‘Upasana, a tribute to dance’, the famous dance schools in Kuwait, conducted Arangettam 2015 on 24th April at American International School, Hawally. The function was inaugurated by the renowned Bharatanatyam dancer, mentor and visiting faculty of Upasana Studio, Sri. N.V. Krishnan Payyannur, by lighting the traditional lamp. Chief Guest of the evening Ms. Manju Warrier (Classical Dancer and South Indian Actress) and the Guests of honour Sri. Mukesh (South Indian Actor) and Dr. Methil Devika (Classical Dancer, Scholar and Upasana Consultant) joined Guru N.V.Krishnan master in lighting the lamp along with Smt. Prathibha Menon (Director, Upasana) and Sri. Murali Menon.
Krishnan Master, Ms. Manju Warrier and Sri. Mukesh shared their experience and wished the students all the very best for their debut classical presentation. A colorful souvenir to commemorate the first ever Arangettam of the budding talents at Upasana Studio was released by Ms. Manju Warrier at the function. The performances of the students were accompanied LIVE by Sri.Udayshankar Lal (Upasana faculty) on Nattuvangam, Sri. Kottayam Jamaneesh Bhagavathar on Vocal, Sri. P.V.Anilkumar Vadakara on Mridangam, Sri.Murali Krishnan on Veena and Sri.Balamurali on Violin.
Artist Dr.Johnarts Kalabhavan presented the caricature of Manju Warrier and Mukesh at the function. Mohiniyattan student at Upasana Mrs.Sangeetha presented a mural painting of Dr. Methil Devika done by her as a tribute to the Guru.
Bharathanatyam and Kuchipudi students at various branches of Upasana Studio gave their debut performance after years of rigorous training under the extraordinarily talented faculties Sri. Udayshankar Lal, Smt. Kalamandalam Priyam Anand and Smt. Kalamandalam Aswathy. The senior batches came up with elegant performances on Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam styles showcasing the expertise they gained at Upasana Studio. The 3 hour long vibrant performance of 57 students who came up with 14 spectacular dances, starting with ‘Pushpanjali’ till ‘Thillana’, accompanied live by renowned musicians, proved to be a memorable experience for the audience. The event concluded with a classical demonstration of ‘Vande Matharam’ paying tribute to motherland India. Dr.Methil Devika addressed the students expressing her joy to witness such an effort by Upasana team.