Arangetram & Rangapravesam 2019 Gallery

Arangetram / Rangapravesam

Arangetrams (Rangapravesam in Odissi) are debut solo performances by a student of the Indian Classical dance or musical styles. The term originates from Tamil and means "Ascending the Stage", or a completion of formal training. Facing some criticism in the western world, the Arangetram has turned into a very lavish event. The program is for the student to perform solo, covering all aspects of the art form and prove their competency.

I shoot photography for Arangetram portraits and events. The typical styles I shoot for are Bharatnatyam, Odissi, Kathak, and Kuchipudi. The musical styles are mostly Carnatic - a South Indian genre of classical Indian music.

Bharatanatyam

Sometimes spelled - Bharatnatyam or Bharat Natyam. This is one of India's oldest classical dance forms, and one of the most popular outside of India. The art form hails from the southern India region of Tamil Nadu. Originating in the Hindu temples, with mentions in ancient texts dating back to the 2nd century BC, the form remained exclusive to the temples until modern times.

Odissi

Odissi dance originates from the Hindu temples of Orissa, India. As with Bharatanatyam, the language of the art form is traced to the ancient Sanskrit texts of the Natya Shastra. As with many Indian classical dance forms - the modern stye was recreated from ancient texts, Maharis (temple dancers), and depictions on temples. Odissi contrasts Bharatanatyam with more fluid movements.

Kathak

Kathak dance is from the northern region of India, around Jaipur, Banaras, and Lucknow. The dance form also gets its roots from the Sanskrit text - Natya Shastra. Kathak is known for fast rhythmic foot and spinning movements.

Kuchipudi

Kuchipudi is a dance form originating around the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, between the regions where Odissi and Bharatanatyam are from. Kuchipudi has more rounded poses, compared to Bharatanatyam.