https://avya.org Avya Poddatoori Sun, 10 Nov 2024 07:25:25 +0000 https://avya.org en https://avya.org/Main Sun, 03 Nov 2024 02:01:22 +0000 Avya Poddatoori https://avya.org/Main https://avya.org/About Sun, 10 Nov 2024 07:25:25 +0000 Avya Poddatoori https://avya.org/About EDUCATION Miramonte High School, California: GPA: 3.8 (W), 3.5 (U) OBJECTIVES To obtain a degree in dance with the goal of growing as a dancer and choreographer while enriching my dance practice with new art forms. I want to understand how the performing arts can shape a community, preserve and strengthen cultural identities, and tell stories through the arts. DANCE TRAINING Bharatanatyam &nbsp;Shyamjith Kiran and Viraja Kiran, Thridha Arts, 2016-present, 6 hours per week Katherine Kunhiraman, Kalanjali School of Arts, 2014-2020, 4 hours per week Hip/Hop In the Groove studios and City Dance studios, 2022-present, 4 hours per week Ballet&nbsp;Shawl Anderson, Shawna Vella, 2023-present, 2 hours per week Modern Shawl Anderson, 2022-present, 4 hours per week SUMMER PROGRAMS/WORKSHOPS Kalakshetra Bharatanatyam Workshops, 2022 (1 week) ◉ UCLA Hip/Hop Summer Intensive, 2024 (1 week) ◉ Shawl Anderson Ballet Intensive, 2024 (1 week) ◉ Shawl Anderson Modern/Contemporary Course, 2024 (6 weeks) ◉ Invited to apprentice with Seeta Patel Dance Company in London, 2024 (1 week) ◉ IDIA Junior Bharatanatyam Showcase, 2024 Ishami Dance Company Desi Art Form Fusion Workshop, 2024 (4 weeks) PRESS Boys Can Learn Bharatanatyam Too 6/24 ◉ Marghazi In San Francisco Music And Dance Festival, 1/24 ◉ Miramonte student makes professional dance debut at Lesher, 7/23 CHOREOGRAPHY UCLA Summer Hip/hop Intensive end-of-program show, 2024 ◉ Bharatanatyam Showcase at San Jose High School, 2024 ◉ Ballet Shawl Anderson Intensive, 2024 (1 week) ◉ Shawl Anderson Contemporary Course, 2024 (6 weeks) CURRENT PROJECTS Young Arts National Competition: Classical Indian Dance; currently in prescreen review process with competition taking place in October 2024; prize includes scholarship recognition and $10k. Untitled: Short Film (currently in pre-production) on my dance journey; written, directed and produced by USC alum Jay Das Gupta (TELL ME A STORY, Vampire Diaries); expected release in Fall 2025. MAJOR PERFORMANCES University of South Florida, Beauty and the Beast, 3 hour Bharatanatyam and ballet production, played the lead as the Beast. 500 ticketed audience members, 2024IDIA bharatanatyam Junior Showcase, Life of Pi, played Richard Parker, the lead and protagonist of the play. 300+ ticketed audience members, 2024 (chosen out of 50 applicants)UCLA, UCLA Hip/Hop Summer Performance, 300 audience members, 2024Shawl Anderson Dance Center, Ballet and Contemporary Summer Dance Performance, 2024SF International Arts Festival, Bharatanatyam performance with SKN Dance Company. 300 audience members, 2024 Lesher Center For the Arts, Arangetram Bharatanatyam debut solo performance, prepared for a year to accomplish a 3-hour performance accompanied by live musicians in front of 800 audience members, 2023Eka festival, Bharatanatyam solo performance by audition, 300+ audience members, 2023UC Davis International Arts Festival, Bharatanatyam performance, 300 audience members, 2022-2024Little Flock Gala Fundraiser, featured solo Bharatanatyam performer at the annual fundraiser, 200+ audience members, 2017-2024Kalanjali, featured performer at the end-of-year dance collaboration, 400+ audience members (Bharatanatyam), 2017-2023 https://avya.org/Arangetram Sun, 03 Nov 2024 02:01:22 +0000 Avya Poddatoori https://avya.org/Arangetram Bharatanatyam Arangetram(indian classical dance debut) <img width="2000" height="3000" width_o="2000" height_o="3000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/775d6da71a8400fcc6037978ac1c71edbbc51d3cb15e9d06014408ae7871ec09/LR-0663.jpg" data-mid="221081856" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/775d6da71a8400fcc6037978ac1c71edbbc51d3cb15e9d06014408ae7871ec09/LR-0663.jpg" /> <img