Arangetram Dakshina

dancermom · Post by **dancermom** » 15 Jan 2009, 20:20

Dear Rasikas,

My daughter will be doing her arangetram in 2010 and I was discussing with the teacher all the expenses involved. Her teacher doesn't charge a fee for arangetrams, but I would like to give her something, and preferably something that most teachers charge in the US. Any suggestions would be deeply appreciated....

saramati · Post by **saramati** » 15 Jan 2009, 20:47

In India, the teachers, I am told charge anywhere between between 1.5 to 2.5 lakhs. That includes the cost of the hall, the payment to the singers, instruments, makeup etc, although the dance teacher's charge out of this amount would be about 80 %. Some give silk sarees, jewels etc.

ardhanariswar · Post by **ardhanariswar** » 16 Jan 2009, 20:44

I've heard that some dance teachers (here in the US) charge a specific amount (a couple thousand maybe?) which covers the intensive training before the arangetram, and also the orchestra I think.

Saris and flowers are always given as gifts to both the guru and orchestra members, though I personally think that's boring. My teacher always complained when she got saris upon saris every arangetram season. Nothing is really mandatory in terms of gifts though.

Could you talk to anyone who has finished their arangetram with child's teacher earlier? They might be able to give you a better idea.

Good luck!