Atlanta, GA, October 22, 2024: Laasya School of Dance hosted its captivating dance recital, Nivedana 2024, on August 31, 2024, at Berkmar High School Theater. Smt. Sridevi Ranjit, founder and artistic director of the school, curated 24 performances that encompassed Indian classical and semi-classical genres, including devotional, folk, slokas, keerthanams, varnams, shabdams, and fusion. The recital, which spanned three and a half hours, was a spectacular showcase of melody and rhythm that enthralled the audience.
Ranjit Gangadharan, co-founder of Laasya School, welcomed the audience and performers, sharing how the dance school had been a long-held dream of his wife, Sridevi, who even envisioned the name for it decades ago. Laasya School was officially founded in 2015 in Atlanta and has since taught over 250 students and performed at more than 100 events across Georgia.
Sridevi formally launched the second recital of Laasya School, aptly named Nivedana 2024. She explained that ‘Nivedana’ means offering or dedication, and this recital was her offering to her parents, teachers, audience, God, co-artists, and students. She noted that the students performing ranged in age from 4 to 16 years, with some making their debut stage appearances, gaining confidence and grace through their performances.
Nivedana 2024 began with a prayer song by Saanvika Guntapalli dedicated to Lord Ganesha, followed by an elegant Mohiniyattam dance rendition of a Ganesha Stuthi performed by Sridevi herself. It was the first time Mohiniyattam, a classical dance form from Kerala, was featured in a Laasya School recital.
The event continued with a Keerthanam about Lord Shiva, performed by 15 students, which was the longest piece of the recital. Other performances included stuthis dedicated to Devi Parvathi and Goddess Durga, an Alarippu, a Slokham, the Aayar Sheriyar Shabdam, and a Jathiswaram. Devotional folk songs followed, honoring Lord Muruga, Lord Ganesha, Goddess Saraswati, and Lord Ayappa of the renowned Sabarimala temple. Meera Rakesh, a co-artist with Guru Sridevi, presented a second Mohiniyattam performance, while two senior students dedicated a Varnam to Lord Nataraja. A lively fusion dance set to popular Tamil and Telugu movie hits had the audience swaying along with the performers.
The performances filled the stage with bright colors, shimmering costumes, and fluid, well-coordinated movements. Sridevi and Ranjit provided detailed explanations of each dance item, including the classical genre, significance, and meaning of the lyrics, enhancing the audience’s appreciation of the art.
Mohiniyattam Classes Launched in Atlanta
The highlight of the first half of the recital was a mesmerizing Mohiniyattam Varnam by Sridevi, portraying the story of Hidimbi, the demoness wife of Pandava Bhima, lamenting the death of their son Ghatotkacha in the Kurukshetra war. This piece was choreographed by Sridevi’s Guru, Shri Kalamandalam Pushpalatha. Sridevi’s graceful performance, combined with her explanation of the story beforehand, brought the narrative to life on stage.
Following this performance, Sridevi announced the formal launch of Mohiniyattam coaching classes at Laasya School this fall. A National Award-winning Mohiniyattam dancer, Sridevi shared that it had long been her dream to incorporate this dance form into Laasya’s curriculum, bringing it to both children and adults in the region. The announcement received a thunderous round of applause from the audience.
Ranjit then invited Mr. Sudhir Agarwal, a community leader and close family friend, to present the recital plaque to Smt. Sridevi Ranjit, honoring her and her students for their efforts in promoting Indian classical dance across the U.S.
Senior Students of Laasya Shine in Bharatanatyam
After the intermission, the recital continued with a mix of classical, devotional, and cinematic fusion performances. Among them were a Shabdam depicting Radha’s yearnings for Krishna, a devotional Keerthanam dedicated to Lord Shiva, and several semi-classical dances from South Indian cinema.
Senior students of Laasya School, who had completed their Arangetrams in the past few years, took the stage to showcase their talent. Hansika, Nishna, Likhitha, and Deepshika shared their experiences of learning under Guru Sridevi, performing at various events, and the joy of completing their Arangetrams. Their reflections inspired many younger students in the audience to dream of their own Arangetrams.
The grand finale of Nivedana 2024 featured over 30 performers presenting The Rhythms of Kerala, a dazzling repertoire of traditional Kerala art forms, including Thiruvathira, Kalari, Thalam, and Pooram Muthukoda. This fitting conclusion to the recital was a proud showcase of artistic talent, perseverance, and hard work by all 106 performers.
Throughout the three-hour recital, Sridevi and Ranjit ensured that the audience was well-informed about the mythology and nuances behind each dance. They also took the time to thank and recognize all sponsors and partners, including Mr. Girish Modi, Smt. Geetanjali Talukdar, TUI Studios, Bewealthy Financial Services, Cake World, and others who contributed to the event’s success.
Nivedana 2024 was a well-organized and holistic display of South Indian classical and semi-classical dance forms, providing the young dancers of Laasya School a platform to express their passion for dance while entertaining the audience.
