By Vaidehi Bodhankar

Apsaras Arts was proud to present a live Bharatanatyam performance after a long spell in collaboration with Global Indian Cultural Centre (GICC) at the GIIS Auditorium on 27 June 2021.

Vaidehi Bodhankar, 16 presented a unique repertoire which included 5 pieces in traditional original choreography. She performed the Keerthanam “Anandha Natamaaduvar Thillai” by Rukmini Devi Arundale and Abhang by Rama Vaidyanathan and Thillana by Kiran Subramanyam. Her teachers from Apsaras Arts include Seema Hari Kumar (this is her first student’s arangetram) Mohanapriyan Thavarajah and Gayathri Chachithanandar who ably taught and trained Vaidehi to deliver a self-assured and confident performance brimming with expressions and dance rigour. 

The arangetram was well attended by friends and well-wishers including Mr Edwin Tong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY), Member of Parliament for Pasir Ris- Punggol, Ms Yeo Wan Ling, Mr & Mrs Atul Temurnikar, Chairman and Co-founder of GIIS, Chairman of Apsaras Arts and GIIS Board Member, Ambassador K Kesavapany and Chairman of IAEC-Siglap South Community Centre Chairman, Dr Uma Rajan. Many guests remarked on the well-executed and organised program. A live audience also watched and give their feedback online.

Aravinth Kumarasamy in his address mentioned the importance of the passing down of tradition and dance heritage through youngsters like Vaidehi and he acknowledged her bright future in learning and going beyond the first step she has just embarked with her milestone of an arangetram. Minister Edwin Tong also encouraged the learning of traditional arts and the vital role of culture in the betterment of our society.You can watch the performance here