1. Name of piece: Ganesh Pushpanjali
Raga: Naatai
Tala: Adi
Choreographer: Sahasra Sambhamooorthi
Description of item: "Ganesha Pushpanjali is an enchanting Bharatanatyam performance, often chosen as the opening item in recitals. This piece, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, blends graceful movements and expressive gestures. Through the offering of flowers and heartfelt devotion, the dancer seeks blessings and invokes the divine presence, setting a vibrant and auspicious tone for the entire performance."
Participants names in this item: Aadhya Kasarabada, Maya Gill, Gina Malpe, Sisira Veerapaneni, Lavina Temby, Dounya Jester and Anoushrie Gupta.
Tala: Adi
Choreographer: Sahasra Sambhamooorthi
Description of item: "Ganesha Pushpanjali is an enchanting Bharatanatyam performance, often chosen as the opening item in recitals. This piece, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, blends graceful movements and expressive gestures. Through the offering of flowers and heartfelt devotion, the dancer seeks blessings and invokes the divine presence, setting a vibrant and auspicious tone for the entire performance."
Participants names in this item: Aadhya Kasarabada, Maya Gill, Gina Malpe, Sisira Veerapaneni, Lavina Temby, Dounya Jester and Anoushrie Gupta.
2. Name of piece: Friendship
Raga: Khamaj
Tala: Teentaal
Composer: Shraman Sen and Sahasra Sambamoorthi
Choreographer: Sahasra Sambamooorthi, guided by Prashant Shah
Description of item: "In the realm of growing up, friendships become a new quest. Once effortless, now a challenge. School exposes differences, whispers abound. Some find friends with ease, others struggle. Yet, united by agreement, friendships hold a hint of drama. This Kathak-style poem gracefully expresses the complexities and joys of youthful bonds.."
Participants names in this item: Mia Kraft, Sameera Sikand, Sohila Sikand, Rewa Verma, Lara Venkataram and Aysha Islam.
Tala: Teentaal
Composer: Shraman Sen and Sahasra Sambamoorthi
Choreographer: Sahasra Sambamooorthi, guided by Prashant Shah
Description of item: "In the realm of growing up, friendships become a new quest. Once effortless, now a challenge. School exposes differences, whispers abound. Some find friends with ease, others struggle. Yet, united by agreement, friendships hold a hint of drama. This Kathak-style poem gracefully expresses the complexities and joys of youthful bonds.."
Participants names in this item: Mia Kraft, Sameera Sikand, Sohila Sikand, Rewa Verma, Lara Venkataram and Aysha Islam.
3. Name of piece: Stress
Raga: Hansdhawani
Tala: Teentaal
Composer: Shraman Sen and Sahasra Sambamoorthi
Choreographer: Sahasra Sambamooorthi, guided by Prashant Shah
Description of item: "Through the artistry of Kathak, a tale is woven. Overnight, life shifts from carefree to burden-laden. Demands dictate, joy fades, friendships collide. Amidst adult expectations, attention divides. Mind takes flight, planning, preparing, work entwined. Success pathways, tests defined. Burdens multiply, stress takes command. Kathak's rhythms offer solace, a respite grand. Expressive movements, stress unwound. In this Kathak performance, a release profound.."
Participants names in this item: Ariana Parekh, Saara Wood, Zelia Mathew, Isha Kumbhani, Maya Gill, Navya Prasad, Shireen Sikand and Kavya Aggarwal.
Tala: Teentaal
Composer: Shraman Sen and Sahasra Sambamoorthi
Choreographer: Sahasra Sambamooorthi, guided by Prashant Shah
Description of item: "Through the artistry of Kathak, a tale is woven. Overnight, life shifts from carefree to burden-laden. Demands dictate, joy fades, friendships collide. Amidst adult expectations, attention divides. Mind takes flight, planning, preparing, work entwined. Success pathways, tests defined. Burdens multiply, stress takes command. Kathak's rhythms offer solace, a respite grand. Expressive movements, stress unwound. In this Kathak performance, a release profound.."
Participants names in this item: Ariana Parekh, Saara Wood, Zelia Mathew, Isha Kumbhani, Maya Gill, Navya Prasad, Shireen Sikand and Kavya Aggarwal.
4. Name of piece: Lalitha Shahasranamam
Raga: Ragamalika
Tala: Mishrachapu/ Rupak
Choreographer: Sahasra Sambhamooorthi
Description of item: "Pulled in directions, the self is torn, behold. Living as a goddess, a Mahavidya divine. Taara, wife, daughter, roles intertwine. Bhairavi's wrath protects with might. Summoned for others, lost in their sight. Amidst all, where is the self's true core? Bharatanatyam reveals, seeking answers in its lore."
