Varna Kodoth, a rising sophomore at High School South, presented her Bharatanatyam Arangetram on July 20 at Robbinsville High School. Family, friends, classmates, teachers, and art lovers attended the event to support the Cherry Tree Club of West Windsor. Instead of gifts, Kodoth requested that invitees make a donation to the Cherry Tree Club, a preschool based in West Windsor for homeless and at-risk children in Mercer County. She raised $2,365 for the school. Her parents are Prasannakumar and Jayasree of Plainsboro.
Kodoth began learning Bharatanatyam, an ancient temple dance of southern India, at the age of seven. A student of the Nrithyanjali School of Dance in New Brunswick, she performed solo for 2 1/2 hours during her graduation event.
The dance is devotional in spirit yet possesses a highly stylized and sophisticated technique combining bhava (expression), raga (music), thala (rhythm), and natya (classical Indian musical theater) in equal measure. With graceful movements, striking poses, and expression, the dancer conveys meaning and emotion.
Dancers are adorned with exquisite costumes, jewelry, and facial make-up to replicate a temple sculpture. Arangetram means “Entering the stage” — making the debut of a dancer. After completing several years of training under the guidance of a Guru, a solo Bharatanatyam performance of the student is arranged.
“Varna is an inspiring and remarkable individual,” says Wendy Schutzer, program director for the Cherry Tree Club. “The children and staff of the Cherry Tree Club are extremely grateful for her generosity and the generosity of all the attendees of her beautiful graduation performance.”
