Highlights from Samarpana Dance Academy
A look into the heart of Samarpana Dance Academy. From a child's first Salangai Pooja to the dedication of working professionals, these moments define our journey together.
This is Aamuktha, captured during her Arangetram photoshoot. I believe a dancer's stage presence begins with confidence, and this power packed pose perfectly showcases the strength and grace we nurture in every student for their solo debut.
A glimpse from Shweta Prasanna’s Arangetram. The stage, the lights, the live music, it all comes together in this moment. This is the culmination of years of practice, where the dancer tells a story through pure movement and expression.
The Salangai Pooja is a student's first major milestone, the day they first wear the ghungroo, or ankle bells. Here I am with my students, sharing in their excitement and pride. It's a beautiful ceremony that marks their formal entry into the world of Bharatanatyam.
This is little Chidanvi, who at just five and a half years old, shows so much promise and diligence. It proves that age is no barrier to begin learning this beautiful art form. I guide each student at their own pace, whether they are five or fifty.
I am so proud of my student Durga. She is a mother of two, works at Google, and still pursued her dream of completing her Arangetram this year despite health challenges. Her journey is an inspiration, showing that with dedication, you can always make time for your passion.
Hearing from the parents of our Samarpana family is truly heartwarming. Their words of pride and gratitude during their children's Salangai Pooja mean the world to me. It reflects the trust they place in my teaching and the collaborative journey we take.
Stage makeup can seem intimidating, so we hold workshops for students and parents to learn together. It becomes a fun, shared activity where everyone learns the techniques to create the distinct look for a Bharatanatyam performance, building confidence for the stage.
They say age is just a number, and I truly believe it. Here I am at 50, practicing a Jathi. I continue to dance not just to teach, but to stay connected to the art form myself and hopefully motivate others to keep moving, no matter their age.
For me, dance is about bringing people together. After months of hard work, seeing a performance come to life is a fulfilling experience. In these moments, I often share a few words to unify us and reflect on the journey we've all shared.
Here are our senior students preparing for an exciting new performance. This is where discipline and teamwork shine. The studio is filled with energy as they perfect their synchronization and expression, getting ready to captivate an audience.
About Featured
Dance is rarely about rushing. Whether you are a child or an adult balancing a corporate career, my approach is to work with your natural pace. We do not believe in a one-size-fits-all training method here because true expression in Bharatanatyam only comes when you are comfortable in your own skin and rhythm.
The images you see here are more than just performances. They represent thousands of hours of adavus and quiet practice. When a student enters Samarpana, they start a process that is as much about character as it is about the art form. The Salangai Pooja is the first formal step, a sacred milestone where we introduce the ankle bells. For many of my adult students, this is a moment of reclaiming a childhood dream they set aside for their careers.
When we move toward an Arangetram, the focus shifts to the intensity of the full margam. I personally curate the repertoire and manage the live orchestra because that level of performance requires complete immersion. We do not just teach steps; we build a foundation. You will find that my studio in Whitefield is less of a rigid institution and more of a space for community. We hold workshops on everything from stage makeup to the history of the repertoire, ensuring that you understand the craft, not just the choreography. If you are looking to start or restart your journey, remember that age is just a number. Some of my most dedicated students began after turning thirty. My role is to guide you through the discipline, but the commitment to the art is yours.
Preetha Arun
I am Preetha. After a 25-year journey, I view my role less as a teacher and more as a guide for anyone willing to put in the work. I believe that if you are ready to learn, I am here to help you find your own dance.
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