Diary of a Young Girl - A dance-musical by Aarthy Natarajan

On the occassion of International Holocaust Remembrance Day

In 1947, the world was introduced to a poignant narrative that transcends time – "The Diary of a Young Girl." This literary gem, authored by the German-Dutch girl Anne Frank, meticulously chronicled her life through soulful diary entries. From 1942 to 1944, Anne and her family concealed themselves in a clandestine chamber within a Nazi-occupied apartment in the Netherlands. Amidst the shadows of fear, Anne poured her heart onto the pages, documenting her joys, sorrows, and profound anguish.

Discovered and published posthumously, Anne Frank's diary continues to resonate even 80 years later, captivating successive generations with the indomitable spirit of humanity it reveals.

The story of Anne Frank is a narrative that demands perpetual retelling. Yet, the resonance of any story hinges on its ability to connect with an audience on emotional, visual, and aural levels.

Aarthy, through her expressive dance, has breathed life into Anne Frank's words, offering a tangible form to the emotions penned in that secret chamber. Playing a pivotal role, Mr. Navin Iyer has masterfully woven soul-stirring music, enhancing the potency of Anne's narrative. In this dance interpretation, Aarthy strives to ensure that Anne Frank's story isn't merely heard but felt – an immersive experience that transcends time and compels reflection on the enduring strength of the human spirit.


About Aarthy:

Aarthy is a passionate Bharatanatyam dancer and a mother of two munchkins. Her extensive travels throughout India provide her with the opportunity to observe the orientation of people towards the arts in different regions. She also enjoys transforming the little fun moments of life into choreography. When she is free and not dancing, she indulges in her love for Carnatic music, Illayaraja, and filter coffee.

Her Education:
Aarthy completed six years of formal education in Bharatanatyam from Kalakshetra Foundation, Chennai, earning her a Post Graduate Diploma. In parallel, she also completed a Graduate course in Commerce from Madras University.

Her Experience with Kids:
While residing in different parts of India, she has been closely involved in teaching Bharatanatyam to children of all ages. She has also worked as a Dance teacher at Birla School, Kalyan, and Chickar International School, Bareilly. During her time in Pune, she worked to impart basic education to underprivileged children in association with Akanksha Foundation.

Few Times She Took to the Stage:
During her days as a student at Kalakshetra, she performed in the esteemed dance dramas of the institution. She was invited to perform at the Mumbai–Stuttgart Festival in Stuttgart, Germany.

Venturing into uncharted territory, she created 'Parinati,' a self-choreographed dance drama. She explored the theme of non-violence using Hindi as the medium of communication and performed across all major Indian metros.

While being posted at Bareilly, she was part of the wonderful "Bareilly Theatre Fest," where her students performed the opening act of the 2014 edition.