Chidambaram Natyanjali

One of the best experiences that I've had was when I had the wonderful opportunity to perform at Chidambaram Natyanjali. I was so excited at the prospect and was counting the days. 14 of us performed a group dance and all of us had a gala time during the practice sessions. I generally love to dance fast and little bit difficult numbers, mainly on Lord Shiva. For this performance we had such fast numbers. I just loved them. On the day we started I was literally jumping with enthusiasm. We reached there by afternoon and our slot was only in the night(eppo nu approm sollren). So we visited the temple and spent some time there. I was very happy to visit the temple and prayed fervently that I should be able to pursue dancing(my passion) for a long time. Then we came back to dress up for the performance. We had to rush up as it was getting late.But only when we reached there at about 9pm we got to know that our slot is only in the late night..between 12.00 am and 1.00 am.Aaaaaaaaaaahaaaaaaaaaa!! Till then I had never seen that time in my life.. I mean I was never awake during that time of the night. My father made sure I sleep by 9.00 pm and get up by 5.00 am(appo school days thaanga appdi.. ippo laam chance e illai). But I was so excited that day I never felt sleepy. We were watching the performance that was going on. I was really surprised to see such a huge crowd watching the performances even at that time during the night. Here in chennai, even if we give a performance on a holiday at 6.30pm, it would be great if half the auditorium is filled. Anga people were so interested in watching the programme and enjoying them. I loved that atmosphere. Audience support and encouragement is very important for any artiste to grow up the ladder of success. Then came our turn and we went on stage. Still none of the audience stood up to leave though it was 12 am. I just remember going on stage when the song started. Adhuku approm there was no looking back. It was really great and I enjoyed thoroughly throughout the performance. I generally love the choreography by my dance teacher and the orchestra also were a treat to hear. Normally there would be a perfect sync and it would be so lively(namba SPB paatula thannoda developments eduthu udraa maadhiri, enga orchestra um neriyaa pannuvaanga-the singer, mridangam player, violinist ellaarume). Adhuvum performing at such a prestigious place also added to the effect and the resultant was PHENOMENAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Hindus Kaasi pora maadhiri, Muslims Mecca pora maadhiri and Christians Vatican pora maadhiri enaku chidambaram pona experience irundhudhu. Thanks to my dance teacher who gave me such a wonderful opportunity.