CHICAGO: Arangetram by two budding Indian medical students - Leena and Sejal - in classical Indian dances last week at Triton College in River Grove, could not have been better timed as their famed dance teacher Vijayalakshmi Shetty was completing twenty five years of her teaching career in the field..An acclaimed artist and Guru in her own right, Vijayalakshmi has been teaching classical Indian dances - Bharat Natyam, Kuchipudi and Mohiniattam- in Chicagoland since 1983 under the aegis of Natraj Dance Academy and has taught 4000 plus students so far.

Leena and Sejal were under her training for the past six to eight years and they proved thru their performances that they are not only among her best students but that Guru is also among the best teachers in the field.Arangentram by Leena and Sejal was arranged at Triton College Auditorium in and was attended by three hundred plus art lovers, family friends and guests from out side the State. It was a three hour performance and both the dancers - young and beautiful- enthralled those present with their charm, artistry and graceful movements body.

They won accolades not only for their dancing skill but for their commitment over to learning the art and also for their modesty after getting their diploma from their Guru. The three hours of the event ended with a final dance Managalam paying homage to God, Guru and audience, but such was the charm woven by two dancers that many in the audience wanted them to continue.The first session commenced with Puspanjali that saluted God, Guru and the audience.

This was followed with Ganapati Stuti a Shabdam in Raag Maj Khamaj, by Leena. Both Sejal and Leena then performed Varnam, a beautiful and elaborate dance depicting technical nuances, richness of melody and skilful interpretations in Raag Khamas.

The second session after intermission commenced with Thali Tarangam and this virtually shook those present with both artists balancing a pot of water on their head and executing several rhythmic variations on rim of brass plate displaying their mastery and grace. Mhisarua Mardanamn depicted a mythological story where Goddess Kali kills a demon named Mahisasure.

This was well received boo. Kirtnam was performed by Sejal. She displayed magnificent postures in this cosmic dance of Lord Shiva. Padam followed Kirtanam and this was done by Leena. Finally, it was Madhuvanti with both dancers displaying a great skill in movement and footwork.Both were then presented with Natraj Academy Diplomas by the Guru Vijayalksmi Shetty.

The orchestra consisted of four renowned artists: Veena by Vasanti Iyer, Mridangam by Dr ravi Iyer, Violin by Dr Prasad and vocal by Jayanthi Adisubramaniam.Kalpana and Dilip Danawala, parents of Leena and Sejal, thanked Vijayalakshmi, the Orchestra team and the members of the audience. They reserved lot of praise and thanks for their daughters who showed deep commitment to learning Indian classical dance and scoring good grades in their studies…"We are truly proud of you," they said amid applause.