Version 1: A Celebration of Tradition and Talent
The Lalithakalalaya School of Bharathanatyam recently held its fourth Salangai Pooja – a beautiful milestone for 15 young dancers who stepped onto the stage to formally offer their art in a traditional and spiritual way. For every Bharathanatyam student, a Salangai Pooja is more than just a performance – it marks their readiness to take on deeper training and a lifelong journey in this classical dance form.
This celebration was the result of 8 months of dedicated practice by the students, supported by their parents and guided by their Guru, Smt. Padmalakshmi Sriram. The stage lit up with nine graceful performances, each oneshowcasing the foundation of Bharathanatyam – intricate footwork, rhythm, storytelling, and beautiful group synchronisation. The dancers, dressed in vibrant costumes, moved with confidence and grace, their expressions breathing life into each piece.
The live orchestra added a magical touch to the evening with Smt. Padmalakshmi Sriram and Kum. Shivani Sriram on nattuvangam, Smt. Priyadharshini Swaninathan on vocals, Shri Harish Ravindran on mridangam, Shri Aswin Narayanan on violin, and Kum. Vindhyavasini Sureshchandra on veena. Together, they created a soulful experience for an audience of 400 people who were deeply immersed in the music, rhythm, and culture of India.
The success of the evening reflected the tireless dedication of Guru Smt. Padmalakshmi Sriram, who continues to preserve and share this ancient art form beyond the borders of India. Her ability to prepare 15 young dancers for such a demanding performance is truly commendable. Her efforts were acknowledged by the Consul General of India in Brisbane, Mrs. Neetu Bhagotia, who attended the event and praised the Guru, musicians, and students for their remarkable achievement.
We congratulate these young dancers for reaching such an important milestone and wish them many more opportunities to grow in their artistic journey. May they continue to dance with the same passion, discipline, and joy that lit up the stage that evening.
