Nandana's Bharatanatyam Arangetram on 28 March 2026 at NIDA, Kensington
To those who joined us on Saturday (28th March 2026) evening at the Parade Theatre, NIDA — your presence made this milestone even more meaningful than I could have imagined
My Arangetram was on 28th March 2026, Saturday evening
Thank you so much for being part of my Arangetram journey. To those who joined us on Saturday evening at the Parade Theatre, NIDA - your presence made this milestone even more meaningful than I could have imagined. Sharing this Bharatanatyam celebration with family, friends, and well-wishers filled the evening with so much warmth and joy. I am truly grateful you gave up your Saturday evening to be there. And to those who expressed interest and RSVPed but were unable to attend - your support and kind thoughts meant just as much. Knowing you were with me in spirit was a beautiful feeling.
This Arangetram has been years in the making - from my very first steps at age four to standing on stage on 28th March 2026 evening - and every one of you has been part of that journey in some way. For those who would like to relive the evening (or experience it for the first time!), the full performance has been recorded and is available to watch here:
▶ https://youtube.com/live/AchQcaaKev8
Thank you once again for your love, blessings, and encouragement. It truly means the world to me.
Link to my recorded performance
For those who would like to relive the evening (or experience it for the first time!), the full performance has been recorded and is available to watch here:
My dance journey so far!
My dance journey began at the age of 4
My Story
Bharatanatyam has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. What began as learning steps and rhythms slowly became a journey of discipline, devotion, and self-expression. Through years of dedicated training, I have come to understand that this art form is not just about movement, but about storytelling, spirituality, and staying connected to my culture. Bharatanatyam allows me to express emotions beyond words and to honour a tradition passed down through generations. My Arangetram is a meaningful milestone in this journey, reflecting the effort, learning, and passion that continue to shape me as a dancer.
My Guru
My Guru, Mrs Manjula Viswanath, the founder and Director of Rasika Dance Academy, has been my guiding light in my Bharatanatyam journey. With deep knowledge of the art form and a strong emphasis on discipline, tradition, and expression, she has shaped not only my technique but also my understanding of the spirit of Bharatanatyam. Her patient guidance, high standards, and constant encouragement have been instrumental in my growth as a dancer, and I remain deeply grateful for her mentorship and blessings.
Musical Ensemble
Musicians supporting my Arangetram
Sri. Balasubramanya Sharma
Sri. Balasubramanya Sharma is a skilful, talented and accomplished Carnatic music vocalist based in Bangalore, Karnataka. He is one of the most sought-after vocalists in the arenas of music and dance. He has a myriad of music compositions for varnams, dance ballets, hymns and bhajans, and many other dance items to his credit. His renditions are highly melodious and expressive, with clear lyrical notes that adhere to the norms of the finest Carnatic music. He is a versatile artist who has simultaneously composed and sung non-classical music. He is an asset to the art field and to the rich heritage of India.
Sri. Janakan Suthanthiraraj
Sri. Janakan Suthanthiraraj was first introduced to the Mridangam and the wider realms of Carnatic music under the guidance of his father and guru, Sri R.Suthanthiraraj, and credits his musical accolades to his father’s passion and dedication to the classical arts. From there, he pursued extensive training in Mridangam under Mridanga Virtuoso Sri Ravi M.Ravichandhira and advanced training under Maestro Guru Kaariakkudi R.Mani. He is a regular accompanying artist at musical forums in Sydney, including Sydney Music Circle, Karpahavalli and Yuva Sangeetha Margam and has been a performing artist at the prestigious Swara Laya - Sydney Musical Festival.
Sri. Venkatesh Sritharam
Sri. Venkatesh Sritharam is a talented Sydney-based Carnatic flautist and composer, renowned for his melodious and expressive renditions rooted in the finest traditions of Carnatic music. A sought-after artist in Australia's Indian classical music and dance circles. Notably, he composed the Nrittaswaravalli in raga 'Jog' for Rasana Dance Theatre's production Sringaram. His versatility as both a performer and composer makes him an invaluable contributor to the Indian classical arts community in Sydney.
Sri. Jeiram Jagatheesan
Sri. Jeiram Jagatheesan is a Sydney-based musician, community leader, and project manager, celebrated for his outstanding contributions to Tamil culture and Carnatic music in Australia. A versatile percussionist, he is proficient in the rhythm pad, morsing, and ghatam, and has provided accomplished musical accompaniment for numerous Bharatanatyam performances and Arangetrams across Sydney. His involvement in rendering verses from the Kambaramayanam further reflects his deep literary and artistic commitment.
Image Gallery
Pictures from my Arangetram
About me!
I am Nandana Nithin, a student of Bharatanatyam with a deep love for this classical dance form. My journey has been shaped by years of dedicated practice, learning, and guidance from my gurus, who have helped me grow both as a dancer and as an individual. Bharatanatyam has taught me discipline, patience, and the joy of expressing stories and emotions through movement. Through my dance, I strive to honour this beautiful tradition and continue learning as I move forward on my artistic path.
Alongside my dance journey, I am currently pursuing a double degree in Commerce and Law at Macquarie University, where I am in my second year of study. Balancing academics with classical dance has strengthened my discipline, time management, and commitment to continuous learning.
FAQ
Below are some commonly asked questions to help you plan your attendance and enjoy the evening with ease. If you need any additional information, please feel free to reach out - we look forward to sharing this special Arangetram celebration with you.
My Bharatanatyam Arangetram will be held on Saturday, 28 March 2026 at Parade Theatre, NIDA. The address is 215 Anzac Parade, Kensington NSW 2033.
Refreshments begin at 5:00 PM
Seating begins at 5:45 PM
Program commences at 6:00 PM
An Arangetram is the debut solo performance of a Bharatanatyam dancer and marks the culmination of many years of dedicated training. Traditionally, it signifies the dancer’s readiness to perform independently, combining technique, expression, rhythm, and storytelling in a full-length recital. This auspicious milestone is celebrated with the blessings of gurus, family, and the community.
The Arangetram performance will present a traditional Bharatanatyam repertoire, showcasing a range of rhythmic, expressive, and narrative pieces. The program may include items such as:
Pushpanjali
Jatiswaram or similar
Varnam
Tillana
Mangalam
(For the actual sequence which was executed on the performance day, please refer to the brochure at https://nandana.com.au/brochure)