That thai Tha Ha Adavu Step 1 | Natyakriya Episode 18

With "That thai tha ha", we move to the (unofficial) intermediate level in Bharatanatyam. If you have been sticking with me for the past few months and learning side-by-side, congratulations! :-)

I do suggest you go through all the previous steps once again, practice and be sure of them.

Here is the 1st step of That thai tha ha adavu -

{Due to reasons specified in this post, I won't be able to give you the Written Instructions right away. I will however try to update them here within a week or so}

Tha Thai Thai Tha Step 5 | Bharatanatyam Visharu Adavu | Natyakriya Episode 17

Visharu Adavu, or more popularly known as the "Tha Thai Thai Tha" Adavu is the 3rd set of steps in Bharatanatyam. There are 5 different variations in this adavu. These are frequently used in a lot of Nritta choreography.

The sollukattu (सोल्लुकट्टु) or Rhythmic syllables of Visharu Adavu is - Thaa Thai Thai Tha

Here is the video tutorial of the 5thstep of Thaa thai thai tha -

Tha Thai Thai Tha Step 4 | Bharatanatyam Visharu Adavu | Natyakriya Episode 16

I've been MIA for quite sometime! Sorry about that. Was attacked by a bad case flu and fever! :-) Anyways, here I am with the 4th step of Tha thai thai tha.

Check out the previous episodes here.

Visharu Adavu, or more popularly known as the "Tha Thai Thai Tha" Adavu is the 3rd set of steps in Bharatanatyam. There are 5 different variations in this adavu. These are frequently used in a lot of Nritta choreography.

The sollukattu (सोल्लुकट्टु) or Rhythmic syllables of Visharu Adavu is - Thaa Thai Thai Tha

Here is the video tutorial of the 1st step of Thaa thai thai tha -

Detailed Written Steps coming soon... 

Visharu Adavu Step 3 | Bharatanatyam Tha Thai Thai Tha | Natyakriya Episode 15

* If you are new to Bharatanatyam, I urge you to start from the beginning.
* Subscribe to my YouTube Channel to get regular updates whenever I post a new video tutorial.

Visharu Adavu, or more popularly known as the "Tha Thai Thai Tha" Adavu is the 3rd set of steps in Bharatanatyam. There are 5 different variations in this adavu. These are frequently used in a lot of Nritta choreography. Con

The sollukattu (सोल्लुकट्टु) or Rhythmic syllables of Visharu Adavu is - Thaa Thai Thai Tha

Here is the video tutorial of the 3rd step of Thaa thai thai tha -

Visharu Adavu Step 2 | Tha Thai Thai Tha Adavu | Natyakriya Episode 14

* If you are new to Bharatanatyam, I urge you to start from the beginning.
* Subscribe to my YouTube Channel to get regular updates whenever I post a new video tutorial.

Visharu Adavu, or more popularly known as the "Tha Thai Thai Tha" Adavu is the 3rd set of steps in Bharatanatyam. There are 5 different variations in this adavu. These are frequently used in a lot of Nritta choreography. Con

The sollukattu (सोल्लुकट्टु) or Rhythmic syllables of Visharu Adavu is - Thaa Thai Thai Tha

Here is the video tutorial of the 2ns step of Thaa thai thai tha -

Visharu Adavu Step 1 | Tha Thai Thai Tha Adavu | Natyakriya Episode 14

* If you are new to Bharatanatyam, I urge you to start from the beginning.
* Subscribe to my YouTube Channel to get regular updates whenever I post a new video tutorial.

Visharu Adavu, or more popularly known as the "Tha Thai Thai Tha" Adavu is the 3rd set of steps in Bharatanatyam. There are 5 different variations in this adavu. These are frequently used in a lot of Nritta choreography.

The sollukattu (सोल्लुकट्टु) or Rhythmic syllables of Visharu Adavu is - Thaa Thai Thai Tha

Here is the video tutorial of the 1st step of Thaa thai thai tha -

Nattadavu Step 8 | Bharatanatyam Adavu | Natyakriya Episode 13

* If you are new to Bharatanatyam, I urge you to start from the beginning.
* If you haven't learned the previous steps of Nattadavu, click here & here.

Nattadavu is the 2nd set of steps (or ADAVU) in Bharatanatyam. Following the 6th step of Nattadavu, we move on to the 7th step.
The sollukattu (सोल्लुकट्टु) or Rhythmic syllables of is - Thaiyyum That Tha Thaiyyum Thaam

Here is the video tutorial -

Nattadavu Step 7 | Bharatanatyam Adavu | Natyakriya Episode 12

* If you are new to Bharatanatyam, I urge you to start from the beginning.
* If you haven't learned the previous steps of Nattadavu, click here & here.

