Diya Shah's Arangetram

॥ The Abhinaya Dance Company presents ॥

the Bharatanatyam Arangetram of

Diya Shah

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Date
Sunday
21 June 2026
Time
3:30 PM

Your presence and blessings would be the greatest gift on this milestone occasion. Dinner reception to follow the performance.

Diya Shah in Bharatanatyam pose

An ancient tradition

Bharatanatyam

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Bharatanatyam is one of the most ancient forms of classical Indian dances, expressed through Nritta(rhythmic movements), Nritya (expression), and Natya (mime). It is a classical dance style from South India known for its grace, rhythm, and sculpturesque poses. This classical dance originated thousands of years ago in the Natya Shastra, a comprehensive guide to the intricacies of dance, drama, and music written by the sage Bharata. In the word Bharata are the three components of the dance: Bha for Bhava(expression), Ra for Raaga (melody), and Ta for Taala (rhythm). Bharatanatyam is unique in its use of geometric precision, rhythmic complexity, and a distinctive language of gestures. By combining these elements with music, Bharatanatyam expresses the yearning of the human soul for union with the eternal.

A milestone

Arangetram

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Arangetram is a Tamil word, which means the ‘etram’ or ascending on the ‘arangam’ or performance on stage by a dancer. In this concert-length solo recital to the public, a dancer presents a full repertoire of dances (Maargam), demonstrating extensive knowledge of the art form through a variety of pieces, keeping a balance between nritta and nritya. To reach this juncture in the career of a dancer requires years of intense and rigorous training. The Arangetram is the first step in the transition from an amateur to a professional dancer.

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Illustration of Lord Ganesha

॥ Śubhārabdhaṃ ॥

Auspicious beginnings