An arangetram is one of the most exciting and nerve-racking moments in a Bharatanatyam students’ life. After years of training, gurus decide when a dancer is permitted to debut as a soloist, and an arangetram ceremony is held. The arangetram ceremony is a 2–3-hour performance that tests and showcases a dancer’s skill and accumulated knowledge. We beckon to ask the question, “in the year 2021 it is absolutely necessary to have an arangetram? ”
Purpose
Bharatanatyam is a symbolic, technical, expressive, and physically demanding art form. If you have not studied Bharatanatyam it can be challenging to comprehend the obstacles students overcome to master the form. The arangetram ceremony is a rite of passage. Similar to other traditional ceremonies such as martial arts belt testing, graduations, weddings, and prom. The arangetram ceremony tests the student’s proficiency and showcases mature talent. All qualified students should participate in an arangetram ceremony to commemorate and celebrate the (near) perfecting of the Bharatanatyam technique.
Common Challenges and Solutions Problem: Talent
You may be worried your child lacks the confidence and talent to take on the task of performing an arangetram ceremony. This is a normal concern for family enrolling their child in a dance class for the first time.
Solution: Talent
At The Ishana Dance Academy our main goal is to develop strength and confidence in our students. Bharatanatyam dance challenges and empowers dancers in a unique way.
It will take many years before your child is eligible for an arangetram ceremony. When your child is eligible for an arangetram ceremony, your guru will coach your child and family every step of the way prior to the ceremony.
Problem: Time Commitment
It can take a dancer 7-10+ years before being permitted to host an arangetram ceremony. Learning Bharatanatyam is a decade long commitment. That means attending weekly dance classes, annual recitals, and studying for dance examinations.
Solution: Time Commitment
At dance schools such as The Ishana Dance Academy, we know students have busy lives. While dance training is of utmost importance, we work with families to reschedule missed classes and private lessons. If your child losses interest in dance, they are always permitted to return to the training program later in life. We even offer adult classes because you are never too old to learn Bharatanatyam.
Problem: Cultural Appropriation
In this day and age, we must be mindful of social and cultural differences among our communities, country, and world. It can be intimidating to express interest in learning a culturally significant dance style such as Bharatanatyam, especially if you are not of Indian descent. You might not feel like you can participate in an arangetram ceremony.
Solution: Cultural Appropriation
One person does not have the right to gatekeep a specific tradition and culture. If you find yourself in a community where you are excluded because of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or ability, please respectfully reconsider the company you keep and your participation with such a community.
Dance communities such as The Ishana Dance Academy welcome all visitors and members of different backgrounds. Everyone should have the accessibility to learn dance.
Arangetram ceremonies have not only cultural significance but religious significance. With the guidance of your guru, you can pinpoint a method to celebrate your child’s accomplishments in a manner that is appropriate and comfortable for all participants.
Concluding Words
Should you have an arangetram ceremony? Ultimately you will need to make the decisions for your family. The arangetram ceremony is about celebrating students and the preservation of a historically and culturally rich artistic dance technique.