Frequently Asked Questions

Students who have learned Bharatanatyam for several years (8 to 10 years) with dedication and punctuality, and have already finished learning at least one full maargam/repertoire set, are eligible to apply for their Arangetram.  Then the teacher will determine whether the student is ready to take on the responsibility and be committed to preparing towards Arangetram.

Arangetram packages may range from about 3 to 5 lakhs indian rupees or higher; it depends on how big you want to celebrate.  Most traditional parents like making it a big day.  In Canada or USA, it will cost between $5,000 to $40,000, mainly based on the options chosen (i.e bring all the live instruments and singers from other part of the world, buying 7 to 10 costumes, rent a big stadium, etc.).  

However here in Windsor, we try our best to reduce cost, so it is very affordable for most of the parents.  Teachers also take a special fee for teaching specific pieces.

An arangetram's purpose is to both acknowledge the completion of a dancer's schooling years and the debut of their journey as an experienced dancer. “It's basically like graduation for dance where you invite all your friends and family to watch you perform on stage,”  Maringanti said.Sep 15, 2021   

Wondering what to gift the dancer and their family?  Anything from a bouquet, costume, jewelries, make up sets, nice traditional cloths or if you can't think of one gift cards always works to celebrate the accomplishment of Indian Classical Dance to the family. 

• Coconut.
• Turmeric (haldi / manjal)
• Vermillion (kum kum)
• Betel leaves (paan leaf / vethalai)
• Betel nuts (supari / pakku)
• Fruits.
• Flowers.
• Guru Dakshina in his/her offering to the Teacher.

It all depends on their dedication and consistency; some students reach the stage faster than others. On an average, students have learned dance for at least 10 years prior to Arangetram.  I also seen people learn only few pieces and do it on a stage and call it an Arangetram, which I won't recommend or encourage to any dedicated student.  It is important that each student complete the full maargam prior to Arangetram.

The results of the arangetram are personal growth, incredibly strong connection to cultural roots that the student is free at any time to pursue to deepen, very strong personal relations with other dancers and teachers on the From Within team, and a sense of belonging and an understanding of their own importance as well.

Students should continue focus on learning dance along with theory after their Arangetrams. At this stage, they can also learn Nattuvangam, and volunteer their time to assist their guru for teaching beginners class.