Bharatanatyam

Bharatanatyam is one of the oldest Indian classical dance forms, and traces back to the Natyashastra, the ancient Sanskrit text on the performing arts. The word bha-ra-ta-natyam is often broken down to show how it encompasses “bha” (bhavam or expression), “ra” (ragam or melody), and “tha” (thaalam or rhythm). Together, these combine to create Nritta, Nritya, and Natyam -- pure technical movements, expressive gestures, and dance-acting.  

In Bharatanatyam, the “Arangetram” refers to the first full-length on-stage solo performance debut of the dancer. Composed of the two tamil words “arangam”, meaning ‘the stage’, and “yetram” meaning “ascending or rising”, the word Arangetram literally translates to “ascending the stage” and marks the dancer’s transition from years of training to the beginning of a new phase where they go deeper into the dance form and get ready to perform professionally.  In their performance, the dancer displays their mastery of various bharatanatyam techniques (including facial expressions, hand gestures, footwork, and body movements) as well as their ability to express emotion, convey stories, and captivate the audience with their grace and beauty. The Arangetram is both a rite of passage and a celebration of the dancer’s skills and achievements, and a testament to their dedication and passion for this beautiful art form.