Arangetram

Arangetram is a Tamil word which means debut on stage performance by a classical dancer on completion of years of her training. There are about eight classical dance forms from India, namely Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Mohiniyattam, Kathak, Kathakali, Odissi, Sattriya and Manipuri. Depending upon the form of classical dance performed, this debut performance is called Arangetram or Rangmanch Pravesh. Most of the times a dance arangetram is misunderstood as a graduation ceremony. Dance students think of the arangetram as a completion of their education in dance. But actually Rangmanch pravesh or Arangetram is the beginning of in depth learning of dance. One with true passion and perseverance can only continue the path of learning after the Arangetram. It is actually the beginning of a career in dance. If you are planning to stop dancing all together after Arangetram, is a waste of time, effort and dedication in the years prior to it and once again, defeats the significance and purpose of the arangetram.