Arangetram

Arangetram is the debut on-stage performance by a Bharatanatyam student after undertaking years of training. This is a Tamil word which is derived from two words: Aranga which means a raised stage and Etram which means ascending, thus it represents the graduation ceremony where the Guru presents his/her pupil to the public.

An Arangetram is a test for the student as well as the Guru as the Guru's knowledge and the student's talents are judged by the public. Therefore, an Arangetram is performed only when the Guru feels that the student is capable and talented enough to perform. Such a performance is usually 2 1/2 to 3 hours long and the performer must have a lot of stamina and concentration. The accompaniments include the singer, the mridangam player, the violinist, and nattuvangam. Other instruments like the veena and flute are optional. A typical Arangetram repertoire will consist of the following dance items: Pushpanjali, Padam, Varnam, Javali, Kurathi, Thillana and Mangalam. Some of the dances test the student's ability for story telling and the art of expression (abhinaya), while other items showcase technique and fast footwork. An Arangetram celebrates years of dedication by both the student and the teacher to this ancient classical danceform.