrictions, we are allowed to use only 50% capacity. Please arrive early to get a vantage seat and also help us organize the seating efficiently. We appreciate your co-operation in this regard
Performance: 2:30 PM TO 5.30 PM
Pushpanjali / Alarippu
Raga: Arabi Thalam: Adi Choreography: Sheila Rubin
The first god in the Shanmatham is Lord Ganesha or Ganapathy. His followers are called Gaanapathyam.
We start any auspicious program or event with an invocation to Lord Ganesha or Vinayagar. This pushpanjali is composed by the great Shri. Balamurali Krishna.
Following the Pushpanjali is Alarippu which is performed to rhythmic beats without words. It is pure abstract dance with intricate rhythms, showcasing the dexterity of the dancer. This Alarippu was composed by Smt. Saroja Vaidyanathan.
Jatiswaram: Vachaspati
Raga: Vachaspati Thalam: Adi Choreography: Venkatakrishnan Mahalingam
A Jatiswaram highlights the dancer’s skill and dexterity in movements coordinating rhythm, melody, and line in abstract dance without abhinaya.
This Jatiswaram was composed by one of Sowmya’s teachers, Sri Venkatakrishnan Mahalingam, who performed it in the US and has been an inspiration for Sowmya to learn and perform.
Kauthuvam: Shadakshara
Raga: Shanmugapriya Thalam: Adi Choreography: Sheila Rubin
Lord Muruga or Karthikeya is the next of our Shanmatham deities. His followers or cult were called “Kaumarum”. This song describes Lord Muruga and his achievements and seeks his blessings.
Lord Muruga, who is known as “Tamil Kadavul” in the south, is the leader of the deva army. He is handsome with sharp features and rides the Peacock. He has a Vel in his hands which is used to establish Dharma in the world. He was born in a lotus pond, created by a spark from Shiva’s third eye. He married the mountain princess Valli and has his abode atop six hills called Arupadai veedu. He killed Surapadman to establish Dharma.
Complicated rhythms and challenging footwork dazzle in this dance, which is set to innovative and mesmerizing music.
Lord Muruga, who is known as “Tamil Kadavul” in the south, is the leader of the deva army. He is handsome with sharp features and rides the Peacock. He has a Vel in his hands which is used to establish Dharma in the world. He was born in a lotus pond, created by a spark from Shiva’s third eye. He married the mountain princess Valli and has his abode atop six hills called Arupadai veedu. He killed Surapadman to establish Dharma.
Complicated rhythms and challenging footwork dazzle in this dance, which is set to innovative and mesmerizing music.
Varnam: Sami naan undan adimai
Raga: Nata Kurinji Thalam: Adi Choreography: Shaly Vijayan / Sheila Rubin
Varnam is a composition in which expressions (abhinaya) are interspersed with rhythmic swaras and jathis, showcasing both the technical skill and the dramatic capacity of the dancer. In this varnam, Swami naan undan adimai, the nayaki (heroine) praises Lord Shiva and requests him to accept her undying love.
She describes how Shiva gave half his body to Shakti and they are always seen together as one. She recollects his wonderful leelas & wonders why he does not respond to her devotion, as she serves and thinks of him always. She describes his marriage to Sati, his fight with Daksha to establish Dharma, and his burning of Kamadeva with the power of his third eye. He drank the HALAHALA (Poison from churning the ocean) to save the devas & he blessed Nandanar & Markandeya, two of his ardent devotees. She extols his dancing abilities and wonders if she will ever be able to see him dance.
This is a masterpiece of the Kalakshetra repertoire, choreographed by the stellar dancer Smt. Krishnaveni Lakshmanan, who was the dance partner of Smt. Shanta Dhananjayan, one of Sheilakka's beloved teachers. It has been recently revived as part of the great school’s curriculum.
She describes how Shiva gave half his body to Shakti and they are always seen together as one. She recollects his wonderful leelas & wonders why he does not respond to her devotion, as she serves and thinks of him always. She describes his marriage to Sati, his fight with Daksha to establish Dharma, and his burning of Kamadeva with the power of his third eye. He drank the HALAHALA (Poison from churning the ocean) to save the devas & he blessed Nandanar & Markandeya, two of his ardent devotees. She extols his dancing abilities and wonders if she will ever be able to see him dance.
This is a masterpiece of the Kalakshetra repertoire, choreographed by the stellar dancer Smt. Krishnaveni Lakshmanan, who was the dance partner of Smt. Shanta Dhananjayan, one of Sheilakka's beloved teachers. It has been recently revived as part of the great school’s curriculum.
