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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
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.
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.
Join Us
Date & Time
Doors open at 3:00 PM ET
Performance begins at 3:30 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
3:30 PM ET · Bridgewater Balaji Temple Auditorium, NJ
Doors open at 3:00 PM ET
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