More about Arangetram

An arangetram is the first full-length, solo performance of a student dancer. Derived from the South Indian language of Tamil, the word literally means “ascending the stage.”

In the tradition of Guru-Sishya parampara, Arangetram marks the most important day of paying respects to the Guru (the teacher) by the student in front of the public, as mark of showing gratitude for teaching the entire repertoire of the divine art of Bharatanatyam.

In this first concert-length recital to the public, a dancer presents a Margam (a traditional repertoire of dances). Reaching this point in the career of a dancer requires years of intense and rigorous training. By performing an Arangetram, a dancer takes the first step in the transition from an amateur to a professional dancer.