The event also serves as a tribute to the dedication and artistic contributions of the esteemed Shrimathi Meera Venugopal, one of the pioneer students of Bharatha Kalaanjalii India, and founder of Bharatha Kalaanjalii Malaysia.
Speaking with FMT Lifestyle, Shrimathi Meera said the audience could look forward to an evening filled with cultural richness, artistic excellence, and heartfelt performances.
“It is an incredibly humbling and joyous experience. Reflecting on the past five decades, I am very proud of our students and parents and grateful to our community and my gurus for their continuous support.
“This milestone is a testament to the hard work, passion, and dedication of everyone involved in our journey,” she said.
“Swarnarekha,” meaning “ray of gold,” symbolises the golden journey of the performing arts school and the luminous contributions of Shrimathi Meera to the world of Indian classical dance.
Shrimathi is a distinguished disciple of Natyaacharya Padmabhushan Dr VP Dhananjayan and Padmabhushan Shrimathi Shanta Dhananjayan, who are fondly known as “The Dhananjayans.” The duo is considered one of the best Bharatanatyam dancers in the world.
Shrimathi Meera has choreographed 272 set items and pieces over a span of 35 years.
For her distinguished service and contributions towards the growth of Indian classical arts in Malaysia, she was conferred the Lifetime Arts Achievement Award by The Indian High Commissioner to Malaysia.
The show, featuring seven dance performances, will pay tribute to the academy’s gurus, the Dhananjayans, and the talents of its students.
“Swarnarekha” will feature dances by 10 students, with two songs in Sanskrit and five songs in Tamil. The highlight of the show will be two performances featuring the most complicated choreography so far.
“Each piece represents a creative journey, and my love for the art. It is a testament to my enduring passion for Bharatanatyam and my commitment to respecting this beautiful art form,’ she said.
“Swarnarekha” also marks the beginning of several activities that the school plans to conduct in line with its 50th anniversary.
The yearlong celebrations will include dance set pieces, refresher courses for dance teachers and students, seminars, workshops, and other programmes centred around Indian classical arts.
These events aim to engage the community, celebrate Bharatha Kalaanjalii Malaysia’s achievements, and provide opportunities for learning and growth.
“Bharatanatyam is a versatile and universal art form that transcends religious boundaries. Its themes of love, devotion, nature and human emotions are universal, making it accessible and relatable to people of all backgrounds.
“This inclusivity is at the heart of our message: anyone can learn and appreciate Bharatanatyam, regardless of their religious or cultural background,” Shrimathi Meera said.
‘Swarnarekha: Celebrating 50 Golden Years of Bharatha Kalaanjalii Malaysia’
When: Aug 24 @ 6.27pm
Where: Temple of Fine Arts, 116, Jalan Berhala, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur.
Attendance is by invitation only. For more information, contact Rajdessh Gopal at 019-253 4970.
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