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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.

Sahana Marthar has been a dedicated student of Bharatanatyam for the past ten years under the tutelage of Guru Smt. Sheela Ramanath at Kalavaridhi Center for Performing Arts. Through years of disciplined practice and devotion, Sahana has cultivated a deep appreciation for this classical art form, its expressive vocabulary, rich traditions and spiritual roots. She has performed at various cultural and charity events, including the Sri Venkateswara Lotus Temple and “Prayati” - a fundraising performance to support the artists during the COVID times. She has also attended workshops conducted by renowned virtuosos such as Gurus Smt. Bijayani Satpathy and Smt. Meera Sreenarayanan. Each opportunity has strengthened her artistic foundation, enhancing her grace, enriching her expressive abilities, and further deepening her passion for Bharatanatyam. 

Beyond her involvement in the arts, Sahana is an enthusiastic learner with a strong interest in technology. As she begins her academic journey at Virginia Tech, she will be carrying forward the same focus, creativity, and perseverance that Bharatanatyam has instilled in her. Her Arangetram marks an important milestone honoring years of dedicated practice, artistic growth, and the unwavering guidance of her guru, along with the support of her family and community.

We are deeply thankful to Sahana’s Guru, Smt. Sheela Ramanath, for her guidance, patience, and care in shaping Sahana into the dancer she is today.

To our dear friends and family, your love and encouragement have meant so much to us. Your support has helped her grow and reach this special milestone.

It means a lot to celebrate this day with all of you. We look forward to your blessings as Sahana continues her dance journey.

With gratitude,
The Marthar Family 

Arangetram Designs & Event Decorations by Divine Decor, VA