width="500" height="500" width_o="500" height_o="500" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/495bc18d76522dde94a70330f0166ba81caabc0e80445957a7f6b2c06861b294/TridhaLogoWB.png" data-mid="221081150" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/500/i/495bc18d76522dde94a70330f0166ba81caabc0e80445957a7f6b2c06861b294/TridhaLogoWB.png" /> Saturday, July 29, 2023 3:30 pm Hofmann Theater Lesher Center for the Arts 1601 Civic Drive Walnut Creek, CA 94596 [PROGRAM][VIDEO] Avya Poddatoori, student of Shyamjit Kiran &amp; Viraja of Kalakshetra, will be performing Bharatanatyam, a classical South Indian dance form. An arangetram is the first full length solo performance of a dancer. When the student and teacher through years of dedicated training are prepared to take on the dancing journey ahead, an arangetram is made as an offering to everything in nature that has brought this blessing together. Parking and Directions&nbsp; Please&nbsp;RSVP Here (Let us know you are coming!) HotelResidence Inn 2050 N California Blvd, Walnut Creek, CA 94596 Poddatoori Group Rate - $199 / night Friday, July 28, 2023 to Sunday, July 30, 2023. reserve here <img width="1215" height="810" width_o="1215" height_o="810" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/b8119460441df4ffe4e4445a93674a940cac5fd55e6aebe1e611bd60fbbf8e2a/oakrw-entrance-7418-hor-clsc.jpg" data-mid="221081137" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/b8119460441df4ffe4e4445a93674a940cac5fd55e6aebe1e611bd60fbbf8e2a/oakrw-entrance-7418-hor-clsc.jpg" /> StudentAvya Poddatoori Avya has always loved dance, and was often found center stage on the dance floor, even before he was introduced to the classical dance form of Bharatanatyam by his mother, a Kalanjali graduate and a former dancer for the Nava Dance theatre company. At the age of 8, he began his formal training in Bharatanatyam from Katherine Kunhiraman, who instilled in him a passion for dance and provided him a strong foundation. Under the guidance of Viraja and Shyamjit Kiran of Kalakshetra, he began a new stage in his training.&nbsp; Over many summers, winters and countless zoom sessions, Avya and Shyam’s bond grew to be beyond that of a teacher and student.&nbsp; Shyam has become a cherished, respected and sometimes strict but loving “Anna” or older brother. Avya has performed at various temple/cultural events and charity fundraisers, including UC Davis’ International Festival and Ganesh Vasudeva’s “Boys Don’t Dance.'' He is currently enjoying his sophomore year in high school, where he follows his other passion, playing basketball on Miramonte’s JV team.&nbsp; He is active in his school leadership as the chair of the philanthropy commission and volunteering with Little Flock, a non-profit supporting an orphanage and women's shelter in Chennai. Avya’s favorite pastimes are learning languages (he is fluent in Japanese and Spanish) playing with his brothers, Anaya and Vayu, and teasing his baby sister Eeshweri incessantly. <img width="2492" height="1662" width_o="2492" height_o="1662" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/18b809e3b72ae111febeccc6489b6094362228a234e239d6e39301ed1af1b86e/LR-teacher-0872.jpg" data-mid="221081152" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/18b809e3b72ae111febeccc6489b6094362228a234e239d6e39301ed1af1b86e/LR-teacher-0872.jpg" /> Teachers and Artistic Directors of Tridhā Viraja and Shyamjith Kiran <img width="1000" height="438" width_o="1000" height_o="438" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/94ec91e098361290c90fe3082a0b3d0cbb2c8a6710fa8253f9bd6552caf0ba4f/sv_logo_black.png" data-mid="221081148" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/94ec91e098361290c90fe3082a0b3d0cbb2c8a6710fa8253f9bd6552caf0ba4f/sv_logo_black.png" /> Viraja &amp; Shyamjith Kiran are a dynamic dance couple trained from the illustrious Kalakshetra Foundation, Chennai. Both of them have previously been a part of the Kalakshetra repertory company taking up major roles and also taught as part time faculty at their alma