First milestone in the journey into the
ocean of Bharatanatyam for Yushika Baid
• New Delhi, 26th March 2022; Renowned Dancer and Guru Padmashri Geeta Chandran presented the Bharatanatyam Arangetram of her disciple Yushika Baid at Chinmaya Mission Auditorium, New Delhi, here on Saturday evening, an event that witnessed a large turnout of music and dance lovers. It was a warm and welcoming response from the connoisseurs, especially after the last two years as they were unable to attend such classical performances. It was enthralling to watch Yushika’s performance, undoubtedly one of the brightest talents to emerge from Natya Vriksha, and who will be taking forward the Bharatanatyam legacy of Guru Geeta Chandran in the future.
Yushika is currently completing her undergrad from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University pursuing Mathematics Hons. An alumnus of Sardar Patel Vidyalaya, Yushika considers SPV to have played a pivotal role in her development as an individual. She has a keen interest in Hindustani Classical music and continues to learn the art. Yushika was initiated into the world of Bharatanatyam at the age of 7 at Natya Vriksha under the tutelage of Guru Geeta Chandran. Being associated with NV and Geeta (Akka) has anchored Yushika. Her thirst for learning and growing pushes her to explore newer fields.
Yushika began the Arangetram performance with Pushpanjali followed by a Khandam Alarippu. The next piece was the Jatiswaram in the Ragam Kanada after which she performed the Varnam in the soulful ragam Behag which describes Krishna in all his glory- the lotus-eyed lord to whom “I” have surrendered. These were followed by the two Padams; the first Padam, was dedicated to the Nataraja – the lord of dance. Idathu Padam – literally ‘lifting His left foot’ – describes Shiva in his dancing Avatar, ‘The one who danced with his left foot raised’. The second padam, “Indendu Vachitivira” – showcased a Nayika who confronts her unfaithful lover-Krishna. The padam was soaked in layers of sarcasm – laced with anger, sadness and humour. Yushika concluded her Arangetram with an energetic Thillana in the ragam Rageshwari.
In this scintillating arangetram performance, Yushika was ably accompanied by her Guru, Geeta Chandran on Nattuvangam. Additionally, K. Venkateshwaran (Vocals), Manohar Balatchandirane (Mridangam), G. Raghavendra Prasath (Violin), and Varun Rajasekharan (Ghatam) added their artistry to the evening. Her performance received a standing ovation from critics, artists and well wishers.
“The Arangetram is an important and special occasion for any Bharatanatyam dancer. I am feeling proud, over the moon and I’m elated to perform the Arangetram under the watchful eyes of Akka and all the performing arts lovers. After arduous training, Akka (Guru Geeta) is confident that I’m ready for a solo performance, and it is an honour for me, as it marks the first milestone in my journey into the ocean of Bharatanatyam,” Yushika said.
After the performance of her disciple Yushika, Guru Geeta Chandran was a proud Guru. “It’s always a special occasion when your disciple is ready for her solo performance and performs with such stamina, energy and confidence. It was an honour, a true tribute, I’m very happy with the way she performed. Her skill and immersion in the spirit of the dance was a treat to watch, I hope she will grow and take her art to new highs,” Geeta Chandran said.
Guru Geeta Chandran is a celebrated artist and a star-performer; a renowned artist who has synthesised the knowledge she received from her Gurus to imprint Bharatanatyam with her personal vision of the dance. In her dance presentations Geeta Chandran skilfully weaves abstract notions of Joy, Beauty, Values, Aspirations, Myth and Spirituality. A rare combination of being both a luminary and a visionary, Geeta Chandran is a widely respected role model for the young generation and is the Founder-President of her dance academy Natya-Vriksha in New Delhi, which aims to make youth aware of the immense potential of Bharatanatyam to become a live voyage of learning.
During the evening Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal (Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs & Culture) was the Chief Guest, while Smt. Sudhamahi Regunathan (Author, Scholar and former Vice Chancellor, Jain Vishva Bharati University) and Smt. Anuradha Joshi (Principal, Sardar Patel Vidyalaya) were the Guests of Honour. Guru (Padmashri) Geeta Chandran, Sh. Rajiv Chandran, music & dance lovers along with other dignitaries were also seen enjoying the performance.
Guru Geeta Chandran presented a Bharatanatyam Arangetram for her disciple at New Delhi