Nattadavu is the 2nd set of steps (or ADAVU) in Bharatanatyam. Following the 6th step of Nattadavu, we move on to the 7th step.
The sollukattu (सोल्लुकट्टु) or Rhythmic syllables of is - Thaiyyum That Tha Thaiyyum Thaam

Here is the video tutorial -

Nattadavu Step 6 | Bharatanatyam Adavu | Natyakriya Episode 11

* If you are new to Bharatanatyam, I urge you to start from the beginning.
* If you haven't learned the previous steps of Nattadavu, click here & here.

Nattadavu is the 2nd set of steps (or ADAVU) in Bharatanatyam. Following the 5th step of Nattadavu, we move on to the 6th step. There are minute differences between the 5th & 6th steps of Nattadavu.

The sollukattu (सोल्लुकट्टु) or Rhythmic syllables of is - Thaiyyum That Tha Thaiyyum Thaam

Here is the video tutorial -

Nattadavu Step 5 | Bharatanatyam Adavu | Natyakriya Episode 10

* If you are new to Bharatanatyam, I urge you to start from the beginning.
* If you haven't learned the previous steps of Nattadavu, click here & here.

Nattadavu is the 2nd set of steps (or ADAVU) in Bharatanatyam. Having learned the first four steps in the previous episodes, we now proceed to the 5th step.

The sollukattu (सोल्लुकट्टु) or Rhythmic syllables of is - Thaiyyum That Tha Thaiyyum Thaam

Here is the video tutorial -

Nattadavu Steps 3, 4 | Bharatanatyam Adavu | Natyakriya Episode 09

We started off with Nattadavu steps 1 & 2 in the previous episode. Today we're going to seeing how to do Nattadavu (नाट्टडवु) {read: Naa-ttuh-duh-voo} steps 3 & 4.

Like the 1st & 2nd steps, 4th is just twice of the 3rd step. And the sollukattu (सोल्लुकट्टु) or Rhythmic syllables of is - Thaiyyum That Tha Thaiyyum Thaam

Here's a video tutorial - 

Nattadavu Steps 1, 2 | Bharatanatyam Adavus | Natyakriya Episode 08

We started off with the Namaskaram and learned the first set of steps called "Thattadavu". If you are a beginner, I urge you to start from the beginning to get an idea of the basic dance prayer, positions etc.

Today, we're going to be moving on to the second set of steps or Adavu known as "Nattadavu" (नाट्टडवु) {read: Naa-ttuh-duh-voo}. "Naattudhal" means "to  firmly root". In these steps, the HEEL is used as a PIVOT for stretching and hitting of the legs. Hand movements are incorporated for the first time. There are 8 variations (depending upon the style of dance) in this adavu.

The sollukattu (सोल्लुकट्टु) or Rhythmic syllables of Nattadavu is - Thaiyyum That Tha Thaiyyum Thaam

Here is the video tutorial on the first & second steps of Nattadavu.

Thattadavu Thaiyya Thai Steps 7,8 - Bharatanatyam 1st Adavu | Natyakriya Episode 07

Continuing on our Thattadavu series of steps, let's learn steps 7 & 8 today. Both these steps are slightly different than the previous 6 steps.

Here is the Video Tutorial -

Thattadavu Thaiyya Thai Steps 5,6 - Bharatanatyam 1st Adavu | Natyakriya Episode 06

Continuing on our Thattadavu series of steps, let's learn steps 5 & 6 today.

Here is the Video Tutorial -

Thattadavu Thaiyya Thai Steps 3,4 - Bharatanatyam 1st Adavu | Natyakriya Episode 05

We started learning the Thattadavu in our last class.
Continuing our lessons, we're going to be learning steps 3 & 4 of the same adavu. (There are 8 variations to this adavu. Read about them here.)

The sollukattu or rhythmic syllables of Thattadavu is - Thaiyya Thai

Here's a video tutorial of the 3rd & 4th steps of Thattadavu -

Thattadavu Thaiyya Thai 1 & 2 - Bharatanatyam 1st Adavu | Natyakriya Episode 04

The first adavu in Bharatanatyam is the Thattadavu (तट्टडवु) . It consists of 8 steps (or variations). This Adavu is performed by striking the floor with the feet one after the other. "Thattu" means to strike the floor flatly with the whole of the sole. Every step is done in the first, second & third speeds.

The sollukattu or rhythmic syllables of Thattadavu is - Thaiyya Thai

Here's a video tutorial of the1st & 2nd steps of Thattadavu -

Dhyana Shlokam (Dance Prayer) | Angikam Bhuvanam Yasya | Natyakriya Episode 03

source

Today, I'm going to tell y'll about Dhyaana Shlokam (read: dhi-yaa-nuh sh-loh-kum). It is traditional to start a dance practice with a dhyaana shlokam. 'DhyAna' is a Sanskrit word that means meditation and 'Shlokam' means a prayer.

