Jainita's Bharatanatyam Arangetram
"Indian classical dance is sustained by a profound philosophy. Form seeks to merge with the formless, motions seek to become a part of the motionless, and the dancing individual seeks to become one with the eternal dance of the cosmos."
~ Nita Ambani
About the Arangetram
Bharatanatyam is one of the oldest classical dance forms of India, known for its intricate footwork, expressive gestures, and deeply spiritual roots. Originating in the temples of Tamil Nadu, it weaves together music, movement, and storytelling to convey powerful emotions and ancient narratives. An Arangetram is a milestone that marks a dancer’s first solo performance, celebrating years of rigorous training and unwavering dedication to classical Indian dance. Meaning ‘ascending the stage,’ this revered tradition signifies the dancer’s artistic maturity and honors the timeless bond between guru (teacher) and shishya (student), as the student steps forward with the blessing to perform independently.
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Ancient Origins
Bharatanatyam dates back over 2,000 years to the temples of Tamil Nadu, where it was performed as a devotional offering.
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Rigorous Training
Students undergo 7-10 years of intensive training before being deemed ready for their Arangetram.
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Public Debut
The Arangetram showcases the dancer's mastery of complex footwork, expressions, and storytelling.
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Cultural Milestone
Beyond technical achievement, the Arangetram celebrates the preservation of cultural heritage and artistic tradition.
Meet the Dancer
How It All Started
Jainita’s dance journey began with India Night, following her sister’s footsteps onto the stage. At age nine, she started learning Bharatanatyam under Nirva Aunty at Payal Dance Academy. Though initially a childhood hobby, it grew into a passion, despite moments of doubt and struggle. With encouragement, she completed the seven-year foundational course and later the Master’s program, culminating in a group presentation in 2018—a major milestone.
Letting Go… and Finding Her Way Back
After high school, Jainita stepped away from Bharatanatyam during college, unsure if it still fit into her life. But shortly after graduating, a spontaneous invitation from Nirva Aunty reignited her love for the art. That unexpected solo performance led to more opportunities, and eventually, the decision to pursue her long-held dream of an Arangetram. Returning to Payal Dance Academy felt like coming home to a part of herself she had forgotten.
Arangetram Preparation
Preparing for her Arangetram has been one of Jainita’s most meaningful experiences. Beginning during a challenging time, dance became a source of strength and clarity. While balancing grad school and a full-time job, she faced intense physical and emotional demands, but also rediscovered deep connections to her culture and self. With the support of her guru and family, this journey has become a powerful expression of growth, resilience, and love for Bharatanatyam.
The Guru
Smt. Nirva Shah
With over many years of experience teaching Bharatanatyam, Guru Nirva Shah is a highly respected teacher, choreographer, and cultural contributor. Trained at M.S. University of Baroda under Smt. Anjali Mehr and other renowned gurus, she founded Payal Dance Academy in 1979 and has been teaching for over 45 years across India and the U.S. A recipient of the prestigious Sringar Mani award and a choreography honor from the Government of Gujarat, she is also the author of Nritya Samikha, a theoretical text on Bharatanatyam. Since moving to Texas in 1994, Nirvaji has remained a cornerstone of the DFW arts community, continuing to teach, choreograph, and guide many students in the heritage and culture of India.
The Orchestra
Nattuvangam:
Guru Smt. Nirva Shah
Founder of Payal Dance Academy and a master of Bharatanatyam, Guru Nirva Shah brings decades of experience and deep rhythmic command to lead the performance through nattuvangam.
Violin: Sri Umamahesh Iyer
Sri Iyer began training at age five and studied under esteemed gurus across Kerala and Tamil Nadu. His melodic violin playing complements a wide range of classical dance styles.
Mridangam: Sri Balu Rajendrakurup
An accomplished percussionist trained in the Thanjavur and Pudhukottai styles, Sri Balu performs globally across classical and fusion genres and is deeply committed to rhythm education.
Flute: Sri Sundar Rajan Padmanabhan
Disciple of Padma Shri Dr. N. Ramani and son of the renowned Veenai Raajeswari, Sri Sundar has supported classical dance performances for over two decades across the U.S.
Tabla: Sri Denis Das
A self-taught tabla artist from Trinidad, Sri Das brings decades of experience and a passion for tradition to his performances throughout the DFW area.
Vocals: Sri Prem Shah
Originally from Hyderabad, Sri Shah is a versatile singer known for his performances in bhajans, ghazals, and film songs. He teaches vocals and harmonium in Murphy, Texas.
Vocals: Dr. Sirisha Duvvuru
A trained Carnatic vocalist with a master’s in music, Dr. Duvvuru has performed extensively across the U.S. and India. She blends technical skill with expressive depth, and also holds a doctorate in speech-language pathology.