Participants names in this item: Amanda Bachan, Lavanya Kannan, Aditi Jackson, Ila Chander, Maya Pandurangan, Anusha Kukreja, Mina Row, Prakriti Joshi and Nitya Govind.
Tala: Mishrachapu/ Rupak
Choreographer: Sahasra Sambhamooorthi
Description of item: "Pulled in directions, the self is torn, behold. Living as a goddess, a Mahavidya divine. Taara, wife, daughter, roles intertwine. Bhairavi's wrath protects with might. Summoned for others, lost in their sight. Amidst all, where is the self's true core? Bharatanatyam reveals, seeking answers in its lore."
Participants names in this item: Amanda Bachan, Lavanya Kannan, Aditi Jackson, Ila Chander, Maya Pandurangan, Anusha Kukreja, Mina Row, Prakriti Joshi and Nitya Govind.
5. Name of piece: Busy Bees
Raga: Gambira Naatai
Tala: Adi
Choreographer: Sahasra Sambhamooorthi
Description of item: "In this Bharatanatyam recital, a longing tale emerges. Pursuit of happiness, a constant echo, lingers. Days filled with endless activities, pressures unbound. Smart choices, perfect execution, expectations surround. Lost in busyness, the question fades from sight. Yearning for freedom, a personal respite. Today, a stand, no longer confined. Yet, realization strikes, what's left behind. Freedom's joy, untethered delight, a bittersweet truth unveils its might.."
Participants names in this item: Saara Wood, Trishna Gupta, Nina Bhavnani, Zelia Mathew, Shreya Mahajan Mehta, Navya Prasad, Pranati Gupta, Sulakshana Reddy and Rewa Verma.
Tala: Adi
Choreographer: Sahasra Sambhamooorthi
Description of item: "In this Bharatanatyam recital, a longing tale emerges. Pursuit of happiness, a constant echo, lingers. Days filled with endless activities, pressures unbound. Smart choices, perfect execution, expectations surround. Lost in busyness, the question fades from sight. Yearning for freedom, a personal respite. Today, a stand, no longer confined. Yet, realization strikes, what's left behind. Freedom's joy, untethered delight, a bittersweet truth unveils its might.."
Participants names in this item: Saara Wood, Trishna Gupta, Nina Bhavnani, Zelia Mathew, Shreya Mahajan Mehta, Navya Prasad, Pranati Gupta, Sulakshana Reddy and Rewa Verma.
6. Name of piece: Brahmamokate
Raga: Bowli
Tala: Bouli / Mayamalava Goula Ragam.
Composer: Sri Tallapaka Annamacharya
Choreographer: Sahasra Sambhamooorthi
Description of item: "Brahmamokate is great devotional bhajan song by Annamacharya and tells the devotees that though there are differences in the way people lead their life, the Supreme Self in One. Lord Venkateshwara alone is " The Savior" for the good and the bad and hence everyone should chant the lords name."
Participants names in this item: Lekha Wood, Saara Wood, Suhani Prasad, Janani Bhagat and Cherian Mampilly.
Tala: Bouli / Mayamalava Goula Ragam.
Composer: Sri Tallapaka Annamacharya
Choreographer: Sahasra Sambhamooorthi
Description of item: "Brahmamokate is great devotional bhajan song by Annamacharya and tells the devotees that though there are differences in the way people lead their life, the Supreme Self in One. Lord Venkateshwara alone is " The Savior" for the good and the bad and hence everyone should chant the lords name."
Participants names in this item: Lekha Wood, Saara Wood, Suhani Prasad, Janani Bhagat and Cherian Mampilly.
7. Name of piece: Who am I truly? Arjun Brihanalalla.
Raga: Darbari
Tala: Aadi/Kaherwa.
Composer: Sahasra Sambamoorthi
Choreographer: Sahasra Sambamooorthi
Description of item: "In this Bharatanatyam piece, roles shape society, their influence takes hold. Wife, mother, son, daughter, warriors, and more. Community and simplicity, we adore. But conflicting desires bring an inner strife. Disguised, the self lives a fragmented life. Water clashes with the mountain's strength. In Bharatanatyam's grace, a search for inner alignment commences.."
Participants names in this item: Nina Sengupta, Zeyna Tai, Moneesha Kumar, Hema Ganapathi, Aishwarya Ravichandra, Anjali Ravichandra, Gayatri Shandar, Pavan Ananth and Ruchi Tandon
Tala: Aadi/Kaherwa.
