Arangetram

★ Essential

Tamil

A dancer's first full solo recital before an audience.

ConceptBharatanatyamKuchipudiOdissiKathak

Meaning

Arangetram means 'ascending the stage'. After years of training a student performs a complete margam solo, with live musicians, presented by their guru. It is not a graduation — it marks readiness to perform, and serious study continues after it. Rangapravesham is the equivalent term in Telugu-speaking traditions.

Also written: arangetam, rangapravesham, arangettam

Related words

Salangai PoojaThe ceremony at which a student first receives ankle bells.GuruThe teacher, in a relationship closer than instruction.MargamThe traditional order of a Bharatanatyam recital.BaniA school or style of Bharatanatyam, carried down a lineage.ParamparaAn unbroken line of transmission from guru to student.BhavaThe emotion the performer holds and conveys.

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