mater. They have had the rich experience of working with legends in their field like the Dhananjayans and Leela Samson. The duo has also been trained in Kathakali under their guru Sadanam Balakrishnan. Involvement with these gurus, Kalakshetra and their independent pursuits has enabled them to perform at various prestigious venues world over. Training in Yoga and Kalaripayattu has been an important factor in their understanding of not just the physicality of the human form but also the intellect. Some of their critically acclaimed works include, Pareekshana, Mudivil Oru Aarambam, Svam, Aham, Rekha, Eeram and Samaagati. www.virajashyam.dance <img width="1944" height="1297" width_o="1944" height_o="1297" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/bc156e3d22421dc0e4144b4dc47a83ddc6623fe68da0b775c00c83887c92a638/VS-profile-2022_2_sm.jpg" data-mid="221081147" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/bc156e3d22421dc0e4144b4dc47a83ddc6623fe68da0b775c00c83887c92a638/VS-profile-2022_2_sm.jpg" /> <img width="1944" height="1297" width_o="1944" height_o="1297" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/8479bc3933dfa389c9a3db15de145e3041f78508a42362df84845618bcb912bf/VS-Profile-2022_1_sm.jpg" data-mid="221081146" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/8479bc3933dfa389c9a3db15de145e3041f78508a42362df84845618bcb912bf/VS-Profile-2022_1_sm.jpg" /> Chief GuestKatherine Kunhiraman Bharatanatyam dance director/founder of Kalanjali and Avya’s first teacher Katherine Kunhiraman and the late Sri. KP Kunhiraman, founded Kalanjali: Dances of India in 1975, and have contributed immensely to the field of Indian classical dance in the United States. In 2014 they received the ‘Malonga Casquelord Lifetime Achievement Award’ from the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival, in which they often performed with their company. Kunhiraman was a vital part of Kalakshetra Institute of Fine Arts, in Chennai, working directly under Rukmini Devi Arundale for nearly forty years, as a performer and teacher, living a career that spanned over 67 years. He and Katherine gave themselves to both Bharatanatyam and Kathakali with one combined energy. Katherine had spent twelve years studying dance and music in India, first in Kolkata and later at Kalakshetra where she met Kunhiraman. She did advanced studies with the Dhananjayans at Bharata Kalanjali, and was their first graduate. She has performed all over India, as well as Lebanon, Egypt, England, and the US. <img width="1200" height="850" width_o="1200" height_o="850" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/5d45d4dfe395fa87cddfab7450b869bdeb25e16896267eea00361f52d9d16b1e/slide2.png" data-mid="221081142" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/5d45d4dfe395fa87cddfab7450b869bdeb25e16896267eea00361f52d9d16b1e/slide2.png" /> MusicianRoopa Mahadevan Vocalist Roopa Mahadevan is a leading second-generation Indian classical and crossover vocalist in the American diaspora, known for her powerful, emotive voice, versatility, and collaborative spirit. She leads the crossover ensemble Roopa in Flux, where she works with musicians in jazz, soul/R&amp;B, free improv, and various global traditions, directs the innovative choir Navatman Music Collective, and sings for leading Bharathanatyam and modern dancers. Roopa trained in Carnatic music under Asha Ramesh and further under Suguna Varadachari in India through the Fulbright scholarship. Roopa has performed in diverse venues such as Chennai's Music Academy during the December festival and Cleveland Thyagaraja Aradhana, which awarded her the title "Kala Ratna," as well as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, MET Museum, Hollywood Bowl, SF Jazz, Kennedy Center Millenium Stage, and more. She is a soloist on Christopher Tin’s Grammy Award-winning Calling All Dawns, and is a sought-after vocalist for several cutting-edge ensembles, including Brooklyn Raga Massive. Roopa has been invited to residencies at the Banff Center