This is a popular shloka in praise of Lord Shiva, who is said to be the King of Dance. The dancing form of Lord Shiva is known as 'Nataraja' (read: Nuh-tuh-raa-jaa).We have hand gestures (mudraas) for this Shlokam too. But we'll deal with that later.

Here's the video -

Bharatanatyam Postures or Positions | Samapadam, Aramandi, Muzhumandi | Natyakriya Episode 02

The three important positions in Bharatanatyam are -

1. Samapada (समपद)
2. Aramandi  or Ardha Mandalam (अर्ध मंडलम् )
3. Muzhu Mandi. (मुलु मण्डी )

A) Samapadam
A Bharatanatyam dancer begins from the samapada position which is a simple position in which the dancer's feet are facing forward, the body is erect - nether too relaxed nor too firm.

B) AraMandi / Arai Mandi / Ardha Mandalam
I'd say this is THE most important posture amongst the three. "Arai" is a Tamil word which means "Half" and "Mandi" means "to sit". Hence, this is a posture of Half-Sitting. Almost every step in Bharatanatyam will involve the dancer sitting in the Aramandi posture.

- In this posture, the dancer's heels are joined together, the toes of both legs pointed to the opposite direction. A straight line should form from one end of the toe to the other end.
- Then, the dancer squats halfway down, making sure to maintain the feet in same position. When the dancer sits this way, a diamond shape will form between the legs which must be maintained at all times for a good Arai mandi.

C) Muzhu Mandi
"Muzhu" {read: Moo-loo - twist up the tongue while saying "Zhu" (Loo)} - means "FULL". In this posture, the dancer sits down completely, maintaining the same feet positions as in Arai Mandi.

- Join hells and point toes to opposite directions
- Sit down on your toes while still making sure the heels are joined (or as close as possible)
- The thighs have to be stretched out in opposite directions and back erect

These are the three important positions in Bharata Natyam.

Bharatanatyam Namaskaram | The traditional way to start a Dance Practice | Natyakriya Episode 01

Namaskaram (नमस्कारं ) is the traditional way to start a dance session. Before and after every dance practice, we do a Namaskar as a way of offering our prayers to the Lord, the audience, our Guru and Mother Earth - for letting us dance on her.

Starting Free Online Dance Classes on YouTube

About a month ago, I started teaching Bharatanatyam to students online. What started as a hobby has become an integral part of my day. With so many people requesting for classes, I found myself short of time to devote to each student personally. Nevertheless, I didn't want to say no to anyone who asked to learn this art.

Hence, I've decided to start uploading free instructional dance videos on YouTube! :-) It may not be like a typical class, but for those who do not want personal coaching and feel they can follow videos and learn, it'll be of great help. Even for those who've learned Bharatanatyam before, my videos can prove to be a great revising/practicing tool for you.

Please make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel to get updates whenever I upload a new video. :-) The videos will be short and to the point, demonstrating series of Bharatanatyam steps in Kalakshetra style and other exercises, hand gestures etc. that I've learned from my Guru.

Introducing Forums on Natyakriya

Greetings,

I wanted to take a moment to let y'all know that I've added a new section to this website - The FORUMS.

This will facilitate discussions on topics related to Bharatanatyam, Carnatic Music, Classical Dances, Shlokams, our Indian culture and many more with me and other like minded people! Please register with your email ID and start posting your questions/ideas/opinions there so that all of us can view/reply.

Looking forward to having lively discussions with all of you. :-)

Thanks!

Thillai Ambalam | Bharatanatyam Shiva Shabdam | Lyrics & Meaning

Shabdam is a Bharatanatyam Item in which the Expressions (or Abhinaya) are introduced for the first time in the repertoire. The song (saahityam) is usually separated into stanzas and between each stanza, you'll have a simple Korvai (nritta steps). To read more about a Shabdam in Bharatanatyam, please click here.

source: Nataraja

"Thillai Ambalam" is a Shabdam on Lord Shiva. This Shabdam depicts a female devotee, who is amazed and enamored by the dance of Lord Shiva and describes the myriad feelings and dreams that she experiences in the hopes of uniting with him. The 'Naayika' wonders if Lord Nataraja, the one who dances at the golden temple of Chidambaram, would ever realize her love and accept her as his own

Nee Uraippai Hanumane Lyrics | Arunachala Kavi Songs | Rama Natakam

source

Arunachala Kavi was a Tamil poet and a composer of Carnatic music and considered to be one of the Tamil Trinity. He wrote Rama Natakam, a musical drama based on the Ramayana. The music for this musical was composed by two of Arunachala Kavi's disciples, Kothandarama Iyer and Venkatarama Iyer. The songs contain many Tamil proverbs and sayings. There are hundreds of songs and viruttams (songs sung without thaalam) in the Rama Natakam. Many of these songs are used for performing Bharatanatyam tales from Ramayana.

