Bharatanatyam
Bharatanatyam is a dance of Tamil Nadu in southern India. It traces its origins back to the Natyashastra, an ancient treatise on theatre written by the mythic priest Bharata. Originally a temple dance for women, bharatanatyam often is used to express Hindu religious stories and devotions.
Arangetram
Arangetram is the debut on-stage performance of a student of Indian classical dance and music, following years of training. The word arangetram is from the Tamil language and means ascending the stage by a dancer on the completion of formal training. The dancer can now move forward and pass on the art form to other aspiring learners of the art. To perform an arangetram is an old tradition, which marks the pathway for a dancer to then perform alone or be able to give training to other dancers. Once a dancer has completed training they should have an understanding of classical music and the many aspects of dancing.
about pragya
Pragya started learning dance at the age of 3. She started Bharatanatyam instruction under Guru Vrinda Sunil in Indianapolis, IN. Since the age of 7, she has been learning under Guru Pradmaja Kelam and Guru Siddarth Kelam.
Outside of dance, Pragya has interests in baking, photography, film production and piano as well as robotics and computer programming. She is keen on giving back to the community. In 2021, she raised over $250 for the charity, Meals By Grace, by baking and selling cookies and by walking neighborhood dogs. She has also spent many hours making short videos to support fundraisers for Himalayan Children's Charities and Pacific Whale Foundation.