Bharathanatyam originated 2000 years ago in South India as a temple dance to worship the Hindu gods. While evolving as an art, it retained its devotional content. An important tradition of Bharathanatyam is Arangetram (“ascending the stage”), the debut solo recital undertaken by a student when the Guru decides she is ready.

Gayatri Vaidyanathan studied Bharathanatyam as a child and then returned to it during medical school.  “While medicine nourished my mind, dance nourished my soul,” she explained.  “While science allows us to live, art gives us something to live for.”  After six years of study with Guru Kripa Baskaran at Natyarpana School of Dance in Brookfield, she will present her Arangetram with a live orchestra on June 20 at 4 pm at the Fine Arts Theatre of Divine Savior Holy Angels High School, 4257 N. 100th St. A brief informative discussion of the dance and tradition will accompany the performance.