for Arts and Creativity, Hedgebrook, Mass MOCA, Ryder Farm, and Joe's Pub. Through a Creative Work Fund grant with collaborator Sruti Sarathy, she is currently composing songs to amplify untold stories of South Asian diasporic life. Previously, Roopa worked in public health policy, following degrees from Stanford University. <img width="3525" height="2351" width_o="3525" height_o="2351" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/48c92c5374659b6048cf3645f38378d6719e077a3dbabc5c7155169cb88067b7/Roopa.jpg" data-mid="221081139" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/48c92c5374659b6048cf3645f38378d6719e077a3dbabc5c7155169cb88067b7/Roopa.jpg" /> MusicianSrinath Bala Mridangam Srinath Bala is a versatile percussionist with varied styles blended rhythmically into one! Having been initiated by Late Sri. Krishnan (Palghat Sri Mani Iyer style), he received intensive guidance under Sri. R. Ramesh (Karaikudi Mani Style) in Chennai, and later, under Maestro Umayalpuram K. Sivaraman. To his credit, he has uniquely combined the kannakku and naadam aspects from various gurus. He has accompanied the topmost senior artists performing in India, Canada, Zambia, Singapore and the US, and also played in Jugalbandis and TalaVadya Concerts to showcase the solo percussion aspects. He has various recordings and has given lecture- demonstrations on 'LAYAM'. In 2006, he presented a TalaVadya concert titled “Music Through Membranes”. Being a recipient of the PG Arts award and MSAC Artist Awards, he has over 25 years of concert experiences and is a extremely well sought after artist for Music and Dance Concerts. He has been teaching students for many years and successfully trained many students, who currently play Mridangam, Ghatam, and Kanjira actively in various music circles. Visit http://srinathlayam.com/ for more information and clips. <img width="1024" height="683" width_o="1024" height_o="683" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/60d7d3f85af21c9eecdbf256e59aed529fde68d78300323b96a3dc9ed8dfa7aa/srinanth.jpg" data-mid="221081140" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/60d7d3f85af21c9eecdbf256e59aed529fde68d78300323b96a3dc9ed8dfa7aa/srinanth.jpg" /> MusicianKrishna Parthasarathy Violinist Krishna Parthasarathy is a professional vocalist and violinist who resides in the Bay Area. He learned Carnatic music from Sri. K.J. Yesudas and Sri. P.V. Natarajan. He is also continuing his Hindustani training from Smt. N. Rajam in violin, and Sri Nachiketha Yakkundi in vocal. <img width="2144" height="1424" width_o="2144" height_o="1424" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/00e7769f0c23887398928c6c1002f6294740f23653767b5ce00c38483116163c/krishna_sm.jpg" data-mid="221081149" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/00e7769f0c23887398928c6c1002f6294740f23653767b5ce00c38483116163c/krishna_sm.jpg" /> MusicianAnirudh Bharadwaj Flute Anirudh Bharadwaj, a Carnatic flautist, is a disciple of Sri Delhi P Sunder Rajan. He had his initial training under Smt. Akhila Krishnan and Sri PN Krishnan, eminent musicians from Delhi. He has learnt from Ranjani-Gayatri, and had his training in hindustani flute under Pandit Kailash Sharma in Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, New Delhi. He has performed with Vyjayanthimala, Dhananjayans, Leela Samson, Rama Vaidyanathan, Swapna Sundari, Mavin Khoo, KP Rakesh, Bhavajan Kumar, Parshwanath Upadhyay, Geeta Chandran, Renjith-Vijna and Shijith-Parvathy, among others, in all the major venues in India and abroad. <img width="1963" height="1472" width_o="1963" height_o="1472" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/b18aa9a16fb7a8044840f89d336d383e17542687dbb403349fe9dad802622c4b/Anirudh._sm.jpg" data-mid="221081141" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/b18aa9a16fb7a8044840f89d336d383e17542687dbb403349fe9dad802622c4b/Anirudh._sm.jpg" /> MusicianVenu Kolavennu Veena Venu Kolavennu has been playing the veena since his early childhood. His teacher is Srikanth