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 Samarpan - Dr. Jayadev Raju & Kate Macdonald March 4, 2025 In Sanskrit, 'Samarpan' translates as 'dedicate' or 'offer', and indeed, it was an afternoon filled with offerings of passion, determination, discipline, and collaboration in celebrating the first joint annual recital of two emerging schools of Indian classical dance in the capital. Bharatanatyam artist Radhika Pillai and Kathak artist Himani Agarwal are two teachers who have established dance schools in Ottawa that offer instruction in their respective genres, and also foster the associated culture and spirituality. Both Radhika and Himani are excellent performers in the Indian arts and culture scene, and their joint venture - Samarpan - allowed their students to take the stage in an offering of their choreography and teachings highlighting unity and collaboration. Presided over by the High Commissioner of India in Ottawa and Guru Guhendran Saravanapavah and Lushanthini Guhendran (Founders and Artistic Directors, Jegetheeswaralaya School of Arts), the auditorium was filled with artists, community leaders, and rasikas. Guhendran spoke of his 'vaathiyar' - a Tamil word meaning teacher - referring to his master, the late renowned Guru Adyar Lakshman, who encouraged students to actively perform in school and community events, family gatherings, and art festivals, but also simultaneously encouraged them to attend 'kutcheris' or dance concerts where they could observe other dancers perform. Guhendran reiterated that such participation allows developing artists to offer their talents to the community, creating an appreciation of the art 'as is'. Samarpan was a lovely example of just that, with students both performing and observing their peers.  Radhika Pillai  Himani Agarwal Seena Nair (also representing the South India Cultural Association Ottawa), who runs an Ottawa-based dance school, and Gururaj Vashistha, a Bangalore-based Bharatanatyam artist and teacher, expressed their views about the programme. They cited the focused effort of these young students (mostly born in Canada) to successfully translate teachings onto the stage. They also pointed to the rasikas, art producers, family and community, all gathered for the sake of Indian art, and contributing to remarkable growth in the world of Indian classical dance in Canada. Himani and Radhika, resplendent in their regalia, presented their respective solo choreographies as well as a 'jugalbandhi'. Their dedication to developing sustainable teaching norms for Indian art forms in Canada are fruitful. These savvy young teachers continue to find new and imaginative ways to create choreographies relevant to the music, as well as to showcase artistic works of other choreographers. An ardent supporter of Indian classical arts in Ottawa, Samarpan's master of ceremonies, Sree Lakshmi Aju Gopal welcomed the dignitaries, rasikas and parents, and introduced the audience to each choreography with well-scripted narratives that brought the two diverse artforms closer to the audience, including those new to Bharatanatyam and Kathak. Radhika performed a padam depicting the Choodamani jewellery that Hanuman brings back to Lord Rama from his beloved Sita. Her enacting of the complex roles was natural and touched many moods. Himani decided to focus on Lord Shiva and her gestures were accurate and easily understandable. This was followed by the student recitals that showcased the important role that adaptive learning of culture can play. Through the presentation of traditional choreographies exploring the themes and stories of ancient philosophies, the students projected an understanding beyond the technical requirements of the dance. The different levels of ability and experience of the students were appropriately reflected in the choreographies. Their discipline and dedication to Indian classical dance bodes well for their continued growth as artists.  Radhika Pillai's students  Himani Agarwal's students Upon reflection, in my 25 years in Canada engaging in activities promoting Indian classical arts, I have witnessed an interesting trajectory of Indian classical dance. There is definitely an increase in the Indian diaspora here, and with that there appears to be a demand to pursue classical arts. Luckily, there has also been a gradual increase in dance teachers offering lessons, with many opting to conduct classes in professional studio spaces. Despite several limitations including funding and rising costs, some teachers have decided to establish formal dance schools. Radhika and Himani embody a new wave of dedicated teachers of the Indian arts in Canada. Ten years ago, there were only a few teachers offering lessons in Ottawa. This has definitely been changing! Kudos to Radhika and Himani. May the young dancers and the mature student performers all be blessed on their dance paths! Through them, may our Indian culture be nourished and flourish within Canada.  Radhika Pillai Radhika Pillai co-founded the Prashanti School of Dance offering training and classes in Ottawa, with the aim of supporting and promoting Bharatanatyam. Her conviction that Indian classical dance is not only an artform but also a yoga uniting the dancer with a higher consciousness, forms the core vision of her dance school. Radhika is a Bharatanatyam dancer, singer and choreographer. With an early training under Kalamandalam Venkit and Preetha Venkit, she is continuing her advanced training with Karnataka based acharya Parshwanath Upadhye, and his associates Shruthi Gopal and Adithya P.V. Radhika is pursuing Carnatic music under Pusthakam Ramaa.  Himani Agarwal Himani Agarwal, the founder of Divine Rhythm Creative Arts, a dance school in Ottawa, is deeply committed to preserving and sharing the timeless beauty of Kathak. With a focus on the traditional techniques of the Lucknow Gharana, her school offers a nurturing environment where students of all ages can immerse themselves in the grace and rhythm of this classical dance form. Himani's Kathak journey began under the guidance of Guru Rukmani Devi, who helped shape her foundational skills and earn the Sangit Prabhakar in Kathak and Hindustani Sangeet. Her deep love and devotion to Kathak led her to continue her training with the venerable Pandit Jai Kishan Maharaj from the lineage of the legendary Pandit Birju Maharaj. Under this mentorship, Himani continues to explore the intricate nuances and expressive beauty that define Kathak.  Kate Macdonald (katetmacd@gmail.com) and Dr Jayadev Raju (jayadevraju.natyam@gmail.com) are Ottawa-based active practitioners of Bharatanatyam and yoga. Both have significantly contributed to several productions and festivals promoting Indian arts and culture in Canada. |
