Arangetram, literally meaning ascending the stage, is a dancers debut performance presented to family and friends by the teacher. The dancer performs a margam, path, of dances that begins with the blossoming of a lotus and takes the audience through every exciting turn and bend in the repertoire of Bharata-natyam dances. It takes years of preparation, but is an extremely rewarding accomplishment for a dancer, and takes dancing to a professional level.
Besides the Arangetram performance of nine dances as a solo artist, the student must be proficient in:
~ presenting and naming all the adavus in the 14 different adavu groups
~ know the names of the samyuta and asamyuta hastas
~ understand abhinaya and the nava-rasas
~ have a basic knowledge of the history of Bharata-natyam, particularly in our Kalakshetra lineage
~ show the utmost respect and gratitude to his/her dance guru
I provide private dance classes for those interested in preparing for their arangetram, and will organize a live music orchestra for the performance.