Chary, disciple of the famed Lalgudi Jayaraman. Over the years, Venu has given a number of concerts and performances, both individually and collaboratively with others. His mother, Srilakshmi Kolavennu is a well known singer and music teacher in the San Francisco Bay Area. <img width="1024" height="800" width_o="1024" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/235970ce6c482d0fdfb50a2af016538283c43ff7b05e4d3a498bcf4288cc33ac/Venu_crop.jpg" data-mid="221081151" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/235970ce6c482d0fdfb50a2af016538283c43ff7b05e4d3a498bcf4288cc33ac/Venu_crop.jpg" /> © Avya Poddatoori2023 https://avya.org/Program Sun, 03 Nov 2024 02:01:26 +0000 Avya Poddatoori https://avya.org/Program [local-style="31633084"]{ display: none; } Program [HOME] 1. Ganesh Slokam &amp; Alarippu A humble offering Ganesha, also known as Vighnahartha or Vinayaka is revered as the god of wisdom and intellect. He is invoked at the beginning of any new commencement to bring auspiciousness and ward off obstacles. His benevolence makes him loved by all, He is worshipped to bring protection and success. Avya will begin the performance by invoking the grace of the elephant headed Ganesha,&nbsp; the remover of obstacles; with a Telugu verse set in the ragam Arabhi by Smt. Roopa Mahadevan.&nbsp; The slokam will be followed by an Alarippu in Tisra jati eka thalam. An alarippu is a traditional invocatory piece in a Bharatanatyam repertoire and it literally means the blossoming of a flower. The dancer’s body is likened to that of a blooming lotus that rises above all impurities through rigorous practice, keeping itself turned towards the light. This symbolic lotus is then offered in humble reverence to the gods, gurus, elders and audience before commencing a performance. 2. Shabdam Divine adoration Krishna’s childhood is full of playful and endearing stories. Some of the most famous stories of little mischievous Krishna include the tales of him stealing pots of his favourite freshly churned butter, stealing the clothes of the gopis as they bathed in the river and stealing hearts of everyone around him with His charm and innocence. Krishna is portrayed as a cowherd and a divine lover who played a mesmerizing flute. The enchanting music that emanated from Krishna's flute captivated all alike. The sweetness of his music symbolizes the allure of divine love and spiritual ecstasy. Next Avya will present a shabdam in praise of Krishna, narrating stories from His childhood. Shabdam, a ragamalika set in Mishra Chapu thalam, composed by the Tanjore Quartette, a choreography of Mylapore Gowri Ammal. 3. Varnam Virtue &amp; Victory Rama is widely considered to be the embodiment of virtue and compassion in Hindu mythology and literature. His character is revered for its unwavering commitment to righteousness (dharma) and the profound compassion he carries towards all beings. The story of Rama is a tale of heroism that carries deep spiritual and philosophical teachings. It symbolises the eternal battle between good and evil forces. Rama's stories serve as a beacon of virtuous living and the path to victory over the trials and tribulations of life. Avya will now present a varnam, the central piece of a bharatanatyam repertoire. This varnam will trace episodes from the life of Shri Rama; bringing Ahalya to life, making friends with the tribal king Guhan, and the monkey King Sugreeva and Ravana’s brother Vibheeshana who were banished from their kingdoms, giving liberation to Shabari, and winning over the ten headed demon Ravana who cunningly abducted his wife Sita. The lyrics for this varnam are written by Prof S. Raghuraman and music composed by Nattuvanar K. Balakrishnan in the ragam Keeravani set in Adi thalam. The choreography is by Sri Shyamjith Kiran. INTERMISSION 4. Ardhanareeshwara Stotram Unwavering balance Ardhanareeshwara, is a composite and unique form of Lord Shiva. The term "Ardhanarishvara" is derived from two Sanskrit words: "Ardha," meaning half, and "Nari," meaning