YEARS of commitment and dedication to the classical dance form, Bharatha Natyam resulted in Athlone Park’s Rasa-Keli Sowamber attaining the title ‘Natyamani’ at a graduation ceremony at Toti Civic Centre on Sunday, 7 June.
Some 250 guests attended the prestigious event, including the Consul General of India, R Raghunathan.
Rasa-Keli (15), a former Athlone Park Primary, now a grade 10 pupil of Eden College, lives up the meaning of her name. Rasa means ‘the sweet mellows of loving devotional service’ and Keli means ‘pastimes’ as she graduated as a Bharatha Natyam dancer, using her body, mind and words in glorifying the pastimes of Lord Krishna through this dance medium. This is her rendition of devotional service to God (bhakti).
“As a natural performer, from a young age she entertained her family and friends with her acting skills, which soon saw her being attracted to relating stories through dance. At the age of seven, she enrolled at the Kumari Ambigay Dance Institute and persevered relentlessly to attain the title, ‘Natyamani’, meaning ‘the dancer,'” said her mother Vasanthie.
Rasa-Keli gave a flawless performance at her graduation. Both her mum and dad, Shakshi are justifiably proud of her achievements.
“Over the past six months she rehearsed her routine of eight dances, spanning from five minutes to 20 minutes, for three hours a day. We went to India in October, where we designed her costumes, purchased jewellery and hair accessories.”Over the years, Rasa-Keli has featured in various cultural events. Also a keen actor, she acted in ‘The Ramayan’ at the Festival of Chariots.She has also modelled, participated in public speaking events at Hare Krishna functions, graduations and social events. Earlier this year, she performed as part of a commemoration of India’s Independence Day at the Indian Consulate General’s house.
Despite all her extra-mural activities, Rasa-Keli is committed to excelling in academics. An ‘A’ aggregate student, she always features in the top 10 in her grade.
She has received an invite to dance at the Museum of Sacred Art (MOSA) in Belgium. “MOSA showcases Indian art and artefacts. Rasa-Keli visited the museum and met with the director. He was impressed with her Bharatha Natyam dance and is keen on promoting Indian culture through all art forms. He has offered her an all-expenses trip to Belgium to perform during their summer and she plans to take up this offer next year.”
In her spare time she enjoys watching movies, listening to music, playing the guitar and landscape photography. She also enjoys travelling.
