Sixteen-year-old Samaya Chauhan presented a beautiful Kuchipudi dance performance, 'Rangapravesham' in New Delhi, earning a standing ovation from the jam-packed audience that was left mesmerised by her grace.
'Rangapravesham', which signifies "ascending to the stage", is a full-length dance performance, marking a dancer's transition from a student to a performer. Samaya is a social cause advocate who works as a brand ambassador for underprivileged children, bringing joy to them through her dance. She is also the Founder of a policy and action network for youth, as part of which she strives to unite young minds to propose policy interventions on issues such as the mental health of youth, climate-change, and education for girls.
Samaya began her dance recital with a beautiful Ganpati Vandana, a prayer offered to Lord Ganesha. This was followed by 'Dashavtar', a depiction of the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu, known as the Hindu God of preservation. This part of the recital represented a unique choreography, weaving together 'bhava' and beats to narrate a story in each Avatara.
Her rendition of 'Saanson Ki Maala pe Simrun Main Pii Ka Naam', choreographed by Padma Bhushan Shri Raja Reddy in Kuchipudi style, beautifully depicted spiritual love and connection between two souls. Samaya's performance left the audience spellbound, who were lcaptivated by her graceful persona and intricate dance movements.
The dancer concluded her traditional Kuchipudi recital with 'Tarangam', showcasing famous tales of Lord Krishna’s childhood. This culminated with a display of exquisite virtuosity as Samaya performed intricate footwork patterns by dancing on the rim of a brass plate, synchronised with complicated rhythmic patterns.
Describing dance form Kuchipudi, Padma Bhushan Shri Raja Reddy, said, "Melody, gestures and certain facial expressions create a new world of ecstasy and ethereal existence, which our disciple Samaya is going to present today through her performance, and she is going to give you 'Anandam’ meaning bliss. The background of Kuchipudi is not merely what is described but it is more than the history of the man or the nation. It is the spirit of both eternity and time, 'prakruti' and 'purusha', embodied by the greatness of our Natyam Kuchipudi."
Presenting a Vote of Thanks, Dr. Aseem Chauhan, Chancellor Amity University said, "The essence of today’s incredible performance by my daughter Samaya is the notion of Guru Shishya Parampara, the sacred bond between the Guru and his disciple. Our immense gratitude to all the gurus- Padma Bhushan Shri Raja Reddy, Smt. Radha Reddy and Smt. Kaushalya Reddy, their dedication to the craft and art of Kuchipudi is unparalleled and they not only teach dance but also a value system, based on resilience and grit, to lead a better, fulfilling and productive life."
Samaya Chauhan expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the audience, her gurus, parents, and grandparents. "Kuchipudi dance has also taught me about life, and I thank my family for their relentless support and encouragement," she said.