Arangetram
The word Arangetram literally means to “ascend the stage”. The Arangetram is when a student gives her maiden performance. The aim of the performance is to show the student’s devotion to the art and the Guru (teacher) and the true ability to display expression and emotions through dance. Arangetram can be compared to a ‘graduation’ with one major difference – in Bharata Natyam the teacher-student nexus continues even after the Arangetram. It is a system of continuing education where the teacher guides the disciples in the finer nuances of the art form.