Posted by Thila (203.192.177.98) on September 21, 2005 at 02:58:46:

 In Reply to: How to become an Arangetram level dancer from just an Average Ole dancer?

Posted by Thila on September 19, 2005 at 02:15:13:

 Hi everyone,

Thank you very much for your feedback. Let me reiterate Vinod II’s point that the arangetram itself is by far and large not as important as the standard the dancer himself/herslf has reached. In my opinion, the ability to perform an arangetram determines that a dancer has reached a standard where his/her dance is clear, beautiful and just perfect.

It was quite startling to learn from Vinod II that arangetrams can be bought randomly in the US. Here in Singapore, the guru will only allow a dancer to perform an arangetram if he/she is absolutely and totally ready for it. The essentials being, Javaha (Agility), Sthirathvam (Steadiness), Rekhacha (graceful lines), Bhramari(balance in pirouettes), Drishtir (glance), Shramaha (hard work), Medha (intelligence), Shrada(devotion). I strongly agree that it is quality of the performance of the dancer during his/her arangetram rather than the arangetram itself which is important.

This is especially so as arangetrams have acquired a different significance today whereby the artistic role of the performance is often lost. Therein, I understand why Vinod Menon says that it isn’t absolutely necessary for me to parallel good dancing with the arangetram. Simply put, I want to attain the level at which I am able to perform an arangetram. I wish to embody the qualities of a good dancer.

I have watched in awe so many performances by professionals, students and my very own guru even. The first time I watched my guru perform i thought how could he possibly sit thru lesson with me without throwing a rock at me. He was that wonderful. Me on the other was…That bad aight~!

While I do not want to be an over-reacher…Watching so many girls my age or younger do their arangetram made me think that if they can do it...why can't i? After all, its all about practice practice and sacrifices... as mentioned by Rachel. I keep drilling it within me that Im still young.

Sometimes too I question myself whether does one need to have dance training since young in order to be good at this age (22). Letting my youth pass by without channeling my energies to reach my potential seems like such a waste. Hence the goal of mine; to attain an arangetram-level in dance. That level will be a bench-mark then.

I do not want to just go to dance class every week and remain stagnant. Vinod II said he took so much for granted prior to training for arangetram. That’s exactly how I felt when my guru asked me to perform for a school event. During that 1 month before the event I practiced regularly and found myself taking a great leap forward. I was able to do the fast parts which during the 6 months of learning the item, I was never able to. As such I feel that having a goal to work towards bore greater results as compared to simply going to class on a weekly basis.

In addition, I do not want to believe that I’m never going to maintain clean and swift movements all while smiling. Although it can be awfully demoralizing when I put in my best and my teacher says I’m as sloppy as ever. In spite of it all I am adamant that I can do it and continue remaining passionate about dance.

Right now I have got to practice and practice just like what Rachel has said. Vinod Menon, thanks for your tip on listening to music. I have been listening to my tapes over and over, now the songs are practically ingrained within me. Maintaining good posture is where my problems lie. Do you mean “aluttham”?

My teacher is going to mexico for a month. During this month guys, I'm gonna practice the 5 items he taught me w/o fail as well as incorporating all of your tips lets see what happens...I intend to pursue small short-term goals which will in turn lead me to ultimate goal as a dancer. I have given myself a year. My first short-term goal is to perfect my 5 items and improve my stamina by a fair bit (be able to dance my 11min swara jathi perfectly) November. Wish me all the best. Do give me tips and encouragement pls. Share your experiences with me. I’m looking forward to learning as much as possible from all of you out there. I’ll appreciate it guys

Thila