Shriya
Natarajan

My dance journey begins early on, when I used to watch the dancers at the Flushing temple. I would hear the bells and immediately scurry off to find them in the basement. From then and there, my parents and I unanimously decided dance would be better for me — a conclusion that was undoubtedly appreciated by the many souls I had previously subjected to my Carnatic vocal performances. Thus, in second grade, I became a disciple under the one and only Jaynti Seshan, whom we fondly refer to as Akka. As it turns out, I actually used to dance in Shreya’s house when Akka lived there. Who would’ve thought I met my future Arangetram partner and lifelong dance companion years before either of us knew it! From that day on, I knew that Bharatanatyam was something special. Even when it came to the fundamentals — learning how to do the namaskaram, or spending countless hours practicing thattadavu and nattadavu, followed by the dreaded “aramandi, muzhumandi, aramandi, stand” — I still loved everything about dance. Watching the older dancers perform increasingly complex choreographies and eventually complete their own Arangetrams only strengthened my passion and inspired me to continue growing as a dancer.

This Arangetram means everything to me because it represents far more than a conclusion to countless classes, rehearsals, and performances. Not only am I sharing this milestone with someone who has been by my side through much of this journey, but it also symbolizes years of dedication, perseverance, and commitment to this art form. Behind every mudra, facial expression, and step were hours of focused practice I wouldn’t trade for anything. Our theme, Navarasa, is especially meaningful to me because dance has never been just about learning steps. Throughout this journey, I have experienced excitement, frustration, nervousness, determination, and joy. In many ways, the nine emotions mirror the experiences that have shaped me as a dancer, making Navarasa a fitting representation of my Arangetram journey.

My family roots trace back to Tamil Nadu, where both of my parents grew up, and Bharatanatyam has always been one of the strongest ways for me to stay connected to my culture while living thousands of miles away. Growing up in a religious family, many of the stories, traditions, and values portrayed through dance were already familiar to me. Learning to bring those stories to life through movement and expression has given me a deeper connection to my heritage and a greater appreciation for the culture that has shaped my family — something I will always be grateful for.

Finally, I would like to thank Jaynti Seshan for her guidance, patience, and support — throughout the Arangetram process and over the years. I would also like to thank Shreya Sreejith, my Arangetram partner, for being alongside me on this journey. Most importantly, I would like to thank my family, especially my mom, for their unwavering support, encouragement, and the sacrifices made throughout this entire process. I am also grateful to our musicians, sound technicians, friends, and everyone else who played a role in making this special day possible.

— Shriya