Natyarpana Dance Company Presents

Bharatanatyam Arangetram

of Jaanvi Kottapalli

Sunday, June 21, 2026 • The Saber Center for the Performing Arts

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The Guru

Guru Smt. Dr. Kripa Baskaran with Students

Guru Smt. Dr. Kripa Baskaran

Founder & Artistic Director, Natyarpana Dance Company


Dr. Kripa Baskaran, Founder & Artistic Director at Natyarpana Dance Company, began her Bharatanatyam journey at the age of seven and brings over two decades of teaching experience. She has integrated the Pandanallur, Tanjore, and Vazhuvoor styles in her repertoire and developed a thoughtfully structured curriculum seamlessly integrating these traditions into her practice and pedagogy with utmost depth and clarity in training for Natyarpana. A distinguished performer, she has presented her work on stages around the world and is a regular performer at the renowned Chennai Music and Dance Festival. Her excellence has been recognized through numerous prestigious awards, including the "Nritya Seva Mani" Award (2015) and the "Papanasam Sivan" Award (2016) for her outstanding contributions to Bharatanatyam in the United States. She has also been honored by the Wisconsin Arts Board as a Master Teacher (2014-2016, 2018-2023), enabling her to mentor apprentices through fellowship programs, and served as a panelist in 2021.


Smt. Dr. Kripa Baskaran believes dance has the power to transform character and cultivate values. Rooted in the values of bonding, discipline, and presentation, her teaching inspires students to grow as dedicated dancers and principled individuals emphasizing discipline, integrity, and purposeful creativity. Her commitment extends beyond performance and education into meaningful community impact. Beginning as early as her high school years, she has worked with individuals with Down syndrome, autism, and cerebral palsy, using dance as a medium of expression, empowerment, and inclusion. Through Natyarpana outreach initiatives, her students continue this spirit of service across the United States and India. She also introduced "World Movement Traditions" at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and founded WICA, Wisconsin Indian Classical Arts, to share Indian classical dance with diverse audiences. Holding a Doctoral degree in Bharatanatyam from Tamil University, Thanjavur, with research focused on mental health through Bharatanatyam, she continues to inspire generations through her artistry, mentorship, and community leadership, with students now leading Natyarpana branches in North Carolina, Tennessee, Connecticut, and Illinois.

About Jaanvi

Jaanvi Kottapalli


Jaanvi's love for Bharatanatyam began at the age of eight and has grown into a deep and enduring passion. She started her early Bharatanatyam training with Smt. Nandida Variathody, a Natyarpana faculty member, and later continued her journey under the guidance of Guru Smt. Dr. Kripa Baskaran. Over the years, Jaanvi has come to cherish every aspect of this classical art form - its rhythm, grace, discipline, expressive storytelling, and rich cultural heritage.


Jaanvi's interest in Indian classical arts extends beyond Bharatanatyam. She has performed in programs organized by WISMA, TAGM, and SEWA, earning recognition for her dedication to dance. She also received formal training in Carnatic vocal music for several years under Smt. Bandaru Kameswari. In addition, Jaanvi enjoys playing the violin and continues to develop her skills across multiple classical art forms.


A sophomore in high school, Jaanvi is actively involved in Forensics, HOSA, Student Council, and several other clubs, where she demonstrates leadership, commitment, and a strong sense of responsibility. Beyond the arts and academics, she is also a karate black belt, reflecting her perseverance, discipline, and determination to achieve her goals. In her free time, Jaanvi enjoys painting and spending time with her friends and family.


Through her Arangetram, Jaanvi celebrates a significant milestone in her Bharatanatyam journey one that reflects years of growth, dedication, discipline, and perseverance.

Jaanvi Kottapalli Portrait

My Sister Nithya

Nithya Kottapalli Portrait

Nithya Kottapalli

Salangai Puja Debut


Nithya started her Bharatanatyam journey early at the age of six with Natyarpana Dance Company under the guidance of Smt. Nandida Variathody. Nithya has developed a deep love for Bharatanatyam by watching and learning from her older sister, Jaanvi, who has been a constant source of inspiration to her.


