Twelve years of devotion. One radiant debut.

Rathi Arts Foundation

Guru Mrs. Sheela Chandrashekar

(Founder/Director of Rathi School of Dance)

and

The Kilambi & Madabhushanam families

Cordially invite you to the

Ranga Pravesha

of

Aditi Kilambi

Grand Daughter of Rajagopalachari & Aravinda Kilambi

and Venkatacharya & Sumacharya Madabhushanam

Daughter of Sai Mohan Kilambi and Mridula Madabhushanam

Date and Time:

Saturday, July 11th, 2026

3:00 PM to 6:00 PM EST

Doors Open at 2:30 PM

Venue:

Shenkman Arts Centre

245 Centrum Blvd.,

Ottawa, K1E 0A1

Ages 5 and above are welcome

Satvik dinner (no onion or garlic) will be served after the program

Kindly RSVP by June 30th, 2026

RSVP Now Leave a Wish
Aditi performing Bharatanatyam Aditi performing Bharatanatyam
Aditi takes the stage in
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आङ्गिकं भुवनं यस्य वाचिकं सर्ववाङ्मयम्

आहार्यं चन्द्रतारादि तं नुमः सात्त्विकं शिवम्

Āṅgikaṃ bhuvanaṃ yasya vācikaṃ sarvavāṅmayam

Āhāryaṃ candratārādi taṃ numaḥ sāttvikaṃ Śivam

He whose body is the universe · whose speech is all language · whose adornment is the moon and stars — to that pure Shiva, we bow.

The Dancer

Aditi

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Aditi as a young dancer

Years in the Making

The Journey

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A glimpse into the years of dedication, practice, and joy that have led Aditi to this moment.

The Tradition

What is a Ranga Pravesham?

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A Ranga Pravesham — literally entering the stage — is the formal debut recital that marks a Bharatanatyam student's passage from learner to performing artist. It is one of the most sacred milestones in the classical Indian dance tradition, representing years of devoted study under a guru and the student's readiness to offer her art to the world.

Unlike a recital or showcase, the Ranga Pravesham is a complete solo concert — two to three hours — in which the dancer presents the full classical repertoire, from the opening prayer to the closing Mangalam. It is both an examination and a celebration: a declaration by the guru that the student has mastered not only the technical vocabulary of adavus, mudras, and abhinaya, but also the inner quality — the bhava — that brings the dance to life.

The tradition traces back to the ancient temple dance tradition of South India, where Bharatanatyam was performed as an offering to the divine. To this day it carries that same spirit — art offered with humility, devotion, and joy.

Aditi in white and blue costume Aditi in red and orange costume Aditi in blue and pink costume Aditi in green and red costume

The Performance

Program

A classical journey through the repertoire of Bharatanatyam

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I

Sri Vignarajam Bhaje & Alaripu

Raga Gambhira Nattai · Khanda Chapu Tala · Sanskrit

A prayer to the elephant-headed God Vignaraja, composed by Sri. OotukkaaDu VenkaTa Subba Iyyar, followed by Alaripu — pure rhythmic movement awakening the body and spirit for the concert ahead.

II

Jathiswaram

Raga Bhairavi · Mishra Chapu Tala

A dance of pure nritta — rhythmic steps (adavus) woven into definite groups called jathis, showcasing the beauty of abstract, expressive movement.

III

Shabdam

Raga Malika · Mishra Chapu Tala · Kannada

In praise of Goddess Saraswathi. Composed by Smt. Sandhya Ravindranath from Milpitas, California, USA.

IV

Varnam — Rama E Vyala Centerpiece

Raga Karahara Priya · Adi Tala · Telugu

Composed by Sri. Tenmadam Narasimhacharyulu and dedicated to Lord Rama. The varnam is the heart of the Ranga Pravesham — pure dance movements interwoven with story, facial expression, and hand gesture, combining nritta, nritya, and natya in full.

✦   Interval   ✦
V

Adidano Ranga

Raga Arabhi · Adi Tala · Kannada

Composed by saint-poet Purandara Dasa. The poet describes the dance of little boy Krishna on the head of Kalinga, the snake.