Kirtana: Shankara Sri giri
Raga: Hamsanandi Thalam: Adi Choreography: Sheila Rubin
Shiva is the most important of Hindu Gods and is one of the trinity responsible for destruction and protection. His cult is "Shaivam" and his followers are called "Shaivites". He is the savior of the Vedas and the arts including the Dance of which he is very fond. This vibrant song describes the cosmic dance of Shiva to the music played by the devas in the Chitra-sabha.
He is an ascetic and a grahasthi at the same time. He washes his body with ashes, wears a necklace of skulls, and dances with the spirits. Attracted by the sound of his dancing bells, the devas watch him in wonder.
He is also said to be revered by Padmanabha who is Mahavishnu and resides in his heart.
The song, a tribute to the dancing skills of Lord Shiva, was composed by Sri. Swati Tirunal.
He is an ascetic and a grahasthi at the same time. He washes his body with ashes, wears a necklace of skulls, and dances with the spirits. Attracted by the sound of his dancing bells, the devas watch him in wonder.
He is also said to be revered by Padmanabha who is Mahavishnu and resides in his heart.
The song, a tribute to the dancing skills of Lord Shiva, was composed by Sri. Swati Tirunal.
Kirtana: Simhasana Sthite
Raga: Ragamalika Thalam: Rupakam Choreography: Adyar. K. Lakshmanan/Sheila Rubin
The female deity in the Shanmatham is Shakti or Devi. Her followers were called “Shaaktham”.
She is the mother of all Gods yet also derives all her strength from the gods she created. She is at the same time a matchless beauty and a fearsome warrior. She is as kind and compassionate as a mother yet ruthless against evil. She killed the demons Mahishasura, Rakthabheeja, Madhu, Kaithaba,
Shumba and Nishumba. She rides the majestic lion and is worshiped by Brahma, Hayagriva, Parasurama and other noble souls.
The kirtanam is in the ancient language Sanskrit praising the accomplishments of the divine mother and seeking her blessings. The dance is a favorite of Sowmya’s beloved guru Smt. Sheila Rubin. It was composed by Sri. Adyar K. Lakshmanan , with whom she collaborated extensively in her youth.
She is the mother of all Gods yet also derives all her strength from the gods she created. She is at the same time a matchless beauty and a fearsome warrior. She is as kind and compassionate as a mother yet ruthless against evil. She killed the demons Mahishasura, Rakthabheeja, Madhu, Kaithaba,
Shumba and Nishumba. She rides the majestic lion and is worshiped by Brahma, Hayagriva, Parasurama and other noble souls.
The kirtanam is in the ancient language Sanskrit praising the accomplishments of the divine mother and seeking her blessings. The dance is a favorite of Sowmya’s beloved guru Smt. Sheila Rubin. It was composed by Sri. Adyar K. Lakshmanan , with whom she collaborated extensively in her youth.
Kirtana - Kuzhaloothi
Raga: Khamboji Thalam: Adi Choreography: Venkatakrishnan Mahalingam
The most popular among all gods is Vishnu. His followers are called "Vaishnavas". He has taken nine avatars to protect Dharma, and is predicted to incarnate once again when the world is overcome by evil, or adharma.
One of his most popular avatars is Shri Krishna. There is vast folklore about Krishna’s leela as a child and youth; the stories are fun-filled and yet imbibe the dharmic teachings.
This song is based on the young Krishna who plays the flute and is the darling of the gopikas even though he teases them all the time. This delightful piece portrays a young lovelorn gopika who is being teased by her friend. The gopika says “Krishna has stolen my heart, so I have nothing to worry about”!
This dance is pure abhinaya, with lovely touching lyrics in praise of Lord Krishna.
One of his most popular avatars is Shri Krishna. There is vast folklore about Krishna’s leela as a child and youth; the stories are fun-filled and yet imbibe the dharmic teachings.
This song is based on the young Krishna who plays the flute and is the darling of the gopikas even though he teases them all the time. This delightful piece portrays a young lovelorn gopika who is being teased by her friend. The gopika says “Krishna has stolen my heart, so I have nothing to worry about”!
This dance is pure abhinaya, with lovely touching lyrics in praise of Lord Krishna.
Thillana: Kalinga Narthanam
Raga: Gambeera Nattai Thalam: Adi Choreography: Sheila Rubin
Krishna’s childhood was filled with fun and frolic while at the same time saving his people from demons and other harm.
