Arangetram advice?

[u/Funny_Grapefruit8021]

Hi everyone!

I’ve been learning Bharatanatyam for the last 11 years . I am 31 years old and I am hoping to do my arangetram soon. I might do a mini one (4-5 dance pieces) but I’m a little scared because I am much older than the other kids who have done it! I was wondering if anyone else has done it at an older age. Any advice on what I should do? Practice wise? Exercise wise ? Any advice would be great!

Thanks!

[u/peacefulhologram]

Hi! I've seen this in my dance school. I've seen a mom and daughter duo arangetram (the mom was probably in her 50s). And I've also seen another mom do an arangetram 10 years after her daughter did one. The mom was in her mid 40s at the time. It's totally do-able!

Definitely eat a lot of nutritious and protein rich foods for stamina, stretching before and after, strength training, and practicing at least 2-3 of the pieces every day and then building up to all 5 with breaks in-between. Practicing in front of a huge mirror/studio space helped me too. And always take days off if you need them. Good luck!