VI

Nagendra Haraya & Neelakantam Bhaje Hum

Raga Malika · Khanda Chapu Tala & Raga Kedara Goula · Rupaka Tala · Sanskrit

A composition of Sri. Shankaracharya, followed by a composition of Sri. Muthuswamy Dikshitar — both in praise of Lord Shiva.

VII

Durge Durge Jaya Jaya Durge

Raga Revati · Adi Tala · Tamil

Composed by Sri. Madurai N Krishnan, in praise of Goddess Durga. The poet praises the Divine Mother's fierce strength, beauty, and ultimate compassion.

VIII

Thillana & Mangalam

Raga Shankara Bharana · Tisra Jaathi Adi Tala · Tamil

Composed by Sri. Ponniah Pillai. The traditional closing piece of a Bharatanatyam recital — pure dance with intricate footwork and graceful movements expressing joy and ecstasy — followed by Mangalam, a closing prayer of auspiciousness.

Guru & Orchestra

The Artists

The guru and ensemble bringing Aditi's Ranga Pravesham to life

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Nattuvangam
Conducting & Cymbals
guru Sheela Chandrashekar

The nattuvnar leads the performance, keeping time with cymbals and guiding the dancer through each piece.

Vocal
Lead Singer
Sri. Elangovan Govindarajan

The vocalist breathes life into each composition, giving voice to the stories the dancer tells through abhinaya.

Mridangam
Classical Percussion
Sri. Kaneshathasan Mahadevan

The heartbeat of Bharatanatyam — the mridangam's rhythmic language speaks in dialogue with the dancer's footwork.

Flute
Melodic Accompaniment
Sri. Raghuraman Govindarajan

The flute adds a lyrical, devotional quality to the music, evoking the spirit of classical Carnatic tradition.

Violin
Melodic Accompaniment
Sayohn Aihilan

The violin weaves melody through the concert, enriching the classical compositions with its expressive voice.

Supporting Team

MCShalini Chandan & Tanya Chandrashekar
Stage ManagerMelvin Francis & Balu Chakravarthy
CostumesKrishna Kumar, Bangalore

Leave Your Mark

Guestbook

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Share a message for Aditi and her family to cherish.

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Join Us

RSVP

Aditi has worked toward this day her whole life — we would be so honoured to celebrate it with you. Seating is limited, so please do let us know you're coming.

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Changed your plans? Re-submit with the same email to update your RSVP.

Already RSVP'd?

Plan Your Visit

Event Details

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Date

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Time

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Venue

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Dress Code

Traditional Indian attire or formal wear is warmly encouraged.

Getting Here

Parking & Directions

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Free Parking

Ample free parking is available on-site at Shenkman Arts Centre. Simply follow signage from Centrum Blvd. No parking pass required.

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By Transit

Shenkman Arts Centre is accessible via OC Transpo. Check octranspo.com for current routes and schedules.

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Address

245 Centrum Blvd
Orléans, ON K1E 0A1

↗ Open in Google Maps

Have Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is Bharatanatyam?

Bharatanatyam is one of the oldest and most revered classical dance forms of India, originating in the temples of Tamil Nadu. It combines rhythmic footwork (nritta), expressive storytelling (abhinaya), and devotional themes through intricate hand gestures (mudras), eye movements, and facial expressions.

How long is the performance?

The Ranga Pravesham concert is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, including a short intermission. The program features eight classical pieces, culminating in the Tillana and a closing Mangalam.

Is photography or videography allowed?

Photography and personal videography are welcome throughout the performance. We ask that you keep flash photography to a minimum during more intimate pieces. A professional photographer will be capturing the event.

Is the event suitable for children?

Absolutely! Bharatanatyam is a vibrant, visual art form that children often find captivating. The colorful costumes, expressive storytelling, and rhythmic music tend to delight young attendees.

What is the dress code?

Traditional Indian attire (sarees, kurtas, sherwanis, salwar kameez) or formal western wear is warmly encouraged.

Where can I park?

Free parking is available on-site at Shenkman Arts Centre (245 Centrum Blvd, Orléans). There is ample space and no parking pass is required.

Will programs be distributed?

Yes! Printed programs will be available at the venue, including an introduction to each item, brief notes on Bharatanatyam, and a special message from Aditi and her family.