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Ascending the stage as a dancer
STEP BY STEP Iniya Rajan is a rising junior at Carnegie Vanguard High School. The traditional Indian classical dance Bharatnatyam has helped her connect with her culture. Outside of dance, Iniya enjoys writing, reading, and crocheting. (Photo: Msanphoto.com)
Arangetram is a Tamil word that means to “ascend the stage.” And, on May 25, 2025, that’s exactly what I did. After six months of grueling practice, I ascended the stage of the Midtown Arts and Theater Center Houston (MATCH) to give my arangetram to an audience of around 300 people.
Prior to my arangetram, I’d always been a lover of the Indian classical dance form Bharatanatyam. I started learning it when I was 5, under the tutelage of Dr. Sunanda Nair, a respected and famous Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam artist. Since then, I’ve performed on stages around the United States and have cultivated a deep and sincere love for this ancient art form. As I’ve grown and seen more performances, I found part of myself on that stage. And so, doing my arangetram became my next wish.
Practices started in August of last year and in those 10 months, I’ve gained a lot. My stamina has increased, I’ve become a stronger dancer, and I’ve learned so much about my culture. My dancing has given me a way to display who I truly am, who I have always been, and who I want to be through the rhythmic motions of my hands and the intricate footwork of my feet. By dancing, I feel as if I'm one with my ancestors from ages past, like I'm carrying on the torch first lit so many years ago. And so, getting to do my arangetram meant the world to me.
Through mistakes and confusing choreographies, through two-hour practices and even longer photo shoots, I never once regretted it. Yes, the process was tiring, and yes, I’d often wake up sore all over, but getting to dance so much was my dream, and I was simply fulfilling it. And on May 25, my hard work paid off.
Before the arangetram, I was incredibly nervous. A two-hour solo performance, more complex than anything I’d done before, was no small feat. But with the expert guidance of my teacher and the music of the live orchestra, everything flowed. I’m so thankful that I was able to complete this milestone, and I can’t wait to dance more!
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