Smiti Srinivasan of West Windsor, 16, had her debut performance of the Indian classical dance Bharatanatyam at the Robbinsville High School auditorium on July 12.
The three-hour performance was a notable milestone after a decade of training in the Bharatanatyam art form. Srinivasan has been dancing under her Guru, Ramya Ramnarayan of North Brunswick, since age six. The performance included intricate footwork and hand movements, as well as storytelling through sculptured poses and emotive facial expressions. The recital was accompanied by live singers and musicians on violin and percussion.
Srinivasan asked attendees to donate to her favorite charity, Mercer Street Friends in Trenton. Her Bharatanatyam performance raised more than $2,000 for their hunger-prevention campaign. Guests of honor included Mayor Shing-Fu Hsueh of West Windsor and directors of Mercer Street Friends.
Srinivasan frequently volunteers her performance talents for the community. In addition to this charitable event, she also danced for the Nrithyanjali Institute of Dance to raise money for Haiti earthquake relief.
A rising junior at High School South, she enjoys participating in school musicals, most recently as a cast member of “Grease.” She is also a member of Pirate Players, a club that mentors elementary and middle schools kids through interactive skits.
Srinivasan also plays the flute in her school band as well as in community events. She is a member of the school choir and has performed at both the local, county and regional levels. Earlier this year, she performed in the Princeton University Chapel and was chosen to sing alongside talented Broadway actors in a “Broadway Benefit” concert.