Passionate about both dance and singing, Nithya has participated in several cultural programs, including WISMA and TAGM events, where she has enjoyed sharing her enthusiasm for the arts.


A fourth-grade student, Nithya also has a strong interest in science and mathematics and approaches learning with curiosity and excitement. In her free time, she loves playing with her friends and spending time with her family.


Through her Salangai Puja and training under Guru Smt. Dr. Kripa Baskaran, Nithya marks a meaningful milestone in her Bharatanatyam journey, reflecting her growing dedication, discipline, and joy in dance as she continues to follow her passion with inspiration from her sister.

Program Information

A guided journey through the traditional Bharatanatyam repertoire, presented as a flowing program story with each piece visible at a glance.

Pushpanjali Pose
Piece 01

Pushpanjali

Jaanvi
Ragam: Nattai | Talam: Adi | Composer: Sri Muthuswami Dikshitar

"Pushpanjali" is a traditional invocatory piece performed at the beginning of a Bharatanatyam recital as an offering of respect and devotion. The word "Pushpanjali" means "offering of flowers". It symbolizes the dancer's gesture of surrender and gratitude to the divine, the guru, and the audience, while seeking blessings for a successful performance. Jaanvi will commence her Arangetram with a pushpanjali that will be immediately followed by "Maha Ganapathim Manasa Smarami", a celebrated composition in praise of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the bestower of wisdom and success. Through graceful movements and rhythmic patterns, Jaanvi will depict the story of Lord Ganesha's birth, when Lord Shiva restores Parvati Devi's son to life by placing an elephant's head upon him.

Nithya Jathiswaram Pose
Piece 02

Jathiswaram

Nithya
Ragam: Kalyani | Taalam: Rupakam | Composer: Smt. Rukmini Devi Arundale

Nithya will present a solo Jathiswaram as part of her Salangai Puja, marking a special milestone in her Bharatanatyam journey. In Bharatanatyam, a Jathiswaram is a pure dance piece, or nritta, that combines rhythmic patterns known as jathis with melodic notes called swaras. Jathiswaram focuses on the technical beauty of the dance through precise footwork, graceful movements, mudras, and rhythmic coordination. Through this performance, Nithya will showcase her growing discipline, confidence, and joy in dance.

Deva Devam Pose
Piece 03

Deva Devam

Jaanvi
Ragam: Hindolam | Talam: Adi | Composer: Sri Tallapaka Annamacharya

Jaanvi will next perform "Deva Devam," a devotional composition by Sri Tallapaka Annamacharya, the revered Telugu poet-saint from 15th Century whose timeless songs are dedicated to Sri Venkateswara Swamy of Tirumala. Known for expressing deep devotion through simple yet powerful poetry, Annamacharya's compositions beautifully capture the compassion, grace, and divine presence of the Lord. In this piece, Lord Venkateswara, a form of Lord Vishnu, is praised as the supreme among all gods, filled with divine radiance and compassion. It depicts him as the protector and savior who removes sins and grants peace and liberation to his devotees. The piece concludes with a depiction of Dasavatara, the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu, symbolizing his descent to earth in different forms to protect righteousness and restore balance in the world.

Varnam Pose
Piece 04

Varnam: Amma Ananda Dayini

Jaanvi
Ragam: Gambheeranaatai | Talam: Adi | Composer: Dr. M. Balamuralikrishna

The Varnam is the central and most elaborate piece of the Arangetram, blending intricate rhythmic footwork with expressive storytelling. It highlights the dancer's excellence, technique, stamina, grace, story-telling abilities and emotional depth, making it the true centerpiece of the performance. "Amma Ananda Dayini" is a Bharatanatyam varnam composed by Dr. Mangalampalli Bala Murali Krishna, one of the most celebrated Carnatic musicians of the modern era. In this Varnam, the Divine Mother is worshipped in her many forms, especially as Parvati, Saraswati, and Lakshmi. Parvati is portrayed as the compassionate mother and embodiment of strength, Saraswati as the giver of knowledge, music, and wisdom, and Lakshmi as the source of wealth, prosperity, and grace. With expressive storytelling, devotion and rhythmic footwork, Jaanvi will explore Shakti as the cosmic mother, the divine energy that nurtures and sustains the universe. She will also depict the story of Goddess Lakshmi leaving Vaikuntha after Sage Bhrigu insults Lord Vishnu by kicking him on the chest, Lakshmi's sacred dwelling place. This moment of hurt and separation eventually connects to Lord Vishnu's descent to earth as Srinivasa/Venkateswara and the divine story of Padmavati Kalyanam. As part of the Varnam, Jaanvi will portray the Navarasas, the nine emotions that form the foundation of abhinaya in Indian classical dance, as well as the tender motherly love of Goddess Parvati for Ganesha and Muruga.

