Arangetram: A disciple’s moment

Shikha Gusain, a disciple of renowned dancer Geeta Chandran, will perform Bharatanatyam Arangetram on October 8 at Triveni Chamber Theatre, Triveni Kala Sangam in Mandi House.

Shikha will open her Arangetram performance with a Pushpanjali in which the dancer will pay obeisance to the “arangam” or stage, on which she will present her arangetram. Then the Alarippu (Mishram), which represents the body slowly showcasing Bharatanatyam postures, like a lotus slowly opening in the sunlight.

Her next presentation will be the Jatiswaram in Kanada Ragam, which presents a more advanced enunciation of Bharatanatyam adavus. This will be followed by Varnam, dedicated to Kartikeya in Ragam Purvi Kalyani. Next will be followed by SHIVA STUTI Idadupadam, followed by BASO MORE a Mirabai composition and she’ll conclude her arangetram with a Tillana in Ragam Brindavani

Arangetram is an important occasion in the career of any Bharatanatyam dancer. After several years – decades even – of arduous training, when the Guru is confident that the disciple can sustain a solo performance, the disciple’s Arangetram is announced.

The Arangetram thus is an honour to the Guru, a momentous rite of passage; it marks the first milestone in the disciple’s journey into the Ocean of Bharatanatyam

“Bharatanatyam is an art form that transcends time; it speaks to the soul, and has been my guiding light. It’s something that teaches me not only the intricacies of movement but also excites me greatly with profound stories and emotions that are woven into each step and every gesture. I owe immense gratitude to my guru, Geeta Chandran, whose guidance has been the steady compass steering me through this beautiful journey. She has not just imparted dance skills but has also instilled in me the values of discipline, dedication, perseverance, and humility. The beautiful abode of my guru at Natya Vriksha holds a special place in my heart. It is here that I have spent countless hours honing my craft and exploring the rich tradition of this art form. The very name, “Natya Vriksha” invokes the image of a tender seedling that grows into a flourishing tree of dance; and under the tutelage of Geeta Akka, I have grown and blossomed as a dancer,” she says.

“My passion for dance has taken me in various directions, and I am humbled to have been a semi-finalist on India’s Got Talent, an experience that enriched my artistic voyage. Other shows I have performed on are: Dance With Me on Zee Café channel, Kidilam on Manorma TV and I have participated in a few other reality shows as well; I have also performed for Mercedes, Van Huesen, JK Tyres, Mahindras and many other corporate events all over India,” she adds.

When: 6:00pm onwards; October 8

Where: Triveni Chamber Theatre, Triveni Kala Sangam in Mandi House, New Delhi