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Bharatanatyam Arangetram
The Dancer
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.
The Artists
Guru · Nattuvanar
Sri Saraswathi Nrityalaya
Smt. Aparna Ram is an accomplished Bharatanatyam artist and dedicated teacher at Sri Saraswathi Nrityalaya. With decades of experience in both performing and teaching, she has nurtured countless students in the traditional Bharatanatyam style, instilling in them a deep reverence for the art form.
Under her compassionate yet disciplined guidance, students learn not only the technical aspects of Bharatanatyam — the adavus, mudras, and abhinaya — but also the cultural and spiritual foundations that give this dance its profound meaning. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes that true artistry comes from understanding the soul of the music and poetry, not just mastering the steps.
Nattuvangam
The Nattuvanar conducts the dance recital, reciting rhythmic syllables (sollukattus) and playing the cymbals to guide the dancer through each composition.
Vocalist
The vocalist brings the sahityam (lyrics) to life, singing the compositions that the dancer interprets through movement and expression.
Mridangam
The mridangam is the primary percussion instrument, providing the rhythmic foundation (talam) that drives the dancer's footwork.
Violin
The violin provides melodic accompaniment, echoing and embellishing the vocal line to create a rich musical tapestry for the dancer.
Flute
The flute (venu) adds a soulful, ethereal quality to the orchestra, beautifully complementing the other instruments.
The Margam
The traditional sequence of dance compositions taking the audience on a journey from invocation to benediction.
Pushpanjali opens the recital with a reverential invocation. The dancer pays her obeisance to God, Guru, musicians, and the assembled audience through a symbolic offering of flowers (pushpa). This auspicious beginning sets a sacred tone and seeks blessings for the performance ahead.
A vibrant and rhythmic composition dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the embodiment of wisdom, intellect, and prosperity. Through dynamic footwork, structured patterns, and expressive gestures, the dancers invoke His blessings to remove all obstacles and bless this performance with success and positivity.
Jathiswaram is a part of nritta in a Bharatanatyam recital. It weaves together jatis (rhythmic syllable patterns) with swaras (musical notes), set to a particular raga and tala. A highly enlightening and entertaining dance item that showcases the dancer's command over intricate footwork, graceful lines, and rhythmic stability.
A vibrant and expressive dance piece dedicated to Lord Hanuman — the embodiment of strength, devotion, and unwavering loyalty. Through rhythmic sequences and expressive storytelling, the dancer depicts his valor, humility, and selfless service — from his mighty leap across the ocean to his eternal dedication as the ardent devotee of Lord Rama.
The crown jewel of the Margam — the most elaborate and demanding composition. Based on Devi, the Mother Goddess of the Universe — the supreme Shakti who pervades all of creation. The dance portrays Devi as Maheshwari, her destruction of Mahisasura, her divine form as a peacock enchanted by creation, and her final reunion with Lord Shiva through devotion and surrender. She is Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva; Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Parvati — the one and only protector of us all.
A soulful composition capturing the sanctity of the sacred Pradosham time — the twilight period especially auspicious for worshipping Lord Shiva. The dancer brings alive the serene yet powerful presence of Lord Shiva performing his cosmic dance, surrounded by devotees and celestial beings. The choreography blends graceful movements with expressive abhinaya, illustrating devotion, surrender, and the spiritual significance of this sacred time.
A deeply devotional composition extolling Lord Vishnu reclining on the cosmic ocean of milk. The dance touches upon the story of Gajendra Moksham and the episode from the Mahabharata where Draupadi's unwavering faith in Lord Krishna brought divine intervention. The composition evokes a mood of surrender and tranquility, inviting the audience to immerse in the divine aura of Lord Vishnu's eternal protection and grace.
A devotional piece celebrating Lord Murugan of Pazhani — his beauty, grace, and divine presence on the sacred hills. This composition expresses the devotee's deep yearning and love for the Lord, rendered through expressive abhinaya and graceful movements.
The Thillana brings the recital to a vibrant, exuberant climax. Set to joyful melodic phrases and energetic rhythmic syllables, it showcases the dancer's virtuosity through fast-paced, dynamic movements, spectacular poses, and intricate footwork patterns. It is a celebration of movement, rhythm, and the pure joy of dance — dedicated to Andal, the divine poetess-saint.
The concluding benediction — a short devotional piece invoking blessings and auspiciousness for the dancer, the audience, and all beings. With a final namaskar (salutation), the dancer offers gratitude to the divine, the Guru, the musicians, and the rasikas (audience), bringing the Margam to a graceful and auspicious close.
Join Us
Date & Time
Doors open at 3:00 PM ET
Performance begins at 4:00 PM ET
Parking
Free parking in the temple parking lot. Additional overflow parking in the adjacent lot. Please follow signs to the auditorium entrance.
Dress Code
Sarees, salwar kameez, lehengas, sherwanis, or kurtas are warmly welcomed. Western formal or semi-formal attire is also welcome.
Nearby Hotels
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Please let us know you're coming — we'd be honored to celebrate this milestone with you.
Don't Miss It
Saturday, July 11, 2026
4:00 PM ET · Bridgewater Balaji Temple Auditorium, NJ
Doors open at 3:00 PM ET
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