Established in 2012, Nartan Institute of Performing Arts (NIPA) celebrated its 12th anniversary this year on 29th June, 2024, at Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre. NIPA presented Bharatnatyam Arangetram of Sarjna and Prisha.
”Built on the philosophy that “Dance is a form of strength and happiness that gives energy to manage well with all aspects of life, an ultimate source of satisfaction, “NIPA has become a beacon of cultural enrichment and artistic training,” Dr Kanan Shah, Dance director and principal teacher at NIPA said.
As an active member of various national and international dance organizations, including the International Dance Council, the official worldwide organization for dance by UNESCO in Paris, NIPA stands as a prestigious institution in the world of dance. The institute offers comprehensive training in Bharatnatyam, Bollywood, and Folk Dances of India, catering to all age groups from as young as 3 years old to adults, and accommodating all skill levels from beginners to advanced dancers. NIPA’s commitment to promoting Indian values and culture through dance is evident in its extensive involvement in community, charity, and council events. Collaborating with numerous Indian and Australian government organizations, NIPA plays a pivotal role in fostering cultural exchange and appreciation.
The institute’s dedication to excellence was recognized when it was awarded the prestigious Multicultural Business of the Year Award by Blacktown Council in 2021.
Dr. Kanan Shah, the Founder and Director of NIPA, is a pharmacist with a Doctorate in Pharmacology and Director of PharmaVision Consultancy. Dr. Shah is formally trained in Bharatnatyam under the renowned Guru Smt. Ilakshiben Thakore. With over two decades of experience in teaching, coaching, and mentoring, Dr. Shah is deeply committed to preserving and promoting the art of Bharatnatyam. Her dedication is evident in her desire to pass on the traditional dance form to the next generation without compromising its lineage and quality.
Sarjna Shah started dancing at the tender age of three, with bollywood and Indian folk dances. Her fascination for the adavus and mudras of Bharatnatyam led her to commence formal training in this classical dance form. In addition to dance, Sarjna is an NSW State Drama performer, having performed on various stages across New South Wales. She aims to continue dancing and participating in various concerts while exploring more in all forms of dance.
Prisha Patel’s dance journey started at the age of six and a half, when she initially joined a community dance program. Though hesitant at first, Prisha found herself captivated by Bollywood and folk dance. This newfound love for dance blossomed into a dedication to mastering various forms, including Bharatnatyam, which brings her immense joy and fulfillment. She has aspirations to continue in her guru’s footsteps and help young ambitious dancers fulfill their artistic potential while continuing to participate in dance competitions.
The viewers reaction (sic) of the enchanting event is a testimony to how successful the event was:
Enchanting evening of divine arangetram by Sarjna and Prisha under the guidance of the esteemed Guru Kanan Shah!
Their dedication and hard work paid off, showcasing impeccable mudras and captivating performances, including Agri Nandini and Shiva Tandavam. A unique and beautiful displays of shlokas! Rucha Lange melodious voice added another layer of bliss to the evening.
Kudos to you kanan ji for the emceeing style, performing the meaning of it while speaking and making it understandable for everyone was such a unique thought
It’s a milestone in dancers life to do arangeteram and it requires lot of hardwork , dedication, commitment and a guru who stands by the students , kudos to all your hardwork ! A huge congratulations for the grand success and as a mom your tears brought tears in everyone
Thanks for the invite and it was honour to be at your event. Indeed seated in the first row it was goosebump experience and loved the atmosphere an emotional one . A big applause to your leadership and commendable stage presence. Unsure if , I did justice in the video however I must say I witnessed perfectionism from the girls either it be forms , mudras , or body posture , eyes movements all blended seamlessly. Kudos to all the hard work as a dancer I know how long it takes to come to this place.
What a spectacular performance by Sarjna and Prisha at their Arangetram (graduating in the dance form of Bharatnatyam) at NIPA-Nartan Institute of Performing Arts
Their hard work over the years reflected in their perfect flawless performances. Wishing them both the best for their future.
Congratulations to the parents and my dearest Kanan both as a mother and a Guru. You are Blessed to have such a wonderful daughter. I admire you for what you are to your students and how much you do for them.
First of all Many Many Congratulations as Guru and Mum to both the girls, and Big Gratitude for letting me to witness such a beautiful evening. It was so evident to see the effort of both the girls and Guru with endless rehearsals and true emotions of a Mum and Daughter, a Guru and students and above all two friends and sisterly respect for each other which is making them a better human being in future. The values this dance form has enriched their personalities is speechless…I am so humbled and grateful to feel the emotions and felt so void for not having a daughter for the first time. At last kudos to the girls for their achievements and wishing them a blessed life ahead and May GOD bless them with many more achievement not only in dance but in life…Thank you so much for an amazing evening I don’t think so I have words to express deeply what I felt yesterday… Gratitude once again
And the dance began
With waiting eyes
With streaming breath
Rushing imagination
Puja began
With the strings of music
Steps of rhythm with the sweet flute
Took me to the stars
With God and Goddesses
So beautifully graced
Out of imagination
Tears started to roll of eyes
Emotions intense
Love flowing
Emotions flowing
No more words to describe
Hello Kanan, 3 moments happened for sure today
1) Stage witnessed beyond perfection
2)Proud Mom
3)Goose bumps on my body (For sure not because of cold)
What a performance 3 hours flown like 3 minutes
Feel so lucky to have witnessed such an extraordinary performance by Sarjna. She had put her heart and soul into the dance. Truly gifted. Now where do I start from Wow! What an event and what a performance. Sarjna’s expressions, movements, and deep connection to the dance truly shined through. It was amazing to see how much this means to her ; those emotions were priceless. Achieving such a feat in the art at such a young age is remarkable. It was an absolute pleasure to witness and contribute to such a mesmerizing event. The whole event was so well organised my first experience to attend the Arengetram and it was the best I would definitely say Sarjna your speech touched every single persons heart in the hall so touchy so emotional.
as a dancer I know how long it takes to come to this place.
I don’t think so I have words to express deeply what I felt yesterday… Gratitude once again
Wow! What an event and what a performance. Sarjna’s expressions, movements, and deep connection to the dance truly shined through. It was amazing to see how much this means to her ; those emotions were priceless. Achieving such a feat in the art at such a young age is remarkable. It was an absolute pleasure to witness and contribute to such a mesmerizing event. The whole event was so well organised my first experience to attend the Arengetram and it was the best I would definitely say
Sarjna your speech touched every single persons heart in the hall so touchy so emotional.