Shiva Ashtakam Pose
Piece 05

Shiva Ashtakam

Jaanvi
Ragam: Ragamalika | Talam: Kanda Chapu | Composer: Sri Adi Shankaracharya

Jaanvi will present "Prabhum Prananatham," composed by Jagatguru Sri. Adi Shankaracharya, as a devotional composition in praise of Lord Shiva. The song describes Lord Shiva as the supreme lord and the very life-force within all beings the source of energy, consciousness, and spiritual strength. It praises him as a compassionate protector who removes ignorance and suffering while guiding devotees toward spiritual understanding.

Duet Pose
Piece 06

Muddugare Yashoda

Duet: Jaanvi & Nithya
Ragam: Kurinji | Talam: Adi | Composer: Sri Tallapaka Annamacharya

"Muddugare Yashoda," composed by Sri Tallapaka Annamacharya in Kurinji ragam and set to Adi Talam, is a devotional song celebrating the childhood beauty of Lord Krishna. The composition lovingly compares Krishna to precious gems such as pearls, diamonds, and rubies, each symbolizing his divine qualities. In this piece, Nithya will join her sister Jaanvi on stage as Chinni Krishna, the charming and playful child who brings immense joy to his mother, Yashoda. The song beautifully reminds us that although Krishna is divine, he appears in a sweet and innocent form, filling the world with love, devotion, and happiness.

Thillana Pose
Piece 07

Thillana

Jaanvi
Ragam: Brindavani | Talam: Adi | Composer: Dr. M. Balamuralikrishna

Thillana is a scintillating finale in the Bharatanatyam repertoire, where the dancer combines pure dance (Nritta) and expressive story telling (Abhinaya) showcasing vibrant rhythmic footwork, graceful movements, geometric patterns, and sculpturesque poses. It brings the recital to an energetic and celebratory close, highlighting the dancer's precision, agility, and excellence. In "Brindavani Thillana," Jaanvi will celebrate Lord Krishna and the joy, beauty, and playful spirit of Brindavan, the sacred place where Krishna spent his childhood. Through lively rhythms and dynamic choreography, this Thillana captures the blissful charm of Krishna and brings the performance to a radiant conclusion, showcasing Jaanvi's rhythm, precision, and grace.

Mangalam Pose
Piece 08

Mangalam

Jaanvi
Ragam: Sankarabharanam | Talam: Jhampa | Composer: Sri Thyagaraja

Mangalam marks the auspicious conclusion of the Arangetram. In this final piece, Jaanvi will perform "Sita Kalyanam Vaibhogame," a joyful devotional composition by Sri Tyagaraja, a revered Telugu composer and saint from the late 18th century. The piece celebrates the divine wedding of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita, portraying Sita's grace and purity and Rama's nobility and divinity as they come together in sacred union. Through this final offering "mangalam", the dancer expresses gratitude to the divine, the guru, the musicians, the audience, and all those who have supported her artistic journey. It is a prayer for blessings, peace, and well-being, bringing the recital to a graceful and devotional close.

Featuring Live Musical Ensemble

Nattuvangam

Vid. Smt. Dr. Kripa Baskaran, founder of Natyarpana, will provide nattuvangam, guiding the rhythm, energy, and coordination of the performance.

Vocal

Vid. Smt. Deepthi Srinath, is an accomplished Carnatic vocalist and an 'A' graded artist of All India Radio, with performances across respected venues in India and the United States.