Composer: Sahasra Sambamoorthi
Choreographer: Sahasra Sambamooorthi
Description of item: "In this Bharatanatyam piece, roles shape society, their influence takes hold. Wife, mother, son, daughter, warriors, and more. Community and simplicity, we adore. But conflicting desires bring an inner strife. Disguised, the self lives a fragmented life. Water clashes with the mountain's strength. In Bharatanatyam's grace, a search for inner alignment commences.."
Participants names in this item: Nina Sengupta, Zeyna Tai, Moneesha Kumar, Hema Ganapathi, Aishwarya Ravichandra, Anjali Ravichandra, Gayatri Shandar, Pavan Ananth and Ruchi Tandon
8. Name of piece: Homeland
Raga: Shanmukhpriya
Tala: Khanda Chapu
Composer: Radhika Iyer and Sahasra Sambamoorthi
Choreographer: Sahasra Sambhamooorthi
Description of item: "In a world of defined labels, guidance prevails. Yet, labelless, I feel like scattered beads, lost and frail. Disconnected like Chinnamasta, disjointed and astray. Bhuvaneshwari, creator divine, release my constraints, show me my destined way. Liberate my soul, unveil my purpose in this vast world's array.."
Participants names in this item: Paige Pagan, Sanhitha Cherukupally, Lakshmi Surabhi, Becky Mathew, Laila Zubair, Pooja Patel, Aisvaryah Chandrakanthan, Neena George, Priyanka Reddy, Mathew Varghese and Shivangi Sahukar
Tala: Khanda Chapu
Composer: Radhika Iyer and Sahasra Sambamoorthi
Choreographer: Sahasra Sambhamooorthi
Description of item: "In a world of defined labels, guidance prevails. Yet, labelless, I feel like scattered beads, lost and frail. Disconnected like Chinnamasta, disjointed and astray. Bhuvaneshwari, creator divine, release my constraints, show me my destined way. Liberate my soul, unveil my purpose in this vast world's array.."
Participants names in this item: Paige Pagan, Sanhitha Cherukupally, Lakshmi Surabhi, Becky Mathew, Laila Zubair, Pooja Patel, Aisvaryah Chandrakanthan, Neena George, Priyanka Reddy, Mathew Varghese and Shivangi Sahukar
9. Name of piece: I seek I Listen
Tala: Kaherwa
Composer: Taniya Panda and Sahasra Sambamoorthi
Choreographer: Sahasra Sambamooorthi
Description of item: "In the realm of Carnatic vocal, a profound contemplation unfolds. Faced with choices, a question arises: How do I choose amidst abundant paths? It leads to a quest of self-discovery, a yearning to define one's identity. Seeking, listening, and becoming quiet, the inner voice emerges. As silence takes hold, a shout breaks through, echoing the desire to be heard. Through Carnatic vocal, this transformative journey is expressed, unraveling the essence of who we truly are and who we aspire to become."
Participants names in this item: Trishna Gupta, Maya Gill, Navya Prasad, Shireen Sikand, Pranati Gupta, Rewa Verma, Sameera Sikand and Sohila Sikand
Composer: Taniya Panda and Sahasra Sambamoorthi
Choreographer: Sahasra Sambamooorthi
Description of item: "In the realm of Carnatic vocal, a profound contemplation unfolds. Faced with choices, a question arises: How do I choose amidst abundant paths? It leads to a quest of self-discovery, a yearning to define one's identity. Seeking, listening, and becoming quiet, the inner voice emerges. As silence takes hold, a shout breaks through, echoing the desire to be heard. Through Carnatic vocal, this transformative journey is expressed, unraveling the essence of who we truly are and who we aspire to become."
Participants names in this item: Trishna Gupta, Maya Gill, Navya Prasad, Shireen Sikand, Pranati Gupta, Rewa Verma, Sameera Sikand and Sohila Sikand
10. Name of piece: I work the fields
Raga: Bihag/Madhuvanti
Tala: Dadra/ Teental/ Sitarkhani
Composer: Shraman Sen and Sahasra Sambamoorthi
Choreographer: Sahasra Sambamooorthi, guided by Prashant Shah
Description of item: "In this item a thought-provoking exploration unfolds. The yearning for a future where questions find easier answers. Beyond the confines of right and wrong, as Rumi envisioned, lies a meeting ground. Bound by societal labels, I navigate life with trepidation, until a moment of awakening unveils a new world. Shedding illusions, I embrace my complexities, acknowledging privileges and biases, wielding power or lacking thereof. The weight of these multitudes bears heavy, yet the flame of hope ignites, inspiring a vision of a more just world. An idea floats, a dialogue germinates, and through Kathak's expressive tapestry, we embark on a transformative journey together.."
