'Vimshatihi'- Annual Recital Artwork

by Vedika Krishna (Senior Academy)

Hi! I’m Vedika, a student at Shishya School of Performing Arts. I created this year’s Annual Day poster, celebrating 20 years at Shishya School of Performing Arts. The 20th anniversary poster has meaningful designs to celebrate this milestone. The three Bharatnatyam dancers, lotuses, leaves, and even butterflies are the major components of the poster. These are not merely just graphics. They have a deeper meaning. 

Showcased right in the middle of the design are three dancers, upholding the Shishya’s 20-year logo. This symbolizes Guru Sukanya’s shishyas (students) celebrating our anniversary with dance (which will be seen at our Annual Day recital!) We, as a school, have grown physically and mentally, evolved into graceful dancers, and now our student teachers recreate the learning experience by teaching this art to new students!

The reason I have bolded such specific words is that they are this year’s theme. I’m sure you’re wondering: How is the theme shown in the poster? Great question! Let’s dive deeper. The lotus symbolizes growth. However, any flower can show growth. But the lotus is special- it holds cultural significance. Also, lotuses emerge beautifully even from the muddiest of waters, like how we grow through challenges. 

Next are the butterflies that portray evolution through their life cycle: egg, caterpillar, chrysalis, and butterfly. Each stage has a unique meaning; the egg is the beginning, the caterpillar eats to get energy, the chrysalis is a state of change, and the butterfly is the outcome of the cycle’s evolution. The process then starts again, showing the evolution of life. Some people may call it ‘The Circle of Life’, which reminds us that transformation is a journey.

Lastly is the vatapatra (commonly known as the banyan leaf) symbolizing the endless circle of formation and destruction. It has spiritual significance. One cultural emblem is the vatapatrasayi. The motif shows Baby Krishna lying down on the vatapatra, which portrays the cycle’s beginning of creation and the divinity of Krishna, Lord of the Universe. Fun fact: the vatapatra is seen in the Shishya logo, embodying how Bharatanatyam has been passed and recreated over centuries. These symbols come under the theme: Grow. Evolve. Recreate.

As mentioned earlier, Shishya School is celebrating its 20th anniversary. 20 years of what? Not just dancing but:

• 20 years of Guru Sukanya teaching the art of Bharatnatyam to all her shishyas.

• 20 years of superhero moms armed with safety pins, hair pins, and pure determination to get their child ready.

From the tiny and cute 4-year-olds to the adults, each shishya showcases the essence of Bharatanatyam through mudras (hand gestures), abhinaya (expression), and adavus (footwork, hand and body movements put together).

And last but not least, the star of the show… (drumroll please) Vimshatihi, the title! This word has a simple definition in Sanskrit: the number 20. Titling this year’s production Vimshatihi is a thoughtful way to honor Shishya School’s milestone. This achievement is not seen in trophies and certificates, but in the hardcore practices, the laughter shared between kids, and the stories shared in every dance. 

Here’s to celebrating 20 years of Bharatanatyam at Shishya School of Performing Arts!