DILIP GUHA ★ NEW DELHI : The Shinjan Academy of Performing Arts was thrilled to host its annual concerts for 2025, featuring dance, drama, and music at Pyare Lal Bhawan, ITO, Delhi, on July 12, 2025. This concert marked a significant milestone for the academy, showcasing the vibrant talents of its students and celebrating their accomplishments. The presence of esteemed guests added prestige to the event, serving as a powerful source of inspiration for the students to continue striving for excellence.
Shinjan Academy, a renowned institution with a 17-year legacy in Delhi, is dedicated to nurturing artistic talent across generations. With students aged 3 to over 40, the academy consistently provides holistic training in the performing arts. The dance group is led by Smita Chakraborty, a well-known Bharatanatyam dancer from Delhi.
The institution honours talent, tradition, and unity, as approximately 250 students perform to varied musical tracks during the annual concert, taking centre stage with vibrant and heartfelt performances that celebrate these values. The evening pays homage to the rich legacy of Indian classical and contemporary dance, showcasing rhythmic excellence and expressive storytelling through movement.
Participating in the concert was a valuable learning experience for Ms Prisha Shukla, a 9-year-old student of Shinjan, who has been studying intermediate-level Bharatanatyam for the past three years. She shared, “Taking part in the annual function helped me understand the stage and the audience. A lot of background preparation goes into conducting such a flawless event.”
When asked what inspired her to learn Bharatanatyam, Prisha explained, “I have always been fascinated by the eye movements and postures of Bharatanatyam, so I wanted to explore it as a way to express myself.”
She was thankful to her teacher, Smita Ma’am, for giving such opportunities for our all-around development. With guidance from Smita ma’am, Prisha has gained a deeper understanding of the history of Bharatanatyam and has learned to appreciate the small nuances of this art form. She finds it very natural to learn from her teacher, who presents classical concepts in a practical way. Additionally, Prisha mentioned that Bharatanatyam has helped her in her studies of Sanskrit.
In her message to fellow students, she said, “Human beings should be humble like the mooshak vehicle of Lord Ganesh.” Prisha performed a piece on the Mooshika Vahana—the vehicle of Lord Ganesh—at the event.
Another intermediate student, 13-year-old Ms Kenisha Kapoor, who has been learning Bharatanatyam for nine years, expressed that the graceful expressions and storytelling inherent in this art form inspired her to pursue it. She said, “I started dancing in kindergarten and was instantly drawn to the grace and expressions of Bharatanatyam. The beauty of storytelling through movement motivated me to learn this art form deeply.”
Her participation in the concert, an experience she described as both truly enriching and memorable. She stated, “Participating in this year’s annual concert was very special for me. It felt like a celebration of all the hard work, discipline, and love for Bharatanatyam that I’ve cultivated over the years. I performed a well-practised piece and prepared for it with complete focus and dedication. Smita Ma’am guided me on every new step, corrected my movements patiently, and helped me bring out the best in my performance. Her constant support made the entire preparation journey meaningful and enjoyable.”
Reflecting on her learning experience at Shinjan, Kenisha emphasised how much the training has shaped her as a dancer and as a person.
“Learning at Shinjan has truly transformed my understanding of classical dance. Smita Ma’am’s teaching has opened my eyes to the cultural richness and discipline that Bharatanatyam requires. Like any dancer, I’ve faced physical fatigue and the pressure to perfect each movement. However, through regular practice and constant encouragement from Ma’am, I’ve grown stronger and more confident.”
Kenisha’s dedication was recognised earlier this year when she had the honour of performing in front of the Cabinet Secretary of India.
“It was a completely different event, and being chosen for it under Smita Ma’am’s mentorship was one of the proudest and most unforgettable moments of my journey.”
As she continues her artistic path, Kenisha hopes to inspire others through her performances. “I hope the audience feels the joy, devotion, and emotion that Bharatanatyam embodies. I want to thank Smita Ma’am for believing in me and guiding me through over 50 stage shows, which have immensely built my confidence. To fellow dancers, I say: Keep dancing from your heart—this journey is magical.”
