Kaavya is a 10-year-old girl from Texas who loves Harry Potter, puzzles, musical theatre, GIlmore Girls, and robotics.

 

She also is about to embark on the most important moment of her life up until now: her arangetram. (Translation: ascending the stage).  This 2-hour solo dance debut showcases a mastery in Bharatanatyam, the oldest form of Indian classical dance which originated over 2,000 years ago.  

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The pressures for any young person who prepares for this performance are extraordinary, but Kaavya's situation is unique.  She not only is one of the youngest students to have an arangetram, but she is trained by her very own mother, a professional dancer and respected guru with a formidable 

reputation of her own to uphold.

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Each gesture in Bharatanatyam holds a distinct meaning that when woven together, tell ancient stories from Hindu mythology.  Kaavya continues the tradition of telling these stories through choreography that has been passed down to her over many generations.  And, in spite of a global pandemic disrupting her performance, emotional breakdowns in rehearsal, and dealing with the disappointment of not having her grandparents visit for her big day, Kaavya impressively adapts to the new circumstances and carries on to claim a dance form that has survived millennia.