The performance begins with a Mallaari, the dancer performing the rhythmic composition in three tempos, following an offering of flowers to the Lord of Dance, Nataraaja, & seeking the blessings of her dance teacher, the orchestra, & the audience. 

Next, the dancer presents an invocatory hymn to the goddess Saraswati, the Goddess of knowledge and wisdom. 

Following this is a composition that vividly describes Lord Ganesha, his physical attributes and cosmic significance. Lord Ganesha is described as an elephant-faced god with a large form, a crescent moon adorning his forehead, and a twisted trunk that represents the sacred "Om".  He is depicted carrying a noose, a goad, a stack of sugarcane in his left hand, sweets, and fruits.

The final piece of this set is the alarippu. Alarippu indicates blossoming. It is traditionally performed at the beginning of the recital and has a series of intricate face, eyes and neck movements. The movements of the Alarippu relaxes and prepares the dancer's mind and body for the recital. 

Composer: Sri Muthuswami Dikshitar (Vaathaapi Ganapathim) 

Language: Sanskrit

Raagam: Ghambeera Nattai, Saraswati, Hamswadhini

Talaam: Tisra Triputa, Aadi

Choreography: Smt. Mythili Kumar (Mallari); Smt Aishwarya Venkat (Vaathaapi)

This piece presents rhythmic passages of dance (nritta) that are performed to a combination of swaras (notes) set to a particular raaga (melody) & taala (rhythmic cycle).

Composer: Tanjore quartet

Raga: Shuddha Dhanyasi

Tala: Misra Chapu

Choreography: Smt. Mythili Kumar

In this Varnam, the devotee addresses her lover Krishna: 'Is it just that you behave like you are unaware of my love for you? Did you learn all your tricky ways from childhood? You dance with many gopis in the garden of Brindavan. O Lotus-eyed one, who has lotus hands & feet, because of your hard heartedness towards me, I am forlorn & weary with this separation. O beautiful Krishna, will you not alleviate my grievances?'

Composer: Sri Lalgudi G. Jayaraman

Language: Tamil

Raagam: Chaarukesi

Talam: Aadi

Choreography: Smt. Mythili Kumar

This piece describes the vibrant dance of Lord Nataraja in the golden hall of Chidambaram, or Tillai. He holds an axe in one hand and a deer in the other. When the lord took the form of a huge pillar of fire, Lord Brahma took the form of a swan to search for the top of the pillar, while Lord Vishnu took the form of a boar to search for the other end. Neither was successful, as Lord Shiva is the one without beginning or end. He dances with his elephant-headed son Ganesha on one side, and peacock-riding son Muruga on the other. When he stamped his foot to crush the demon Muyalaka, the entire world trembled.

Composer: Raaji Naarayanan

Language: Tamil

Raagam: Ranjani

Taalam: Roopakam

Choreography: Smt. Mythili Kumar

This piece depicts a dialogue between the maidens (gopis) and Yashoda (Krishna's mother). The gopis complain to Yashoda that Krishna is up to his usual mischief, such as kissing their cheeks and running away or stealing their milk. Yashoda denies that her little angel Krishna could have done any harm and maintains that instead of complaining about him, he should be worshipped, for he is none other than the Lord Vishnu.

Composer: Saint Purandara Daasa

Language: Kannada

Raagam: Raagamaalika

Talam: Adi

Choreography: Smt. Mythili Kumar

The poet Tulsidas depicts Mother Kaushalya joyfully playing with her baby son, Prince Rama. Kaushalya holds Rama's hand as he walks and cajoles the young prince to speak sweet words. Kaushalya watches Rama stand, run, and even stumble, as she is captivated by his beauty, charm, and the melodic jingling of his anklets.

Composer: Saint Tulsidas

Ragam: Misra Peelu

Talam: Tisra Gati Eka

Choreography: Smt. Mythili Kumar

The Thillana is a joyous finale in a dance recital. Precise, rhythmic patterns and sculpturesque poses are presented with grace and fluidity.

Composer: Sri Balamurali Krishna

Raagam: Kathanakuthoohalam

Talam: Aadi

Choreography: Smt. Mythili Kumar