Arangetram

The word Arangetram comes from a combination of two words, Arangu – meaning ‘Stage’ and ‘Etram – meaning ‘to ascend or climb’. Arangetram is a student’s first debut performance after years of intense training, and is the first step to becoming a professional artiste. It is the day every student waits and looks forward to.

Arangetram signifies the acquiring of certain skills and involves completing a series of dance items.

From the students’ point of view, it is a test to prove to themselves of their ability to perform to a complete Margam consisting of 7-9 items which takes between 2-3 hours and also to showcase to the audience, their level of achievement and expertise through years of learning.

Arangetram marks the “very beginning of a dancer’s journey”, a very first step in the journey of never-ending Bharatanatyam items for which even a full life-time of learning is not enough.

After Arangetram, a student can strive to become a professional performer. This requires continuous learning and dedicated practice. Along with dancing, students are also encouraged to learn Nattuvangam (cymbals which keep the rhythm through a performance), choreograph, and also gain insight into the nuances of conducting recitals.

Students also have the opportunity to learn aspects of teaching from the gurus/teachers who are libraries of knowledge and can guide as per students’ areas of strengths and capabilities. Over a period of consistent practice and dedication, artistes imbibe the all-round aspects of this great art form and become eligible to pass on the knowledge that they acquired to other aspiring and upcoming artistes.