Bharatanatyam is one of the oldest classical dance forms of India, originating from the temples of Tamil Nadu, South India. It is a 2,000-year-old dance form that combines spiritual, emotional, and rhythmic elements. Bharatanatyam is considered a "dance of the soul" or "Natya Yoga" (a form of meditation) designed to create a "rasa" (emotional taste) or spiritual connection between the dancer and the audience.

Arangetram is a Tamil word which means “ascending the stage”. It marks the completion of the dance training and blossoming of the dancer into a full-fledged art exponent. It is an opportunity for the dancer to show their mastery of the Bharatanatyam dance form and seek blessings from their Guru, family, and friends. 

Nirali has harbored a deep love for Indian dance since her childhood. She transformed this lifelong dream into reality through her dedicated study of Bharatanatyam, culminating in her Arangetram. Supported by her husband, Ritesh, she balances her artistic passion with being a mother to three—Rishin, Nishil, and Kavya—and running her successful medical practice. Her eight-year journey to this milestone has been driven by unwavering dedication, perseverance, and passion. Nirali is profoundly grateful to Guru Smt. Toral Chaudhari for her expert guidance and support. 

Kavya began her Bharatanatyam journey at the age of six, inspired by her mother and father, Nirali and Ritesh Parikh. Through this art form, she has deepened her connection to her Indian heritage, while the rigorous preparation for her Arangetram has instilled a profound sense of discipline and perseverance in her. Kavya is immensely grateful to Guru Smt. Toral Chaudhari for her expert guidance and nurturing support. Through dance, Kavya has built lasting friendships with the other students. Entering her sophomore year at Conant High School, Kavya is a dedicated student who has maintained an excellent academic record. Her favorite activity is basketball. 

Guru Shreemati Toral Chaudhari, the director of Nrutyakalashree Dance Academy, was born in Ahmedabad, India. For 10 years, she learned the art of Bharatanatyam from Shreemati Elakshiben Thakor of Ahmedabad and received her performing art degree from Nrutya Bharati Performing Arts Center. She completed her advanced training and received a second degree from Shree Madhubhai Patel in Vadodara. In 1989, she established her Academy in Schaumburg. For the past 39 years, she has been busy training over 1200 students. At the end of this month, 202 students will have completed their Arangetram. Furthermore, the Academy has received various trophies and awards from organizations across the Chicagoland area.