ARANGETRAM : Reflections of a Dancer 

Arangetram: Reflections of a Dancer celebrates the rich legacy of Bharatanatyam. The evening opens with 13-year-old Mithra Ramesh, a rising talent in the field, whose exceptional skill has earned her prestigious accolades, including a Guinness World Record at Chidambaram. Mithra’s performance highlights the importance of nurturing young talent in the arts. Taking the audience deeper into the world of Indian classical dance is Annapurna Kuppuswamy. With 30 years of experience since beginning her dance journey in Leeds, she will share her reflections on how she has redefined the presentation and experience of Bharatanatyam.

A ‘maargam’ represents the full repertoire of Bharatanatyam, demonstrating its depth and complexity, while the ‘arangetram’ marks the completion of formal training and the start of a dancer’s artistic journey. On the 30th anniversary of her own arangetram, Annapurna reimagines the maargam, exploring how space, time, and emotion intertwine to evoke the nuanced expressions of Bharatanatyam. Revisiting the same maargam she performed three decades ago, she deconstructs it to its core rhythmic elements. Through powerful footwork, the melodious flute, and the agile cymbals, she illuminates the grandeur and essence of this timeless tradition.

Presented in association with South Asian Arts-uk, stage@leeds, University of Leeds.