Bharatanatyam is one of the oldest Indian classical dances originating from the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, and it is an art that combines expression, rhythm, music, and dance. Bharatanatyam; Bha for Bhava (expressions), Ra for Raaga (tune), and Ta for Talam (beat/rhythm). This elegant dance form encompasses Nritta (rhythmic movements), Nritya (expressions), and Natya (acting through dance gestures.) The natural beauty of this art form is the mesmerizing eye movements, the sculptural poses, and the quick and bold rhythmic footwork, concluding with a unique and alluring look.
Natya Margam is a term used in Bharatanatyam to signify the different stages and dance pieces the dancer has learned and completed over time. Arangetram is a Tamil word which means the ‘etram’ or ascending on the ‘arangam’ or performance on stage by a dancer. It is usually considered the first solo performance of a student, where they showcase their proficiency in the art form to the live audience. The repertoire includes various aspects of Bharatanatyam, such as invocatory pieces like Alarippu and Pushpanjali, expressive pieces like Varnam, Padam, and Javali, rhythmic compositions like Thillana, and concluding items like Mangalam. Reaching this juncture in a dancer’s career requires years of intense and rigorous training. The Arangetram is the first step in transitioning from an amateur to a professional dancer.