female. Together, they signify the "Lord who is half female". In this iconic representation, the right half of the deity is Lord Shiva, depicted with a masculine appearance, and the left half is Goddess Parvati, depicted with a feminine appearance. The concept of Ardhanarishvara symbolizes the underlying unity and inseparability of the masculine and feminine principles in the universe, highlighting the balance and complementary nature of these two aspects. While Shiva’s body is smeared with ashes from the burial ground, Parvati’s body is smeared with the scent of fragrant musk. While she is adorned with beautiful ornaments, he is adorned with serpents and skulls. While she is clad in rich silks and garments, he is most handsome with his bare body. While creation begins with Parvati’s gentle smile, the universe is dissolved when he dances the vigorous tandava. This piece written by the great sage Adi Shankaracharya had been choreographed by Sri Shyamjith Kiran as a tribute to Avya’s grandmother whose presence we dearly miss. It is a ragamalika set to Adi thalam in Khanda nadai by Sri P. Sushanth. 5. Keertanam- Hariye Gati Complete surrender Avya will next present a Telugu keerthanam “Hariye Gathi”, composed by the doyen of Carnatic music, Dr. Balamurali Krishna. This beautiful ragamalika set in Adi thalam has been choreographed for Avya by Sri. Shyamjith Kiran. "Hari" is derived from the Sanskrit root "Har," which means "to take away" or "to remove." Therefore, Vishnu as "Hari" is often interpreted as the one who removes or takes away the suffering and&nbsp; ignorance of all devotees who seek refuge in him. He is believed to be the preserver and sustainer of the universe, and devotees turn to him for protection and salvation. The act of seeking refuge in Hari involves having complete faith in the divine will and relying with surrender on God's grace and compassion. Devotees believe that Hari, being the ultimate refuge, provides solace and liberation from the cycle of birth and death (samsara). Here the poet requests Hari to reincarnate on earth as Kalki to remove all difficulties just as he did&nbsp; by taking the form of the Dashavataras (Vishnu’s ten incarnations) to save the world. 6. Ashtapadi Remorseful Krishna Ashtapadis from the Sanskrit text "Gita Govinda", were composed by the 12th-century poet Jayadeva. The "Gita Govinda" is a beautiful and lyrical composition, depicting the divine love between Krishna and Radha. In this ashtapadi we see Krishna being remorseful for not meeting Radha as promised.&nbsp; He pleads with her to come back to Him and promises he will never let her go through any more pain. He wonders what she must be going through suffering all alone, the more he thinks of her the more it makes him disappointed and guilty. He is unable to bear separation any further and says “Oh my dearest Radha, you are the only reason I live. Everything around me is meaningless in your absence.” Ashtapadi in the ragam Hamir Kalyani is set to Mishra Chapu thalam, choreographed by Prof. A Janardhanan. 7. Thillana Joy and freedom Thillana, the concluding piece of a traditional bharatanatyam repertoire,&nbsp; is a vibrant and rhythmic dance characterized by its energetic and joyful nature. It has brisk and vibrant movements, intricate footwork, and rhythmic patterns culminating typically in a short verse of praise on a deity. This thillana is dedicated to Lord Shiva who presides as Marundeeshwara in Thiruvanmiyur. He is the beloved of Goddess Tripurasundari.&nbsp; The poet humbly requests Shiva to bestow his eternal grace and protection upon Kalakshetra. Thillana in the ragam Bilahari set to Adi thalam. A music compostion of MD Ramanathan choreographed by Smt Rukmini Devi Arundale. The thillana will be followed by a prayer to goddess Lakshmi for auspiciousness, peace and prosperity composed by the Telugu poet Annamacharya. https://avya.org/Video Sun, 03 Nov 2024 02:01:26 +0000 Avya Poddatoori https://avya.org/Video [local-style="31633084"]{ display: none; } Video