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Arangetram is a word in the Tamil language, which means the etram or ascending of the arangam or performance stage by a dancer. It is the first complete concert of a dancer. It is not a graduation; rather, it is the first milestone in one’s journey as a dancer. This first formal performance heralds the dancer’s commitment to this art form, and brings to light her caliber.

Smt. Sheela Ramanath began her Bharatanatyam journey under Guru Sridevi Thirumalai and later trained with Guru B. Bhanumati, Director of Nrityakalamandiram. She was chosen to perform with the renowned troupe Bharatanjali, recognized by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations as the Best Bharatanatyam Dance Troupe. Through performances across India, the UK, and the US, and workshops with master artists, Sheela developed a unique style that blends tradition with innovation, celebrating the harmony of dance and music.

In 2001, Sheela founded the Kalavaridhi Center for Performing Arts to promote Bharatanatyam and nurture aspiring dancers. Over the past 24 years, she has trained more than 1,000 students, many of whom have completed their Arangetrams and won accolades in competitions. Sheela and her students have performed at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Wolf Trap, the National Theatre in DC, and international festivals, most recently in Italy.

Sheela has choreographed dance productions to raise funds for numerous charitable organizations. She has served as a judge at major competitions, and contributed to the Indian Dance Educators’ Association. She is an empaneled artist with Fairfax County’s Creative Arts Program, a Fellow of Performing Arts Educators, and Academic Lead at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s Dance and Community Research Institute. Today, she is one of the most sought-after Bharatanatyam teachers in Northern Virginia and Maryland.

Bonita Ganesh began her Bharatanatyam journey at the age of six under the guidance of her beloved guru, Smt. Sheela Ramanath of Kalavaridhi, who has been instrumental in shaping her strong artistic foundation and growth. Over the years, Guru Sheela has sculpted Bonita into the dancer and person she is today. Bonita has performed with the Kalavaridhi ensemble at prestigious venues across the United States and Europe. She has further enriched her training through workshops with renowned Bharathanatyam virtuosos such as Guru Smt. Bijayini Satpathy, Guru Srikanth Natarajan, and Smt. Meera Sreenarayanan, each deepening her passion for Bharatanatyam.

Beyond the stage, Bonita channels the discipline, creativity, and perseverance cultivated through dance into her academic pursuit of a career in medicine. She holds an Advanced Certificate in Bharatanatyam and is an active member of the dNC Scouts and Guides program conducted by the University of North Carolina, as well as the National Honor Society for Dance Arts (NHSDA) chapter. Her Arangetram stands as a testament to years of dedication, artistic maturity, and the steadfast support of her guru, family, and community.

We offer our heartfelt gratitude to Bonita’s Guru, Smt. Sheela Ramanath, whose dedication, wisdom, and nurturing guidance have shaped Bonita not only as a Bharatanatyam dancer, but also as a confident and disciplined young artist. Her influence in Bonita’s journey is something our family will always cherish with the utmost respect and admiration.

To our dear family and friends, thank you for surrounding Bonita with your constant love, encouragement, and blessings through the years. Your support has been an important part of her growth and has helped make this meaningful milestone possible.

It brings us great joy to celebrate this special occasion with all of you. We look forward to your continued blessings as Bonita carries forward her passion for dance and tradition.

With sincere gratitude,
Bonita’s Family

Your presence is the greatest gift. If you wish to honor this occasion, we invite you to support a cause close to our heart. We would be grateful if you considered supporting Bonita’s effort to raise awareness and funds for The Cure Starts Now, helping advance innovative research and compassionate care for children battling cancer. Otherwise, you may support a charity organization of your choice that is meaningful to you.

Arangetram Designs & Event Decorations by Divine Decor, VA