Se7en

Its the 7th of December today and i complete 7 years post arangetram. So to say its my 7th Arangetram Anniversary. For the unaware friends of mine let me give you a small glimpse of what an arangetram is.

Arangetram is a debut performance by a Bharatnatyam artist. It literally means ascending the stage. Arangetram is performed after completion of basic training in the classical dance form but in no way does it indicate an end to the training. Rather in every sense it is the very beginning of the budding artist. The student offers her knowledge at the feet of the Guru and Lord Natraja by performing in front of a large specially invited audience.

I performed my arangetram 7 years back and there after have received the privilege of performing at various occasions. Every memory of that day is still fresh in my mind. The event was so extravagant that it was no less than a wedding. The entrance of the auditorium was decorated with huge rangoli, the stairway up to the stage was filled with the fragrance of chandan, the stage was decorated with flowers, the lighting was set, the make up, the ornaments, the dress everything was in place! Invitations and brochures were printed and the invitee list seemed endless, the lunch that followed was yummie!! Oh and the gifts that poured in were all lovely!

But the final day event paid off only after dedicated practice over more than 9 months. How much ever i write about it is less. At the very moment i m too tired after having come from a grueling dance practice session. There is a performance tmrw at Mysore Association Auditorium, Matunga at 7.30 pm. All of you'll are invited. Will be glad to see'll there!

Till then