Sapna Attavar performed her ‘Arangetram’ (debut on stage full-fledged solo performance) in the Delhi Karnataka Sangha Auditorium at Moti Bagh, New Delhi on 23 October 2011.

Sapna, a disciple of renowned Bharatanatyam exponent Guru Smt. Kanaka Sudhakar, started learning this ancient Indian art form in September 2002, when she was nine years old. Sapna’s journey through Bharatanatyam has lasted nine long and eventful years, culminating in her completing Vishaarad Poorna (graduation) in Bharatanatyam in 2010, from Nrityabharati, affiliated to ‘Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidhyalaya’, Miraj. Sapna, a first year BA student of Jesus & Mary College, Delhi University with Elective English and French, performed in front of a packed audience, accompanied by live orchestra.

The Delhi Karnataka Sangha auditorium was filled to capacity and Sapna danced with poise and confidence before an elite, knowledgeable and discerning audience. The audience comprised distinguished dignitaries like former DGP Karnataka and MP Bangalore North, Dr. H T Sangliana, Producer-Director Doordarshan Delhi Dr. Amar Nath Amar and Dr. Chidananda Murthy, Director – Central Council for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India. Shri A. K. Purwaha, (CMD – Engineers India Limited was among the guests of honour, along with Smt. Ramesh Kumari Bharadwaj, Manager Shiksha Bharati Public School (Sapna’s alma mater). The aficionados of this very old and heavenly dance form were enthralled by the young artiste with her range of elegant postures, rhythmic and balanced body movements, intricate and forceful footwork.

It was Sapna’s first full-fledged solo public dance performance. The occasion marked the successful culmination of years of physical and mental preparation. Trained by Guru Kanaka Sudhakar, Founder-Director ‘Nrityabharati’, Sapna having put in years of rigorous training, finished her course (called ‘Margam’) and appeared on stage to display her skills and talents, so assiduously gained at the feet of her Guru. Sapna’s natural and spontaneous interest in dance was given a boost she became a disciple of Guru Smt. Kanaka Sudhakar, who imparted the basics of classical dance and chiseled Sapna with constant encouragement, constructive criticism and divine blessings. The Guru was indeed instrumental in Sapna’s outstanding performance.

The programme began with conventional lighting of the lamp by the luminaries followed by seven dance items by Sapna. The Guru’s efforts in propagating this divine art form, and transforming Sapna into a recognized dancer won rare accolades from the Chief Guest and Guests of Honour. They also had generous words of admiration for Sapna, who enacted the epic stories with ease and proficiency during the dances. The dignitaries were generous in well-deserved praise for the hard work, commitment, dedication and devotion demonstrated by Sapna through the years.
Dr Amar Nath Amar, in his speech said that he has been watching Sapna dance since she was eight. Chairman EIL congratulated the Guru and parents of Sapna for all the hard work, dedication and sacrifices to bring Sapna to this level. For Smt. Ramesh Kumari, Manager, Shiksha Bharati Public School, Dwarka, it was a proud moment to see her protégé scale new heights.

The Guru congratulated Sapna on successfully completing the Arangetram; and presented her with the Arangetram certificate. She also informed the audience that Sapna had worked very hard, and had shown grit, dedication and perseverance. The Guru concluded by saying that Sapna is a very talented, cheerful and affectionate girl, and it is a pleasure teaching and working with her.

Photographs show Sapna’s grandfather Shri A Yoganand lighting the lamp as the distinguished guests look on; and Sapna strikes enchanting poses during her dances.

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