A student of Cupertino High School in the Silicon ­Valley town where Apple is headquartered sent us a copy of the School’s newspaper in which we found this material that we found fascinating. We were ­particularly impressed with the newspaper’s policy as announced by it and which we reproduce below. We found the cartoon below quite telling, appearing as it did in an American student publication.

Cupertino High School has a large number of Chinese and Indian students, and they form a significant ­number on the paper’s Editorial Board.

Arangetram, Ah. Run. Gate. Thrum. Ah-run-gate-thrum.
Arangetram.

An arangetram is the pinnacle of Indian classical arts. The history of the arangetram can be traced back to the days of dancing as a form of temple worship. However, as time progressed, arangetrams have expanded to involve all culmi­na­tive performances of dancers of multiple styles, as well as classical Indian instruments and, on occasions, vocal performances.

The literal tranlsation of an arangetram is “to climb upon a stage”, while the figurative translation is “the first solo performance an artiste gives upon the completion of his formal training.” Modern-day arange­trams encompass much more than the dancer’s performance, however. Today, many arange­trams include chaat and chai, traditional Indian tea and snacks, for the audience to enjoy, as well as a banquet following the performance to celebrate the dancer’s achievement. Arangetrams are not just a performance; for many dancers, it is their transformation into an expert in their art form.

As life-changing as an arangetram is for the dancers, it is also a truly unique experience for all involved. For many parents, their child’s commitment to dance or vocals is often a commitment they make as well. Senior Ashni Shetty, who had her arangetram in August of this year, learned dance from her mother for ten years before holding an arangetram of her own, and credits both of her parents for encouraging her to have one.

“I wanted to do it because (my mother) did it twenty years back, and I felt like doing it twenty years later as something all wanted to do as a family,” said Shetty of the experience she shared with both her immediate and extended family.

For the audience, the arange­tram is an equally enriching experience: it is a chance to behold the talent of a friend, a classmate or a peer, and a dance to understand the significance of dance to that particular individual.

Senior Monica Nissen described attending her first arangetram as “a cultural experience.”

“Going to (Shetty’s) arange­tram had me in complete awe,” Nissen said. “I’m even more honoured to know her now, ­after seeing this momentous ­occasion in her dancing career.”

More than anyone else, ­however, the arangetram is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the dancer putting on the performance. The arangetram is the commencement of that person’s career as a recognised dancer, a dancer who is now qualified to give solo performances and teach the art to others. However, in order to reach this stage, a dancer must prepare for months. According to junior Janany Subra, who also had an arangetram this summer, dancers must practise their routines tirelessly before their big day.

“I don’t know the exact amount, but I definitely practised for hundreds of hours,” Subra said. “It’s like five to six hours a day the two months before your arangetram, and before that, it’s ten to twelve hours a week.”

The cultural and personal significance of an arangetram also makes the event a momentous occasion through the communities the dancers are involved in. For many dancers, an arangetram is a way for their community to acknowledge their hard work and success in the field of dance. It is a chance for them to show the world their talent, much like a final sport, game or an art exhibition. With each tap of the dancer’s foot on the stage, during the two hours of an arangetram, the world gets to watch that dancer embark on the journey of a lifetime, a journey of cultural importance, not only to the dancers, but to their friends and family. The arangetram is not the end of a dancer’s journey; it is only the beginning.

Editorial Policy

“The Prospector” is an open forum of expression for student editors to inform and educate their readers. It will not be reviewed by or restrained by school officials prior to publication or distribution. Advisors may and should coach and discuss content during the writing process.

The staff of “The Prospector” seeks to recognize individuals, events and ideas and bring news to the Cupertino community in an accurate, professional and unbiased manner. “The Prospector” will not avoid publishing a story solely on the basis of possible dissent or controversy.

If you believe an error has been made or wish to have your opinion expressed in “The Prospector”, please contact us via mail or email. Letters sent become the sole property of “The Prospector” and can be edited for length, clarity or accuracy.

“The Prospector” editorial board reserves the right to accept or reject any ad in accordance with its advertising policy.

Contact Us
The Prospector
10100 Finch Avenue
Cupertino, CA 95014
prospector.chs@gmail.com
chsprospector.com