✦   You Are Cordially Invited To   ✦

Lasya Voonna's

Bharatanatyam Arangetram

Saturday, July 11, 2026

Doors open 3:00 PM  ·  Performance begins 4:00 PM ET

Bridgewater Balaji Temple Auditorium, NJ

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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

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.

The Orchestra

Nattuvangam

To Be Announced

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

Vocalist

To Be Announced

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

Mridangam

To Be Announced

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

Violin

To Be Announced

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

Flute

To Be Announced

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

The Repertoire

The traditional sequence of dance compositions taking the audience on a journey from invocation to benediction.

  1. Pushpanjali

    — Offering of Flowers

    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.

    Ragam Gambhira Natai Talam Aadhi Composer Smt. Ranganayaki Jayaraman
  2. Ganapathi Talam

    — Invocation to Lord Ganesha

    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.

    Talam Adi Language Sanskrit Composer Sri Muthuswami Dikshitar
  3. Jathiswaram

    — Rhythmic Patterns & Musical Notes

    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.

    Ragam Ragamalika Talam Mishra Chapu Composer Tanjore Quartet
  4. Maruthi Shabdam

    — Devotion to Lord Hanuman

    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.

    Ragam Ragamalika Talam Misra Chapu Language Tamil Composer Thiru Subbu
  5. Varnam — Maaye Mayan Sodhariye

    — The Centerpiece

    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.

    Ragam Thodi Talam Aadhi Language Tamil Composer Sri Madurai Krishnan
  6. Pradosha Samayathi

    — The Sacred Twilight

    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.

    Ragam Poorvi Kalyani Talam Adi Language Kannada Composer Shri. Padma Charan
  7. Ksheera Sagara Sayana

    — Lord Vishnu's Divine Grace

    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.

    Ragam Devagaandhari Talam Adi Language Telugu Composer Sri Tyagaraja
  8. Azhagana Pazhani Malai

    — The Beautiful Hills of Palani

    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.

    Ragam Brindavani Talam Eka Language Tamil Composer Thadaga Illamurugu
  9. Andal Thillana

    — Joyous Finale

    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.

    Ragam Ragamalika Talam Aadhi Language Tamil Composer Smt. Ranganayaki Jayaraman
  10. Mangalam — Bramham Okate

    — Auspicious Benediction

    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.

    Ragam Bowli Talam Adi Language Tamil Composer Sri Tallapaka Annamacharya

Event Details

Date & Time

Saturday, July 11, 2026

Doors open at 3:00 PM ET
Performance begins at 4:00 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

RSVP

Please let us know you're coming — we'd be honored to celebrate this milestone with you.

We look forward to celebrating with you on July 11, 2026!

Add to Your Calendar

Saturday, July 11, 2026

4:00 PM ET  ·  Bridgewater Balaji Temple Auditorium, NJ
Doors open at 3:00 PM ET

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