Mridangam

Vid. Sri Ambur Padmanabhan is an accomplished mridangam artist. He has performed internationally in dance, music, and television events, including appearances on Raj TV and Vijay TV's Margazhi Maha Utsavan. He has been honored by Kanchi Kamakoti Peedam Aasthana Vidwan.

Flute

Vid. Sri Raghunandan Ramakrishna is a versatile flautist, composer, arranger, and sound engineer. Raghu has worked with renowned artists including S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Hariharan, Sadhana Sargam, Kavitha Krishnamurthy, and Vijay Prakash.

Rhythm Pad

Sri Pradyumna Soraba is a dynamic percussionist, rhythm programmer, and music arranger. He is recognized as one of India's accomplished percussion artists. His work is featured in numerous music albums, television programs, and major festivals.

Master of Ceremonies

Deepa Reghuram

Credits & Acknowledgements

Event Credits

Costumes: Shanthi Tailors, Chennai

Videography: Media Eyes Audio Visual Productions, Unnikrishnan Warrier

Make Up & Hair: Enoka Herath, Mahalakshmi Srinivasan

Decoration: Vanitha Prakash - Diva Decors LLC, Sirisha - Decor by Siri, Near and dear ones

Photography: Ramesh Kumar

Heartfelt Gratitude

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our family, friends, and the Natyarpana family for their unwavering support, generous help and constant encouragement. Your love, blessings, and presence make this Arangetram a truly memorable milestone that our family will cherish for a lifetime. We are deeply grateful.


VISSU & SUDHA

With Blessings & Best Wishes

Grand Parents:
Kottapalli Krishna Rao
Achary & Indira
Lakshmi Maradapudi
Jaya Satya Rao & Laxmi


Family & Friends

The Art

A brief introduction to the traditions celebrated in this Arangetram — the classical dance form, the milestone performance, and the sacred blessing of the dancer’s bells.

Bha

Bharatanatyam

Emotion • Music • Rhythm
Bhava Raga Tala

Bharatanatyam is one of the oldest and most revered classical dance forms of India, originating in the temples of South India. Rooted in devotion, discipline, and storytelling, it beautifully combines nritta — pure rhythmic dance, nritya — expressive dance, and natya — dramatic storytelling.


The word Bharatanatyam is often understood through “Bha-Ra-Ta”: bhava or emotion, raga or music, and tala or rhythm, while natyam means dance. Through intricate footwork, graceful movements, sculptural poses, hand gestures, and expressive facial emotions, Bharatanatyam allows the dancer to communicate rhythm, technique, devotion, and narrative.

Ara

Arangetram

Stage Ascent • Debut • Gratitude
Discipline Perseverance Artistic Growth

Arangetram is a significant milestone in a Bharatanatyam dancer’s journey. The word comes from arangam, meaning “stage,” and etram, meaning “ascent” or “debut.” After years of dedicated training under the guidance of an accomplished guru, the shishya ascends the stage for her first full-length solo performance.


While the performance may be viewed as a graduation ceremony, it is more accurately considered the beginning of the dancer’s journey toward artistic excellence. It is a moment of gratitude to the guru, family, musicians, and all those who have supported the dancer’s artistic journey.

Sa

Salangai Puja

Blessed Bells • Rhythm • Commitment
Blessing Readiness New Beginning

Salangai Puja is an important milestone in a Bharatanatyam student’s journey. Salangai refers to the anklet bells worn by dancers, and puja means worship or prayer. During this ceremony, the student’s salangai are blessed by the guru and offered in prayer before they are worn for the first time in a formal performance.


The salangai are more than an ornament; they symbolize the dancer’s growing commitment, discipline, and readiness to take the next step in training. With each movement, their sound reflects rhythm, precision, and connection to the art form.

Video Invitation

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Date & Venue

The Recital Date

Sunday, June 21st, 2026


Seating Begins: 2:30 PM

Performance Starts: 3:00 PM


Please arrive early to ensure convenient theater seating prior to the start of the performance.

Venue & RSVP

The Saber Center for the Performing Arts

8222 S 51st St
Franklin, WI 53132


Google Maps Link Coming Soon RSVP & Event Details

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