The Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre is set to host a significant cultural event on 29 June 2024: the Bharatnatyam Arangetram of Sarjna Shah and Prisha Patel. This much-anticipated event will celebrate the dancers’ dedication and highlight the traditions of Indian classical dance.
The Nartan Institute of Performing Arts (NIPA), established in 2012, is celebrating its 12th anniversary this year. NIPA has become a cornerstone of cultural enrichment and artistic training, offering comprehensive lessons in Bharatnatyam, Bollywood, and various Indian folk dances. The institute’s mission is to promote Indian values and culture through dance, earning a prestigious reputation in the dance world. NIPA actively participates in national and international dance organisations, including the UNESCO-affiliated International Dance Council.
Sarjna Shah’s dance journey, encapsulated by the term “Garbh Sanskar” from the Rigveda, began under the guidance of her mother and Guru, Smt. Kanan Shah, even before her birth. At the age of three, Sarjna started with Bollywood and Indian folk dances. Her fascination with the adavus and mudras of Bharatnatyam led her to formal training in this classical dance form. By 2022, she achieved her Salangai Puja (Ghungharoo Puja).
Sarjna’s dance repertoire is diverse, including Hiphop, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, and Lyrical dance by the age of eleven. Her performances at concerts and public events reflect her strong, confident, and focused personality. Dance has instilled in her discipline, mental fortitude, and a deep connection to her cultural roots. Beyond dance, Sarjna is an NSW State Drama performer, and she enjoys calligraphy, sketching, travelling, journaling, and cooking. Her aim is to continue dancing and exploring various forms while inspiring young dancers in her community.
Prisha Patel’s dance journey began at six and a half years old when she joined a community dance program. Initially hesitant, Prisha quickly fell in love with Bollywood and folk dance, which blossomed into a dedication to mastering Bharatnatyam. Her interests have diversified into sports like netball, athletics, volleyball, and badminton. Following her Ghunghroo Puja, Prisha took up Taekwondo, earning a blue belt with aspirations of achieving a black belt.
Prisha’s love for music is as profound as her passion for dance. She enjoys diverse musical styles from different countries and languages. For her, dance and music are meditative, providing peace and a strong connection to her cultural heritage. Besides dance and music, Prisha enjoys crocheting, creating handcrafted gifts for friends and family. She aims to follow in her guru’s footsteps, helping young dancers realise their potential while continuing to participate in dance competitions.
The Arangetram will feature a rich repertoire, showcasing the dancers’ skills and traditional aspects of Bharatnatyam. The programme includes Pushpanjali, Saraswati Vandana, Natesh Kautuvam, Varnam, Shiva Tandav, Mahishasura Mardhini, Padam, Shlokam, Shri Ramastuti, Tillana, and Mangalam.
The event will be accompanied by a live music ensemble, enhancing the performance’s authenticity and traditional essence. The ensemble includes Shri Rucha Lange on vocal, Shri Maharshi Raval on tabla, Shri Satvik Desai on keyboard, Shri Sabin Ghising on flute, Shri Nishant Solanki as supporting vocal, and Shri Kanan Shah on nattuvangam.
Supporting the event behind the scenes are Krina-Veda as the formal emcee, Dhwiti-Riona as the technical emcee, Sireesha on lighting, Ratna on makeup and hair with support from Hiral and Zalak, Nimisha on rangoli design, Rachana on henna, Aravinda on stage decoration, and AV assistance by Ranjith and Team (Roadie Ran). Photography and videography will be managed by Venkatesh and Team (Foto Minded), with catering by Chaska, Seven Hills.
NIPA, founded by Dr. Kanan Shah, is a cornerstone of cultural and artistic training in the community. Dr. Shah, a pharmacist with a Doctorate in Pharmacology, has over two decades of experience in teaching, coaching, and mentoring. Her dedication to preserving and promoting Bharatnatyam is evident in her commitment to passing on this traditional dance form to the next generation. Dr. Shah has been involved in numerous cultural and community events, serving as a judge in various dance competitions and talent shows, and was featured in the “Dance of the Hindu Gods” multimedia exhibition at the Parliament of Victoria.
NIPA’s impact on the community has been significant, fostering cultural exchange and appreciation through its partnerships with various organisations, including the Cancer Council of Australia, UNESCO for World Dance Day, the Australian Labour Party (ALP), and the Consulate General of India. The institute’s excellence was recognised with the Multicultural Business of the Year Award by Blacktown Council in 2021.
The Bharatnatyam Arangetram of Sarjna Shah and Prisha Patel promises to be a memorable event, celebrating their years of hard work, dedication, and passion for dance. It will be an evening that showcases their talents and underscores the cultural richness and heritage of Indian classical dance. The event is a testament to the commitment of the Nartan Institute of Performing Arts to nurture and promote traditional art forms, ensuring that they continue to thrive in the hearts and minds of the next generation.
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