Cleveland Thyagaraja Aradhana — Bharatanatyam Competition

Rules and Regulations

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

The competition is split into 3 (three) categories by age: 12–14, 15–18, and 19–23. Age should be calculated as of March 31, 2008
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, and showcase both nrittha and abhinaya.
You will need to submit a letter of recommendation from your most recent dance teacher.
You must send a DVD of the applicant (the applicant alone), performing one or two Bharatanatyam 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. (If you would like the video returned, please include a self-addresses postage-paid envelope with your application.)
An anonymous panel appointed by the organizers will review all entries and videos. 10 (ten) finalists will be chosen from each category to perform at the competition on March 30 . All decisions of this panel are final and binding.
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 February 1. Our mailing address is listed here

Applicants will be informed of panel's decision, whether they have been selected or not, by February 24. 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 2. 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 can either mail a CD, or e-mail an MP3 file of the music. Further details will be provided in your letter.
Finalists are responsible for their own travel, accomodation, 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.

We will not accept any phone calls about the dance competition applications. 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.