Welcome to Pragna's Arangetram
aṅgikam bhuvanam yasya vācikaṃ sarva vāṅgmayam
āhāryaṃ candra tārādhi taṃ namaḥ sātvikaṃ śivam
The one whose limbs (body) are the entire universe, whose speech is the essence of all languages and words, and whose ornaments are the moon, stars, and celestial bodies, we bow to that pure, benevolent Lord Shiva.
Bharathanatyam
Bharatanatyam is one of India's oldest and most revered classical dance forms, originating from Tamil Nadu and performed primarily as an expression of devotion in temples. It combines intricate footwork, graceful hand gestures (mudras), and expressive facial movements to tell stories from Hindu mythology. Known for its rich cultural heritage, Bharatanatyam is a powerful blend of rhythm, music, and spirituality that continues to inspire audiences worldwide.
Arangetram
Arangetram is the debut performance of a Bharatanatyam dancer, marking the culmination of years of rigorous training under their guru. It is a significant milestone where the dancer showcases their mastery of the art form, including intricate movements, expressions, and rhythms, before an audience. Traditionally considered both a personal achievement and a cultural celebration, the Arangetram symbolizes the dancer's readiness to perform independently.
Pragna
Kumari Sree Pragna Malyala is a dedicated high school student currently pursuing the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) program at Suzanne Cory High School. Her journey in the divine art of Bharathanatyam began at the tender age of six under the guidance of her Guru, Vidushi Smt. Sindhu Shreeharsha, at the Laasya School of Dance. Specializing in the Tanjavur style, Pragna has graced numerous cultural and community events, including performances at ISKCON programs and the Australia Day Parade.
Beyond her passion for dance, Pragna is equally devoted to music. She trained in Carnatic vocal music with Late Sri Gade Satyanarayana and continued training with Smt. Sundari Saripalle at Swara Sadhana Music School, adding depth to her artistic repertoire. Her love for the performing arts extends to her active participation in school choirs, musicals, and dance productions.
Looking ahead, Pragna aspires to channel her creativity and discipline into a promising career in Science, embodying a perfect blend of art and academia.
Guru
Vidushi Smt. Sindhu Shreeharsha started learning dance at the age of 6 under the guidance of Guru Sri R. Kannan. Then Guru Smt. Nandini Eshwar introduced Sindhu to the Tanjavur Style of Bharathanatyam. Sindhu has successfully completed her Vidwat Grade examination. She has attended workshops by internationally reputed gurus in the classical dance forms of Odissi, Manipuri, Mohiniyattam, and Kathak. She has directed and choreographed dance numbers and dance dramas. She has a Bachelor in Science and is fascinated by literature so she completed her Diploma in Literature from Mysore University. Sindhu has represented Mysore University at many state-level competitions and bagged several prizes in Bharathanatyam during her academic years.
Laasya School of Dance
Laasya School of Dance was started in October 2007 by Smt. Sindhu and since then has been teaching Bharathanatyam to many interested students across Melbourne. Students are trained in Tanjavur Style Bharathanatyam. Students of Laasya School of Dance have participated in Programs for ISKCON, Telugu Association and many more.