It was a wintry day with sleet and ice all over the roads in PA. But still the curtains were up for the Winter Festival being hosted by Shruthilayam Academy.
Ashraya Ananthanarayanan an eight year old had a hall packed with audience for her alaripu rendition. The weather did not seem to matter for the Carnatic enthusiasts.
Every dancer should know music for it is an integral part of dance. Ashraya's knowledge of music was evidenced in her neat recital. Her excellent footwork and her graceful movements reflected not only her practice but also her sincerity and dedication to this art form.
She has helped raised funds for organizations like Karuashram, Sankara Vidhyalaya, Krishna Iyer foundation, PFA, SEWAA, Cancer research Foundation and a few others with her recitals.
Ashraya 'a musical genius' who learns vocal and violin from her father Ponnani.S.Ananthanarayanan, a disciple of the renowned Vasantha Kannan of India has also undergone training in voice culture and plans to undergo a training workshop in Manodharma under the guidance of Shashikiran during his visit to the U.S. in 2009.
Completely self trained in Carnatic piano she has composed a few Geethams in Shankarabharanam ragam which captured the attention of one and all during the event.
