'Arangetram' - Graduation
Bharatanatyam is the most popular classical Indian dance form prevalent in South India, originating from the temples of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the most beautiful, subtle, sophisticated, and graceful dance forms in the world, as well as one of the oldest classical dance traditions in India. Its splendor is demonstrated by the dancer using ‘Nritta’, a technique involving rhythmic movements and intricate footwork; ‘Abhinaya’, facial expressions to interpret the delicate nuances of a lyrical piece of music or poetry; and ‘Mudras’, expressive hand gestures. It is a composite art blending drama, music, poetry, color, and rhythm, allowing the dancer to convey an inner sense of artistic and spiritual expression, seeking union with God.
‘Arangetram’, meaning ‘ascending the stage’, is viewed as the first public solo dance performance by the dancer. This is the culmination of several years of sustained training and preparation by the Guru and the disciple, following the Guru-Shishya Parampara—a traditional method of passing the skill to the next generation. ‘Arangetram’ is a significant milestone in a dancer’s career.
Performance Sequence: Arangetram 2023
Anjali
Raga: Gambeeranatai
Tala: Adi
‘Anjali’ is an offering to the Lord Almighty through the idiom of dance. This piece is choreographed using varied footwork patterns strung together like a garland of flowers, symbolizing the feeling of offering from within the dancer’s heart. The offering of the flowers signifies the submission of the body, mind and soul in the divine presence.
Guru Ashtakam
Raga: Revathi
Tala: Kanda Nadai Adi
Shri Adi Shankaracharya who wrote this devotional hymn, was an eminent Indian Vedic scholar and teacher from the 8th century. A Guru represents the incarnation of the supreme God, thus coming in the visible form, providing unlimited wisdom to those who wish to learn.
Maha Ganapathim
Raga: Natai
Tala: Adi
Composed by the saint poet Muthuswami Deekshitar, this dance is a meditative piece on the supreme Lord Ganapati, the elephant-headed God, who is the remover of obstacles, and worshipped by his ardent devotees and sages. He, the son of Lord Mahadeva, is adored by his brother Guruguha. He is the tranquil one and exults in literary works like poetry and drama. He is
Nama Ramayanam
Ragamalika
Tala: Adi
Nama Ramayanam is the condensed version of the great epic Ramayana written by sage Valmiki in Sanskrit. It consists of 108 Shlokas and has seven chapters which are divided into Balakandah, Ayodhyakandah, Aranyakandah, Kishkindhakandah, Sunderkandah, Yuddhakandah and Uttarakandah. Written by Sri. Lakshmanacharya, a 17th century poet, the verses illustrate the sterli
Varnam
Raga: Reethigowlai
Tala: Adi
‘Varnam’ is the central and most elaborate piece of this Arangetram. The complexity of its choreography involves a judicious blend of Nritta (pure rhythmic dance) and Nritya (emotive, communicative dance), highlighting the importance of both aspects. A challenging piece for the composer, choreographer and the dancer alike, the lyrical content of this varnam is punc
Bho Shambho
Raga: Revathi
Tala: Adi
Shambho is a rare and gentle form of Shiva, portrayed as an embodiment of mercy in this song written by Swami Dayananda Saraswathi. “Hail to thee, Lord Shambho, who self-appeared in the form of a Linga!” Also addressed as Isha, he is the source of the holy river Ganga and has the power to redeem one from the ocean of sorrow with his compassion. He is the eternal Go
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