Arangetram is the debut on-stage performance of a former student of Indian classical dance and music. This first performance follows years of training. Many Indian classical dance forms perform an arangetram once the time has come for a disciple.
Arangetram is the debut on-stage performance of a former student of Indian classical dance and music. … The word arangetram is from the Tamil language and means ascending the stage by a dancer on the completion of formal training
The word arangetram is from the Tamil language and means ascending the stage by a dancer on the completion of formal training. The dancer can now move forward and pass on the art form to other aspiring learners of the art. To perform an arangetram is an old tradition, which marks the pathway for a dancer to then perform alone or be able to give training to other dancers. Once a dancer has completed training he or she should have an understanding of classical music and the many aspects of dancing.
Arangetram is a Tamil word; “Aranga” meaning raised floor and “Etram” meaning climbing in Tamil, and also called Rangapravesha in Kannada; “Ranga” meaning Stage and “Pravesha” meaning Enter. Ideally this is the first public performance of an artist. After learning Bharatanatyam under the guidance of an accomplished guru, this performance is the testing time for both the guru and the disciple as on this occasion, the public judges the guru`s knowledge & the disciple`s talent together. Hence, the guru decides when the disciple is ready for public appearance. Atleast 10 – 12 years of training is necessary to give a commendable performance.
This Arangetram was known as Gejjepooje in old Mysore district, meaning worshiping the jingles in Kannada, a south Indian language. For a dancer, jingles are considered divine. In olden days, disciples were not allowed to wear jingles till their first public performance. In their first performance, they were made to worship the jingles, wear them & then perform. Accompaniments play a major role in the making of a memorable dance performance