He was fond of playing with his friends at the banks of river Yamuna. The river water was poisoned by Kaliya the serpent king. To vanquish the serpent and save his people, he used the ruse of throwing the ball into the water in order to duel the snake. What ensued was an exciting drama; Kaliya fought for his life yet Krishna playfully subdued him, conquering the snake and protecting his people.
Thillana, challenging and exuberant, is the crowning jewel of a margam. The vibrant song is composed by Sri. Oothukadu Venkatasubba Iyer and is completely non-traditional in structure.
He was fond of playing with his friends at the banks of river Yamuna. The river water was poisoned by Kaliya the serpent king. To vanquish the serpent and save his people, he used the ruse of throwing the ball into the water in order to duel the snake. What ensued was an exciting drama; Kaliya fought for his life yet Krishna playfully subdued him, conquering the snake and protecting his people.
Thillana, challenging and exuberant, is the crowning jewel of a margam. The vibrant song is composed by Sri. Oothukadu Venkatasubba Iyer and is completely non-traditional in structure.
Photos
Expressions
Devi
Krishna
Shiva
Murugan
Pure Dance
Guru - Shishya
Venue
Dorothy Jemison Day (DJD) Theater, ASFA
1800 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35203
1800 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35203
COVID Rules
Due to the COVID Pandemic, ASFA has imposed certain restrictions as per the Guidelines issued by the Federal and State Government Health officials and CDC. This is subject to change as per the prevailing circumstances and Government mandates/Guidelines.
1) During this period ASFA will operate at 50% capacity. That means a maximum or 250 Guests are allowed in the premise.
2) ASFA will leave 2 seats gap between each Guest (2 empty seats per Guest). Guests belonging to the same family are allowed to sit together.
3) Hand sanitizers and Masks will be provided at the venue for the comfort of the Guests. ASFA requires everyone to wear the mask in all public areas. We additionally request guests to wear the mask at all times inside and outside the auditorium.
4) Guests are requested to follow the guidelines and observe social distancing in all public areas and inside the auditorium.
5) No food or Water is allowed inside the theater. Kindly co-operate with us to adhere to the norms and maintain cleanliness.
6) During the Intermission and second break, kindly remain seated as much as possible to avoid interaction with other guests/staff etc.
7) Packed dinner will be served after the program. There are still restrictions on serving / eating food inside the premises.
8) Kindly let us know if you are infected with COVID or were in close proximity to someone who is infected with COVID 14 days prior to the performance day.
1) During this period ASFA will operate at 50% capacity. That means a maximum or 250 Guests are allowed in the premise.
2) ASFA will leave 2 seats gap between each Guest (2 empty seats per Guest). Guests belonging to the same family are allowed to sit together.
3) Hand sanitizers and Masks will be provided at the venue for the comfort of the Guests. ASFA requires everyone to wear the mask in all public areas. We additionally request guests to wear the mask at all times inside and outside the auditorium.
4) Guests are requested to follow the guidelines and observe social distancing in all public areas and inside the auditorium.
5) No food or Water is allowed inside the theater. Kindly co-operate with us to adhere to the norms and maintain cleanliness.
6) During the Intermission and second break, kindly remain seated as much as possible to avoid interaction with other guests/staff etc.
7) Packed dinner will be served after the program. There are still restrictions on serving / eating food inside the premises.
8) Kindly let us know if you are infected with COVID or were in close proximity to someone who is infected with COVID 14 days prior to the performance day.
We request you to join us on May 29, 2021
We look forward to hosting you!
THANK YOU
Credits:
Costumes - Revathi Tailors, Chennai
Photography - Tracy Riggs (Event) / Ugandhar Kalva (Photoshoot)
Videography - Karen Day
Stage Manager – Mary “Mash” Ashley
Makeup and dressing - Veena / Bindu / Sheila Rubin
ASFA crew – Mr John Manzelli / Ms. Laurie Prim - DJD Theater
Volunteers - Natyananda Students and Parents
Costumes - Revathi Tailors, Chennai
Photography - Tracy Riggs (Event) / Ugandhar Kalva (Photoshoot)
Videography - Karen Day
Stage Manager – Mary “Mash” Ashley
Makeup and dressing - Veena / Bindu / Sheila Rubin
ASFA crew – Mr John Manzelli / Ms. Laurie Prim - DJD Theater
Volunteers - Natyananda Students and Parents