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Bharathanatyam Competition

Registration for the Bharathanatyam competition is now open. Please read the rules below before filling in the application form.

Rules and Regulations

The following rules apply to the Bharathanatyam competition. There will be no exceptions, and any violation will result in disqualification.

• The competition is split into three (3) categories by age: 12–14, 15–18, and 19–23. Age should be calculated as of March 1, 2010.
• The application form must be filled in completely with three (3) choices on what the applicant will perform if selected. Each item must be under eight (8) minutes long.
  • For the age groups 12–14, selections must showcase both nrittha and abhinaya.
  • For the age group 15–18, the selections must be a Varnam (or a portion of a varnam).
  • For the 19–23 age group, the selections must be thillanas (including charanam) to showcase abhinaya.
• You must send a DVD of the applicant (the applicant alone), performing one or two Bharathanatyam items (lasting between 15 and 30 minutes in total) that exhibit both nrittha and abhinaya. No other video format will be accepted. This item will be used to gauge the performance caliber of the applicant. The item need not be performed in full costume, and need not be the same item you wish to perform if you are selected. It need not conform to the category restrictions above; you may choose whatever piece to present in the recording.
• If you would like the video returned, please include a self-addresses postage-paid envelope with your application.
• You must submit, along with your application, a non-refundable application fee of $125, payable to the Aradhana Committee. (This fee is tax deductable.)
• All applications must be postmarked no later than January 1, 2010.
• If you would like acknowledgement that we have received your application, please send it to us via a postal or parcel service that provides such acknowledgement.
• An anonymous panel appointed by the organizers will review all entries and videos. Ten (10) finalists will be chosen from both the 12–14 and 15–18 age groups, and five (5) finalists will be chosen from the 19–23 age group to perform at the competition on April 11, 2010. All decisions of this panel are final and binding.

Applicants will be informed of panel's decision, whether they have been selected or not, by February 5, 2010. If you are selected as one of the 30 finalists, the following additional rules apply:

• Finalists will be informed as part of their selection letter, which of the three pieces listed on the application form they must perform. Changes to this will not be permitted.
• The final music for the selected piece must be received by the Aradhana Committee by March 15, 2010. It must be a professional quality recording, and under eight (8) minutes long. It will be checked for compliance, and no exceptions will be made. You must e-mail an MP3 file of the music. Further details will be provided in your letter.
• Finalists are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, and other expenses while attending the competition and festival.

If you agree to these rules, please fill out our application form, and mail it to us with all the necessary enclosures.

If you have any questions about the competition, please e-mail Radhika Balasubramaniam at radhika@aradhana.org.