Monday, August 22, 2011

Suchi's Arangetram

Saturday evening we went to my sister's step daughter, Suchi's, Arangetram. This was the first time we had ever been to such a program and I must say it was very interesting...long...but interesting... We weren't allowed to take photos during the dance, so I took some of the program. Suchi has been studying this type of dance called Bharata Natyam since she was 4 years old. This is a graduation program of sorts. It was a solo dance...it is always done that way...that lasts for 3 1/2 hours. Like I said...it was long...one of the dances lasted 45 minutes!
The costumes were so pretty and I was fascinated by all the vibrant colors worn, not only by Suchi in her costumes but by the other Indian women in their traditional dresses...so many pinks, oranges, greens and blues...such a difference from when we dress up here...black is the dress up color it seems...I think I like their way of doing it better! Maybe we should all break out of the black and start wearing bright colors...and lots of bling!!
Suchi performed 8 dances in all...
Imagine how long it took her to get ready...she had to have henna painted feet and hands and all the make up and jewels put on her face...no those are not piercings...they are sort of glued on...and more henna on her face...with all the make up...she looks so much older than she is...but she is just 16!
They had a break in the middle of the dance with refreshments and then a traditional Indian dinner served after. I had a very nice time and was glad to be included in this special evening.
Now I better get back to my sewing...preparing for these craft fairs take time...I am one of those slow, but steady sewers...some say a perfectionist...I just try and do things right!
Until next time...enjoy your day!!

11 comments:

Holly said...

Oh my goodness, she must be in amazing shape to dance for so long. Eight dances? Wow! Her family must be so proud. Beautiful girl.

Kris said...

I bet that was beautiful!!!

❀~Myrna~❀ said...

That does look very interesting & beautiful!

Sue said...

I have never heard of such a thing...how interesting. She must be a great athlete to be able to dance for so long! I'm not sure I would be able to sit all the way through it!

Michelle said...

I love things like this and miss that cultural part of city life. She sounds like an interesting young woman and great that she is participating in her culture.

Judy S. said...

Very interesting! Am just getting caught up a little after 3 weeks with the GK.....We were in a quilt shop in OR today, and I saw some really neat buttons that made me think of you and your beautiful bags! Loved your recent ones, esp. the new one with the lady bug!

Beverly said...

How wonderful to see something so different and to know someone participating must have made it even better. She must be an amazing, dedicatied young lady. Hard to believe she is only 16.
I can imagine how busy you must be getting ready for your shows. I have been invited to a participate in a couple in the fall, but honestly don't think I could get enough done.
Hope you will post some of what you are working on.

Siobhán said...

Wow! I've never heard of that type of dance. That must have been so interesting! My favorite SIL's parents are from India so I am always intrigued by their clothing, etc. So beautiful and colorful!

La Vie Quotidienne said...

My goodness what a fascinating event. The costumes, makeup and jewelery is so amazing. And she is so beautiful! Thank you for introducing us to this type of dance...I have never heard of it.

deb said...

it certainly was beautiful!!!

Keerthi said...

Absolutely gorgeous pics the pic in the arangetram invitation is stunning.