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.

Hansa has devoted the past decade to Bharatanatyam, training under the revered guidance of Guru Smt. Sheela Ramanath. What began as a childhood activity to build discipline and focus gradually became a meaningful part of her life. Through years of training in technique, expression, and theory, Hansa developed a deep connection to the art form and its storytelling traditions. With the steady encouragement of her Guru, she has grown into a dedicated and expressive dancer.

Hansa also trained in Carnatic music under Guru Smt. Lavanya Ghantasala, which strengthened her understanding of rhythm and enriched her approach to dance. She earned an Advanced Certification in Bharatanatyam from Alagappa University and has participated in workshops led by renowned artists including Srikanth Natarajan, Meera Sreenarayan, and Bijayini Satpathy.

She has performed at Carnegie Hall, Cleveland Thyagaraja Aradhana, and community fundraising events. Beyond dance, Hansa enjoys mentoring younger students and sharing the joy of Bharatanatyam with others.

Beyond dance, Hansa is a rising junior at Rock Ridge High School and a student of the Academy of Science program in the Academies of Loudoun. She is involved in many clubs such as Red Cross, Model UN, and is a founder of the Forget Me Not Foundation dedicated to spreading awareness about Alzheimer’s disease. She has also completed five years of Telugu language studies through Siliconandhra Manabadi and received academic credit for her accomplishments. In her free time, Hansa enjoys going on long bike rides with her friends, playing badminton, and reading.

Hansa’s Bharatanatyam journey has been enriched by the invaluable mentorship of her Guru, Smt. Sheela Ramanath. We sincerely appreciate her commitment, inspiration, and the care with which she has guided Hansa over the years.

We are also thankful to our family and friends whose kindness, encouragement, and good wishes have been a constant source of strength and motivation for Hansa along the way.

Sharing this meaningful milestone with all of you makes the occasion even more special. We seek your blessings and best wishes as Hansa continues to pursue her passion for dance.

With heartfelt thanks,
Kalyani ⋆ Bhaskar ⋆ Hansa ⋆ Rohan

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