The Epicentre, Apparel House, Gurugram, is poised to encounter a once-in-a-blue-moon occurrence as Natania Samuel, a young dancer who, at just 10 years old, is set to present her
Bharatanatyam Arangetram on Sunday, 7th December at 6 PM. Trained under the esteemed guidance of Guru Smt. Priya Venkataraman, Natania became one of the youngest artistes to achieve this milestone in the National Capital Region (NCR). This event is a lively celebration of dedication, talent, and the beauty of India’s classical arts.
In the niche of classical dance, an Arangetram refers to a dancer’s formal debut solo performance after years of training, signifying a transition to a professional level of proficiency. It is a rite inviting the spectators to witness the culmination of years of rigorous training and marks the initiation of a lifelong spiritual and artistic commitment of the performer. The performance of the little girl is reflective of her innocence, which only a young dancer can bring.
The Rite of Ascending The Stage
The Arangetram, derived from the Tamil words Arangu (stage) and Ettam (rising). It is the moment a student, under the watchful eye of their Guru, presents the full classical repertoire, the Margam, for the first time, publicly proving their mastery and readiness to be an independent performer. For Natania, this will be a turning point as her performance will become her signature of commitment to the forthcoming artistic journey. Her achievement at such a tender age represents an exceptional adherence and connection to the art form.
Natania is trained under the esteemed Guru Smt. Priya Venkataraman, the Artistic Director of Nrityadiksha. Smt. Venkataraman is a renowned Bharatanatyam pioneer known for her strict conformity to the classical traditional repertoire. She herself was trained under legends like Guru Saroja Vaidyanathan. Her mentorship ensures that Natania’s debut is embedded in classical mastery, despite the dancer’s youth.
The Discourse of The Dance
Appreciators of art or Rasikas, as they are known in Sanskrit, can expect an Alarippu, an invocatory piece in Bharatanatyam. Natania’s Arangetram will feature the entire 120-minute Margam. The traditional sequence progresses from abstract pure dance (Nritta) to expressive storytelling (Abhinaya), usually including the Pushpanjali, Alarippu, Jatiswaram, Shabdam, Varnam, Padam, and Tillana. Natania is also well-informed about both Carnatic and Western classical music, which enhances the scope for a sensible and breathtaking performance, just as mature artists do. The evening will present a pleasant impression of rasas (emotions), as Natania navigates contrasting roles with maturity. She will depict a wide spectrum of acts, ranging from the innocence of childhood and the playful naughtiness of Krishna to the spirited grace of the Kurathi.
Interestingly, a distinguished group of musicians will accompany her. The list includes masters like Smt. Priya Venkataraman (Nattuvangam), Shri Venkatesh Kuppuswamy (Vocals), Shri Varun Rajashekar (Ghatam), Shri Raghavendra Prasath (Violin), Smt. Karaikudi Shyamala Bhaskar (Veena), and Shri Manohar Balachandirane (Mridangam). Together, they wish to weave an aural ambience that complements Natania’s dance. This will be a hallmark of authentic Bharatanatyam debuts across India.
Event Overview
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Dancer | Natania Samuel |
| Event | Bharatanatyam Arangetram |
| Date & Time | Sunday, 7th December at 6:00 PM |
| Venue | Epicentre, Apparel House, Gurugram |
| Guru | Smt. Priya Venkataraman (Nrityadiksha) |
| Repertoire | The entire classical Margam (approx. 120 minutes) |
| Entry | Open to all (First-come, first-served basis) |
| Accompanying Ensemble | Vocals, violin, veena, ghatam, and mridangam led by senior artistes |
Key Highlights
- One of the youngest dancers in NCR to perform a complete Arangetram
- A full 120-minute Margam performed with classical depth and age-appropriate aesthetics
- A rare blend of dance, Carnatic music, and Western classical sensibilities
- Years of early training—beginning at just three years of age
- Participation in established choirs such as the Mozart Choir and the Sargam Choir
- Parallel training in figure skating, showcasing her multidimensional artistic growth
- A supportive ensemble of senior musicians with strong stage presence
A Childhood Immersed in the Arts
Natania was born into a culturally rich household. Her name means “Gift of God”. Her mother recalls how even as early as one year old, she would sit through entire Carnatic concerts (kacheris), quietly absorbing every raga and kriti. At two, she echoed the rhythmic jathis practiced at home; by four, her formal dance training had already taken root. Under Guru Smt. Priya Venkataraman, Natania has absorbed the values that form the backbone of Bharatanatyam: discipline, devotion, and humility. Her artistic pursuits are extended across multiple fronts, including Carnatic Vocal music, Western Classical music, and Piano (Trinity College London Certifications), Choir participation, and figure skating. A Grade 5 student at HIXS Avenue, Gurugram, she balances academics with her artistic commitments, excelling particularly in Mathematics, a testament to her structured thinking and discipline.
The Future of Grace
Natania Samuel’s journey reflects a revival of the guru-shishya parampara, nurtured by a family that values tradition and a teacher devoted to the classical arts. Her age does not pose a constraint to her depth of immersion in her craft. Her Arangetram is a display of bhakti conveyed through movement and expression. Natania’s debut is an affirmation that the future of classical Indian dance is in gifted and devoted hands. Her Arangetram is a reassurance that India’s classical heritage continues to evolve vividly, even amongst young stars.