Participants names in this item: Lekha Wood, Shreya Boravke, Prachi Ghera, Suhani Prasad, Shruti Sharma, Janani Bhagat, Ananya Garg, Ruchi Tandon, Neha Savant, Moon Ghera and Smriti Karwa
Tala: Dadra/ Teental/ Sitarkhani
Composer: Shraman Sen and Sahasra Sambamoorthi
Choreographer: Sahasra Sambamooorthi, guided by Prashant Shah
Description of item: "In this item a thought-provoking exploration unfolds. The yearning for a future where questions find easier answers. Beyond the confines of right and wrong, as Rumi envisioned, lies a meeting ground. Bound by societal labels, I navigate life with trepidation, until a moment of awakening unveils a new world. Shedding illusions, I embrace my complexities, acknowledging privileges and biases, wielding power or lacking thereof. The weight of these multitudes bears heavy, yet the flame of hope ignites, inspiring a vision of a more just world. An idea floats, a dialogue germinates, and through Kathak's expressive tapestry, we embark on a transformative journey together.."
Participants names in this item: Lekha Wood, Shreya Boravke, Prachi Ghera, Suhani Prasad, Shruti Sharma, Janani Bhagat, Ananya Garg, Ruchi Tandon, Neha Savant, Moon Ghera and Smriti Karwa
11. Name of piece: Boxes
Raga: Malkauns
Tala: Teentaal
Composer: Shraman Sen and Sahasra Sambamoorthi
Choreographer: Sahasra Sambamooorthi, guided by Prashant Shah
Description of item: "In this item, the dancers, hesitant to embrace transformation, seeks solace in the shelter of their self-imposed blindness. Adhering to societal norms, they don different masks daily, navigating the intricate tapestry of their identity. Struggling between assimilation and concealment, blending or merging, they find comfort in the confines of familiar boxes. These boundaries provide a sense of belonging, yet also cater to the convenience of others. The protagonist's fragmented existence simplifies comprehension for outsiders while their efforts go unnoticed. Through the captivating movements of Kathak, this inner conflict finds poignant expression, illuminating the delicate equilibrium between self-preservation and societal expectations."
Participants names in this item: Pavan Ananth, Parina Patel, Annam Hussaini, Harshada Agawane, Shamika Kulkarni, Laila Zubair, Medha Prasad, Apurva Chopade and Shruthi Krishnakumar.
Tala: Teentaal
Composer: Shraman Sen and Sahasra Sambamoorthi
Choreographer: Sahasra Sambamooorthi, guided by Prashant Shah
Description of item: "In this item, the dancers, hesitant to embrace transformation, seeks solace in the shelter of their self-imposed blindness. Adhering to societal norms, they don different masks daily, navigating the intricate tapestry of their identity. Struggling between assimilation and concealment, blending or merging, they find comfort in the confines of familiar boxes. These boundaries provide a sense of belonging, yet also cater to the convenience of others. The protagonist's fragmented existence simplifies comprehension for outsiders while their efforts go unnoticed. Through the captivating movements of Kathak, this inner conflict finds poignant expression, illuminating the delicate equilibrium between self-preservation and societal expectations."
Participants names in this item: Pavan Ananth, Parina Patel, Annam Hussaini, Harshada Agawane, Shamika Kulkarni, Laila Zubair, Medha Prasad, Apurva Chopade and Shruthi Krishnakumar.
12. Name of piece: Ardhanarishwara
Raga: Raagamalika
Tala: Khanda chapu
Composer: Jayanthi Kumaresh
Choreographer: Sahasra Sambamooorthi
Description of item: "Let us not forget the ancient wisdoms of our ancestors past lie within us already. The yin and yang of the soul, the freedom we are drawn to inexorably. When we all come from the same womb of mother earth, what is there left to separate us? When we are all built from the yin and yang of Shiva and Shakti, what distinctions remain? Within each of us resides the universe of Ardhanarisvara. The sign that lives in prakriti and mother nature, the side that lives in the cosmos and destructive forces. What resides within one resides within us all. We are the cosmos, and the cosmos resides in us.
