Bharathanatyam is one of the oldest and richest classical dance forms of India, originating from Tamil Nadu in South India. And Arangetram is a graduation performance that is part of the traditional format of the Margam (path). Once a disciple has practiced and completed the syllabus ‘Margam’ of Bharathanatyam, he or she is ready for their maiden performance ‘Arangetram’. 

18-year-old Melanie Thachankary, a student of the Howick based Narthana Aalayam School of Indian Dancerun and disciple of Smt. Kalaichchelvi Uthayakumaran, is due to perform her ‘Bharathanatya Arangetram’ on May 11. She has been a student of this school since she was six-years-old.

Melanie has always wanted to be a dancer. It was one of the first things she wrote in kindergarten when she was asked what she wanted to be when she grew up. She started learning both Bharathanatyam and classical ballet at the age of six and completed Grade 6 and Intermediate foundation in ballet from the Royal Academy of Dance when she was 14 years old. She has also learnt contemporary dance for a few years.

She is equally passionate about drama and has taken part in several school productions such as the ‘Crucible’ and ‘Copa Cabana’ at Sancta Maria College and is keen to pursue these hobbies in future. She is currently in her first year of engineering at the University of Auckland.

When: May 11, 5.30pm
Where: Selwyn College Theatre, 245 Kohimarama Road, Kohimarama