Meet the Dancers
Presented by Bharatha Kalalayam, three young dancers step into the Arangetram, the sacred first solo performance that marks years of discipline offered to their Guru.
Sishya
D/o Sri. K. Loganathan and Smt. R. Padmashree
Currently pursuing Class XII at Chettinad Vidyashram, Latika began her Bharathanatyam journey at the age of six under the guidance of Smt. Hemalatha Ramachandran, completing her Salangai Pooja at thirteen.
She has performed at renowned temples including Kapaleeshwarar, Keshava Perumal, Valeeshwarar, ISKCON Chennai and Thiruverkadu, and across festivals such as Navarathri programmes, the July Dance Festival by TOM Medias and Muthamizh Peravai.
Beyond dance, Latika is drawn to painting, particularly glass painting, and has trained in Carnatic music for three years under Smt. Sangeetha.
Sishya
D/o Sri. Raju and Smt. Uma
Currently pursuing Class XII at Chettinad Vidyashram, Sainikitha embarked on her Bharathanatyam journey at the tender age of five under the able guidance of Guru Smt. Hemalatha Ramachandran, and has since completed her Salangai Pooja.
Her poise and expressive artistry have earned her admiration at cultural festivals, temple celebrations and prestigious artistic platforms alike.
Alongside dance, she has nurtured Carnatic music under the same Guru for eight years, completing five graded examinations, and continues to learn the Veena under Smt. Lalitha Mahesh.
Sishya
D/o Sri. K. Shri Harish & Smt. H. Soundari
Currently pursuing Class XII at Chettinad Vidyashram, R.A. Puram, Mahathi began her journey in Bharatanatyam at the age of seven under Guru Smt. Hemalatha Ramachandran, completing her Salangai Pooja at thirteen.
She has performed at Kapaleeshwarar and Valeeshwarar Temples, Muthamizh Peravai, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Thiruverkadu Temple, and various Navarathri celebrations, and appeared on Salangai Oli, a cultural programme on Tamizhan TV.
An all round achiever, she has trained in classical and western keyboard for nine years, and in Abacus and Vedic Mathematics, alongside active participation in her school's Debate and Model United Nations clubs.
The Journey
An Arangetram is never the beginning. It is the visible edge of a much longer, quieter story, years of early mornings, of repeating a single adavu until the feet no longer think before they move, of a Guru's correction absorbed without complaint. Discipline becomes devotion, and devotion, over time, becomes an offering. What the audience will witness this evening is not a debut so much as a homecoming, the moment years of practice finally find their stage.
The Teacher
Nrithya Kalaivani
Director, Bharatha Kalalayam School of Dance and Music. An accomplished Bharathanatyam dancer, choreographer and teacher, she began her training at the age of five under Tanjai Kalaimamani Sri. Arunachalam Pillai and Tanjai Kalaimamani Smt. Jayalakshmi Arunachalam, and is also a disciple of Kalaimamani Dr. Saraswathi.
She holds a Master of Fine Arts from KalaiKaviri College of Fine Arts, affiliated to Bharathidasan University, with research guidance from Sri. Raghuraman and Sri. K. Mohanan of Kalakshetra. She has given more than 700 dance recitals across India, the United States and Canada, and has appeared in 30 Doordarshan broadcasts.
Among her honours are the Best Guru Award, Natya Kalaivani, Siva Foundation Award, Nagammal Swarna Kalas Rolling Trophy, Natana Kala Booshan, Natya Kala Rathna Kala Sironmani, Narthana Sironmani Award, Natya Kala Bhooshan and Natya Kala Ratna. She imparts training to her disciples with great personal involvement and an innovative approach.
The Programme
Seven compositions, each a distinct offering, unfold across the evening in classical sequence.
Behind Every Adavu
A live orchestra carries the dancers through every phrase, the unseen half of the performance.
With Gratitude
Join Us
Bharatha Kalalayam cordially invites you, along with family and friends, to grace the occasion.
Friday, 24 July 2026
5:00 p.m.
Rani Seethai Hall
Anna Salai, Chennai
Raja Sir Annamalai Chettiyar Memorial Trust, Chettinad Towers, No. 603, Anna Salai, 1st Floor, Near Gemini Flyover, Thousand Lights, Chennai 600 006.
Chief Guests
Principal, M.O.P. Vaishnav College for Women (Autonomous)
Managing Trustee, Vipanchee (Regd.), a cultural organisation dedicated to promote Bharatanatyam
With Blessings From
Parents of Kumari L. LatikaSri. K. Loganathan & Smt. R. Padmashree
Parents of Kumari TSR. SainikithaSri. Raju & Smt. Uma
Parents of Kumari Mahathi .SSri. K. Shri Harish & Smt. H. Soundari
Confirm Your Presence
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May the blessings of Lord Nataraja guide every step of this beautiful journey.
Om Sri Sairam
