Preparing for the arangetram.

An arangetram is not a course that starts on a fixed date. It is the result of years of steady work, and the decision that a student is ready rests with the guru. Advanced training at Mayura Natyalaya focuses on:

• The complete margam, from Alarippu to Thillana, with the Varnam as its centrepiece.
• Stamina to hold a deep araimandi and clean lines through a full recital.
• Abhinaya — the rasas and the poetry of padams and javalis.
• Working with live music: the nattuvanar, vocalist, mridangam and violin or flute.
• Stagecraft: costume, make-up, entrances, and recovering calmly from the unexpected.

Our teachers trained in the lineage of Guru Kalaimamani Smt. Charulatha Jayaraman, a Nattuvangam exponent, and bring that understanding of music and rhythm to advanced students.