CHENNAI: Kalalaya Institute of Dance and Music Trust organised a Salangai Pooja for the students of the institute yesterday at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Mylapore. Dancers who brightened up a cloudy Sunday evening with their rhythmic yet firm steps were between the ages eight and 26 years. They were trained by Yazhini Subhashkar, one of the founders of the institution.
“We founded this institute in 2007 in order to promote pure Bharatanatyam among today’s generation. It’s our 10th year and we still have a long way to go,” said Yazhini.
The Salangai Pooja was for seven students, who will train for another two years to do the actual arangettam. They were delighted to present their five years of training and hardwork to an enthusiastic crowd of Chennai.“We feel very proud to be here. I started training when I was three, and now here I am performing in front of a crowd. I am so excited,” smiled Ashmitha, an eight-year-old dancer.