India and it’s rich culture and heritage is popular world over; that art forms a major part of our culture and heritage is also a given fact. Monuments, sculptures as well as music, dance, painting – all form an integral part of art but the tradition of Indian fine arts like the classical music and dance forms are thousands of years old. Different forms of our classical dance like the Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Odissi, Manipuri and Mohiniyattam have originated from this sacred country and is a divine and invaluable contribution to the fine art forms of the world.

Indian classical music and dance are not just for entertainment – they are designed to elevate your consciousness ~ Sadhguru. Those words sum it all. An evening was spent witnessing one such seraphic event in Amateur Dramatic Association (ADA) Ranga Mandira in Bangalore, Karnataka (India). The event was the ranga pravesha/arangetram, which marks the entry or ascent to the stage after the completion of formal training in the Indian classical dance/music.

Passion for the art and grace in every step and expression could only be a fruit of years of penance and dedication, I am sure.  The audience was enthralled with a spellbinding classical dance performance by the graceful, extremely accomplished and equally beautiful Ms. Anusha Ajithkumar. Disciple of Dr. Sanjay Shantaram, eminent dancer of international fame, actor and choreographer. Ms. Anusha’s delightful ranga pravesha was supported by an expert team of musicians.

An accomplished danseuse in her own right, Anusha is a repository of talent. Having trained in the classical dance art form Bharatanatyam from the age of 4, today, she stands tall with many accolades to her credit. An integral part of the Shivapriya Dance Ensemble, she has performed innumerable stage shows and festivals within India as well as abroad. Her performance at the International Nrithyanjali Festival in Cambodia along with her Guru Dr. Sanjay Shantaram is noteworthy apart from marking her presence at the World Dance Day at Ravindra Kalakshetra, Bangalore and Alva’s Nudisiri in Mangalore, to name just a few.

Years of penance and it’s fruitful culmination in the form of this ranga pravesha was a grand and illustrious affair. Treating the audience to a divine dance evening by offering her salutations to the elephant god as is the tradition, Anusha waltzed effortlessly into the hearts of the art lovers present that evening.  She kept the audience glued to their seats and left them wanting for more with her captivating performance. The aura with which she carried off her arangetram is not just praiseworthy but a matter of pride for the parents, Shri. Ajith Kumar and Smt. Ambika Ajith Kumar, who have been a pillar of support in all her endeavours. An epitome of talent and passion for the art she is pursuing, Anusha is an artist who will scale heights unimaginable in the near future.