Three Class 12 students - Ananya Makker, Nikita Jain and Kartikee Santosh Mahadik, disciples of Shrimati C.K. Rajalakshmi, performed their arangetram on 30th July, 2022. Arangetram, which means ‘ascending the stage’, is a graduation ceremony that marks the transition from being a novice Bharatnatyam dancer to a professional. The evening’s programme began with the lighting of the lamp by the Chief Guest, Pandit Rajendra Gangani and the School Vice Principal Mrs. Rajshree Ojha. Ananya, Nikita and Kartikee began their three-hour long marathon performance with the traditional invocatory Ganesh Kauthuvam, set to Ragam Hamsanandini and Adi Talam, followed by Alarippu, the first technical introductory piece in the repertoire. Next was the Jathiswaram followed by Shabdam, which is an Abhinaya piece. Pandit Rajendra Gangani, one of the most renowned exponents of the Jaipur gharana of Kathak graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. He wholeheartedly praised the sterling performances of the young dancers. Ananya, Nikita and Kartikee received their training in Bharatnatyam under the able guidance of their Guru, Shrimati C.K. Rajalakshmi over the last seven years. The evening’s programme ended with the students offering Guru Dakshina and paying their respects to their Gurus. We wish the three dancers a long and fulfilling journey as classical dancers! ?