The concert began with a sacred lamp lighting and a Saraswati Vandana invocation, creating a serene and spiritual atmosphere. A graceful rendition of Raag Jaunpuri followed this. The film song “Maine Kaha Phoolon Se,” skillfully choreographed by Ila Bhattacharya, along with the “Stroth of Guru Brahma,” pays homage to the guiding light of knowledge.
Setting the tone for the evening, the senior students presented a captivating Opening Dance, based and performed to the powerful rhythms of Ananda Shankar’s music “Shiva Stotram”. The piece paid tribute to Uday Shankar’s legacy, showcasing remarkable control, energy, and devotion.
The junior dancers followed with a soulful Guru Vandana and a sequence of devotional pieces, including “Rain Jati,” “Saraswati Vandana,” “Saraswati Namastubham,” “Ek Dantaya (Kaushambi),” “Mushika Vahaha,” “Vakratunda,” and “Hey Ganaraya,” each capturing divine energy with innocence and grace.
Adding melodic variety and spiritual depth, students performed “Adharam Madhuram,” “Shree Hari Stotram,” “AiGiri Nandini,” and a vibrant “Devi Stuti.” A special highlight was the Ashtalakshmi sequence, creatively fused with contemporary elements, showcasing the school’s commitment to both classical purity and innovation.
From the traditional “Pushpanjali” and “Sundari” to a lively twist with “Shape of You,” the program balanced classical form with modern flair. Pieces such as “Alaripu,” “Natesh Kouttam,” and “Vairavi Vandana” highlighted the students’ technical foundation in Bharatanatyam and their ability to convey intricate rhythms with poise.
The evening’s highlight was the gripping dance drama Khauff, a compelling Nukkad Natak presented in association with Sanjhbati Foundation and directed by Shuddho Banerjee. Piyali Halder, a renowned singer from Delhi, delivered an impressive track for “Khauff.” This performance masterfully combined street theatre with expressive movement to depict powerful social themes.
It was followed by a dynamic trio of Contemporary Dance pieces—Mardani, Rakt Charit, and Sunn Bharat ki Nari—each featuring bold portrayals by women performers. These acts celebrated feminine strength, resilience, and the evolving narrative of women’s identity in modern India.
The concert included “Shlokanjali,” a prayerful tribute inviting grace into the festivities. This progressed into the devotional serenity of “Ram Siya Ram,” evoking the timeless story of love and righteousness, performed gracefully by the students. The tone then shifted delightfully with “Boomro,” as playful energy and Kashmiri charm danced across the stage, enhanced by the attractive costumes of the children.
Next, the romantic softness of “Itni Si Hasi” captured delicate emotions and youthful love, setting a tender backdrop for expressive movement. The students celebrated regal tradition through the majestic swirls of “Ghoomar,” radiating the royal essence of Rajasthani heritage. From grandeur to introspection, “Monta Re” presented a soulful fusion—a poetic blend of cultural depth and contemporary expression. As the performance stirred the soul, the energetic fervour of “Sauda Kara” ignited the stage with an infectious rhythm and joyful cheer.
The excitement seamlessly flowed into “Teri Baatein,” a modern romantic piece filled with charming gestures and youthful innocence. The journey continued as nostalgia met melody in “Maine Payal Hai Chankai,” where the delicate chime of anklets recalled the elegance of retro romance. This transitioned perfectly into the festive heartbeat of “Chogada Tara,” a vibrant celebration of Garba, where joy swirled freely under dazzling lights.
Finally, the concert concluded with the patriotic resonance of “Vande Mataram,” a powerful tribute to the nation and its unwavering spirit. Each performance by the students that evening echoed the heartbeats of culture, connection, and celebration. Jai Hind!
Through every performance, Shinjan Academy reaffirmed its dedication to nurturing young artists in a space where culture, creativity, and discipline flourish together.
Read : Ichchhebitan and Dohar Weave Magic: A Cultural Showcase of Bengali Identity at Mango Mela