Participants names in this item: Lekha Wood, Shwetha Narayanan, Suhani Prasad, Janani Bhagat, Lavanya Jagirdhar, Samantha Manoharan, Romoli Bakshi and Zeyna Tai.
Tala: Khanda chapu
Composer: Jayanthi Kumaresh
Choreographer: Sahasra Sambamooorthi
Description of item: "Let us not forget the ancient wisdoms of our ancestors past lie within us already. The yin and yang of the soul, the freedom we are drawn to inexorably. When we all come from the same womb of mother earth, what is there left to separate us? When we are all built from the yin and yang of Shiva and Shakti, what distinctions remain? Within each of us resides the universe of Ardhanarisvara. The sign that lives in prakriti and mother nature, the side that lives in the cosmos and destructive forces. What resides within one resides within us all. We are the cosmos, and the cosmos resides in us.
Participants names in this item: Lekha Wood, Shwetha Narayanan, Suhani Prasad, Janani Bhagat, Lavanya Jagirdhar, Samantha Manoharan, Romoli Bakshi and Zeyna Tai.
Orchestra Members
Vocalist: Radhika Krishnaraj
About the Vocalist: Radhika Krishnaraj began learning vocal music right from a very young age and underwent advanced training from Late Sangita Kalanidhi C Lalitha of Bombay sisters fame. She has performed in all leading sabhas across India and is the recipient of 'Sahithya Priya 'award by the music label Kalavardhini. Under SSJ productions, she has lent her voice to various devotional chants and slokas which are available on digital platforms. She sings regularly for dance performances and has performed extensively in New York City.
Sitarist: Shraman Sen
About the Sitarist: Shraman Sen is an Economics research associate with a Bachelor's from NYU and Master's from Columbia University. With sitar, Shraman began his training in the Imdadkhani gharana with Hidayat Khan. Since then, Shraman has had the privilege to interact and seek taalim from others in the same Khan family, such as Irshad Khan and, most notably, with Shahid Parvez Khan via training sessions and workshops since 2017.
Mridangist: Sanjay Natesan
Sanjay Natesan is currently under the tutelage of Kalaimamani Sri. Tiruvarur Vaidyanathan. Sanjay has performed in several music and dance ensembles, arangetram recitals, and frequently accompanies musicians from around the world. Sanjay has won many competitions including 1st place in the Senior Percussion Competition organized by CMANA in 2019. He also performs regularly for the Chennai December Music Season. Sanjay is the recipient of the 2019 Dutchess County Executive Arts Award for “The Student with Exceptional Promise in the Arts”. In addition to Mridangam, he is trained in Carnatic Vocal, Carnatic Flute, and other Indian percussion instruments such as Kanjira and Tabla. Sanjay is a rising Junior at Columbia University and is pursuing a degree in computer science and economics.
Tabla: Kushal Sahabir
Kushal Sahabir is a sophomore at St. John’s University with a major in Actuarial Science. He has been learning and performing tabla for over 10 years, most recently under Shri Ucchal Banerjee and Pandit Swapan Chaudhari. Thanks to the blessings and hard work of his parents and brother, he has been making a name for himself, most recently accompanying Shri Indrajit Roy Chowdhury in Austria. He seeks your blessings on continuing his journey in music.
Head of the vocal department: Taniya Panda
Head of the kathak department: Prashant Shah
Co founder and mentor: Sridhar Shanmugan
Teachers: Ankita Khanna, Ruchi Tandon, Prachi Ghera
Costume & Make up: Moneesha Kumar
Volunteers: Sindhura Chava, Shama Zakai, Annemarie Van Roessel,, Aditi Jackson, Prerna Kapur, Suhani Prasad, Moneesha Kumar, Laila Zubair, Prachi Ghera, Pavan Ananth, Lavanya Jagirdha, Mehan Kodati, Keerthana, Tejaswani Jagtap, Manasi Nimkar, Alecia Ramharak, Gianmario Civitillo, Sabrina Prasaud, Sahana Natesan, Vidhir Verma, Radhika, Manjari mahajan, Niyati.
A BIG THANK YOU TO ONE AND ALL
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the volunteers, parents, and supporters of Navatman's student showcase. Without your help and support, the event would not have been a success. Special thanks to the Gerald W Lynch Theater for providing us with a wonderful space and to Rubina, Larissa, Tim, Mark, and all the house ushers for their invaluable assistance. We also want to express our deepest appreciation to the audience for making the show complete with their presence and enthusiasm. Your support meant the world to our talented students. Thank you all for being a part of this memorable event. Your contributions and dedication are truly appreciated. Here's to more successful endeavors in the future!