Arangetram Checklist
We see the same three things forgotten at arangetrams, every season: safety pins, a second hair elastic, and a plan for who carries the jewellery. The costume is usually the part everyone remembers.
Three Weeks Out
Costume fitted and confirmed, jewellery matched against the costume under a light rather than in daylight, and the salangai checked for loose bells. If the costume needs any alteration, this is the last comfortable moment to find out.
The Week Before
Confirm collection time with the studio, decide who is responsible for carrying and returning the jewellery, and do one full run-through in costume if the hall allows it. A dancer who has never rehearsed in the costume is discovering it on stage.
The Morning Of
Make-up first, costume second — foundation on a stitched costume does not come out easily and rental terms will reflect that. Pin everything before leaving home, not at the venue where the light is bad and everyone is rushing.
What Actually Goes Wrong
Hooks give way mid-item, the ottiyanam loosens, a headset pin slips. None of these end a performance if someone in the green room has pins and knows where the fastenings are. Assign that person in advance — usually not the dancer's mother, who will be watching.
Day-Of Kit
- Safety pins — more than you think, in two sizes
- Spare hair elastics and U-pins
- The jewellery list, so nothing is left behind at the venue
- A cloth bag for the costume after the performance, not plastic
- Someone assigned to the green room who knows the fastenings
- Studio phone number saved: 080893 13060
Not sure what you need?
Call the studio and describe the item, the date and the dancer's age — we will tell you what it takes.
Arangetram Preparation FAQs
- Safety pins in two sizes, spare hair elastics, the jewellery list, a cloth bag for afterwards, and one person assigned to the green room.
- Make-up first. Foundation on a stitched costume is difficult to remove and rental terms account for staining.
- Two to three weeks before, with enough time to adjust anything that restricts movement in araimandi.
- Decide in advance and give that person the list. Pieces are most often lost at the venue after the performance, not before.