✦   You Are Cordially Invited To   ✦

Lasya Voonna's

Bharatanatyam Arangetram

Saturday, July 11, 2026

Doors open 3:00 PM  ·  Performance begins 3:30 PM ET

Bridgewater Balaji Temple Auditorium, NJ

Lasya Voonna performing Bharatanatyam in traditional red and green costume with gold jewellery

Lasya Voonna

Lasya Voonna's journey in Bharatanatyam began at the age of seven, drawn by the mesmerizing rhythms and graceful movements of this ancient classical dance form. Over the years, she has trained with dedication and devotion under the expert guidance of her beloved Guru, Smt. Aparna Ram, at Sri Saraswathi Nrityalaya.

"Dance has become not just an art form for Lasya, but a way of life — teaching her discipline, patience, and the beauty of self-expression."

Through countless hours of rigorous practice, Lasya has developed a deep appreciation for the rich traditions of Bharatanatyam — its intricate footwork (nritta), expressive storytelling (abhinaya), and the profound spiritual connection that flows through every movement.

This Arangetram marks a significant milestone in Lasya's artistic journey — her solo debut performance, presenting the traditional Margam to family, friends, and the community. It is a culmination of years of learning and a beautiful beginning of her lifelong journey as a Bharatanatyam dancer.

Guru & Musicians

Guru · Nattuvanar

Smt. Aparna Ram

Sri Saraswathi Nrityalaya

Acharya Smt. Aparna Ram began her Bharatanatyam journey at age five under the legendary Kalaimamani Smt. Ranganayaki Jayaraman at the 87-year-old institution, Sri Saraswathy Gana Nilayam. After a decade of intensive tutelage and the blessings from her Guru, she became a teacher at the academy, training numerous students alongside her Guru.

As a young performer, Aparna graced prestigious stages across India and abroad—including Colombo, Mauritius, and the US—performing at the Konark and Chidambaram Natyanjali festivals, and for Chennai Doordarshan. In recognition of her talent, she was awarded the title "Natya Thilakam."

In 2002, Aparna founded Sri Saraswathi Nrityalaya in New Jersey. She provides her students with rigorous training and frequent performance opportunities in festivals and competitions. Believing that leadership and learning are inseparable, she continues her own advanced studies under Acharya Ratnakara Smt. Padmini Krishnamurthy.

The Orchestra

Nattuvangam

Acharya Smt. Aparna Ram

The Nattuvanar conducts the dance recital, reciting rhythmic syllables (sollukattus) and playing the cymbals to guide the dancer through each composition.

Vocalist

Smt. Sitalaxmi Viswanathan

The vocalist brings the sahityam (lyrics) to life, singing the compositions that the dancer interprets through movement and expression.

Mridangam

Sri. Sandeep Iyer

The mridangam is the primary percussion instrument, providing the rhythmic foundation (talam) that drives the dancer's footwork.

Violin

Smt. Radhika Devarajan

The violin provides melodic accompaniment, echoing and embellishing the vocal line to create a rich musical tapestry for the dancer.

Flute

Sri Ravishankar Srinivasa

The flute (venu) adds a soulful, ethereal quality to the orchestra, beautifully complementing the other instruments.

Order of Events

Thirty moments, from the first welcome to the final thanks. Program times are approximate.

1

Welcome speech by Gagan

Speech 5 min
2

Introduction of the EMCEE

Emcee 2 min
3

Invocation & hall rules

Emcee 2 min
4

Prayer song

Emcee 3 min
5

Orchestra intro

Intro 3 min
6

Pushpanjali

Gambeera Nattai · Aadhi
Dance 5 min
7

Ganapathi Talam

Talam Eka
Dance 5 min
8

About the Guru & the School

Intro 4 min
9

Jathiswaram

Ragamalika · Mishra Chapu
Dance 10 min
10

Introducing the Vocalist & Mridangist

Intro 2 min
11

Maruthi Shabdam

Ragamalika · Misra Chapu
Dance 10 min
12

Introducing the Violinist & Flutist

Intro 2 min
13

Dance friends talk about Lasya

Lathika, Shika, Lakshanya, Divya, Samyuktha & Akshitha

Speech 9 min
14

Varnam — Maaye Mayan Sodhariye

Thodi · Aadhi

The 40-minute centerpiece of the Margam

Dance 40 min
15

Snack break

Break 15 min
16

Pradosha Samayathi

Poorvi Kalyani · Aadhi
Dance 15 min
17

About Lasya

Intro 2 min
18

Family friends talk about Lasya

Akshaya, Amukta & Isha

Speech 10 min
19

Mohan Uncle's speech

Speech 5 min
20

Ksheera Sagara Sayana

Devagaandhari · Aadhi
Dance 15 min
21

School friends talk about Lasya

Sharanya, Arushi & Mahek

Speech 8 min
22

About Azhagana Pazhani Malai

Intro 2 min
23

Azhagana Pazhani Malai

Brindavani · Eka
Dance 10 min
24

Gagan — Lasya's brother — speaks

Speech 5 min
25

Introduction of the chief guest

Intro 2 min
26

Talk by the chief guest

Speech 5 min
27

Orchestra honoring & Smt. Aparna's speech

Honoring the orchestra, the dance teacher's address & plaque

Emcee 15 min
28

Andal Thillana & Mangalam

Ragamalika / Bowli · Aadhi
Dance 15 min
29

Lasya's speech

Speech 5 min
30

Vote of thanks by the parents

Speech 5 min

Event Details

Date & Time

Saturday, July 11, 2026

Doors open at 3:00 PM ET
Performance begins at 3:30 PM ET

Venue

Bridgewater Balaji Temple Auditorium

1 Balaji Temple Dr
Bridgewater, NJ 08807

Get Directions →

Parking

Free Parking Available

Free parking in the temple parking lot. Additional overflow parking in the adjacent lot. Please follow signs to the auditorium entrance.

Dress Code

Traditional Indian Attire Encouraged

Sarees, salwar kameez, lehengas, sherwanis, or kurtas are warmly welcomed. Western formal or semi-formal attire is also welcome.

Nearby Hotels

Staying Overnight?

Marriott Bridgewater 700 Commons Way · 5 min drive
Hampton Inn Bridgewater 14 World's Fair Dr, Somerset · 8 min drive
Hyatt House Bridgewater 530 US-22, Bridgewater · 10 min drive

Add to Your Calendar

Saturday, July 11, 2026

3:30 PM ET  ·  Bridgewater Balaji Temple Auditorium, NJ
Doors open at 3:00 PM ET

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