Indian classical dance debut (Arangetram) by BRHS Junior

Bharathanatyam often described as “artistic yoga”, is one of the oldest classical dance forms of India that originated in the southern state of Tamil Nadu India. It draws its inspiration from the Natyasastra of Bharatha, an ancient and monumental Indian treatise on performing arts

The Arangetram is a key milestone in a dancers training. It literally means to ascend the stage. The dancer completes basic training, and is presented to the audience by the teacher. She performs her first solo margam or full Bharathanatyam repertoire. This effectively states that she is now not merely an amateur, but a budding artist

Cynthia Kalaivan presented her debut performance in Bharathanatyam to an enthusiastic audience on August 25th at the Montgomery High school, Skillman, NJ. The 16-year-old performed dances that told the stories of Ganesha, Saraswathi, Shiva, Murugan, Nataraja and Krishna over a period of 2.5 hours of almost non-stop dancing.

Cynthia Kalaivan learned dance at Bharaat Nritriya Academy, Bridgewater and was trained by the Guru Rekha Srinivasan. Having trained for over 12 years in this classical art, Cynthia has excelled in the facial expressions and complex movements that are key elements to this dance style. Her dance movements were graceful and elegant and demonstrated the perfection taught by her Guru. She was presented with a diploma plague by her Guru Rekha Srinivasan at the end of the event.

It was an enjoyable event for the guests, mainly friends and family from near and far. Bridgewater Mayor Daniel Hayes along with his wife Diana attended the event and congratulated Cynthia for her accomplishment.

Cynthia is a Junior at Bridgewater-Raritan high school this school year and hopes to continue dancing in the classical Bharathanatyam style and become a great dancer in future.