Nee Uraippai Hanumane is one if the many songs in Rama Natakam. The Hero Rama speaks to Hanuman and asks him to specify few incidents when he meets Sita, so that she will not suspect him.

Online Bharatanatyam Classes | Learn dance via Video Chat (Skype or Google Hangouts) or Video Lessons

Fill the Form to get details!

Congratulations!! You have taken your first step (or maybe n-th...?) towards pursuing one of the most ancient and beautiful dance forms of India! And I would love to teach you whatever I've learned in my 20 years of Bharatanatyam training!

Before you decide on this method...
Bharatanatyam is a dance form that takes years and years to master. As such, the Guru-Shishya tradition of imparting lessons is the best way to pursue this dance form. The years I spent with my Guru were memorable and instrumental in shaping my dance the way it is today. Although I love teaching Bharatanatyam and have found the Online Method to be very effective - especially for accelerated progress; I would still advise you to learn from a teacher offline, if possible. Learning from a teacher directly is a beautiful experience! Of course, online one-on-one teaching is a close second! :-)

So before you decide to contact me to learn Bharatanatyam online, I urge you to make the attempt to find a teacher in your neighborhood. (especially if you are in India, there are so many teachers available in almost every city! Don't restrict to a Google search. Search your local contact registry!)

Ready? Great! Let's get started!

What I can Teach You?

1. Kalakshetra style steps (Adavu)
2. Theory in Bharatanatyam
3. Over 200 Items & Songs (Margam)  ** (see below)
4. Hand Gestures - Mudras
5. Rhythms - Thaalams
6. Bharatanatyam Exercises
7. Choreograph classical or semi classical songs for any program/function

List of Items / Songs that I Know (multiple compositions in each category)

1. Invocatory items - Kautuvams, Anjali etc.
2. Alarippu
3. Jatiswaram
4. Shabdam
5. Varnam
6. Padams, Keertanams & Javali
7. Thillana
8. Kavadi / Koothu / Thematic songs
9. Other semi classical & contemporary choreography

Natyakriya Online Bharatanatyam Classes - The Details

• This is a comprehensive method of learning aimed at imparting lessons at an accelerated pace. Progress in this method is usually observed to be twice (or more) as faster as a regular group class
• The classes are held via Google Hangouts or Skype (or any other video chat medium)
• You can customize the classes based on your schedule. You also get to choose how many hours of class you want to have during the month (dates & timings will be decided a month in advance)
• I often travel to remote locations in India & elsewhere; due to which I have to pay high internet charges, tax rates & transaction rates. The fees are structured just to cover the costs. They are inclusive of tax rates, PayPal charges, audio/video/theory material given to the student and other fixed charges incurred to offer the classes. In case you are 2-4 people who want to learn together as a group, I request you to fill out the form just once. I shall be giving you classes at a reduced rate.
• Fees have to be paid BEFORE the start of classes every month via PayPal or NEFT Payments to my Indian Bank.
• If you have ANY other questions, feel free to ask them in the form below.

An Alternative: Video Tutorials sent to your Mailbox!

It is my dream to make this dance form accessible to as many people as possible! However, due to work and time constraints, I am not able to do that. As a cheaper and more feasible alternative, I offer the option of learning through my video tutorials. In this method, I would regularly send you videos of steps / portion that you have to follow. This is effective for older students who can confidently follow tutorials and teach themselves.

Are you INTERESTED? Please Fill the form below as accurately as possible for availability, rates, timings and other information. I shall get back to you at the earliest -

Introduction to Thaalam / Taal / Tāla | Rhytmic Pattern or Beats in Bharatanatyam

source

I cannot stress the importance of "Thaalam"  or "Tala" (ताल ) in dance. The entire dance is set to a particular Taal and has to be followed with utmost precision. Even missing one beat in the Taal can be catastrophic! :-D And I'm being over melodramatic. Well.. not catastrophic. But messing up the Beats (Taal) will definitely mess up your performance and make people notice your mistakes.

"Taalam" (तालं ) is a Sanskrit word that means "to clap". A Bharatanatyam dance is usually set to Carnatic Music and Carnatic Music is set to rhythmic pattern of beats known as Taalam. An understanding of the Talam System of Carnatic Music will ensure a wholesome learning of this art form. (Not all Bbharatanatyam dancers learn Carnatic Music. It isn't a prerequisite. But it is noticed that those who learn both Carnatic Music and Bharatanatyam together have a better understanding of the system of Talam, Ragam, Emotions etc. So if you get the chance to learn both, do learn them!)

Rhythm in Carnatic music changes for each composition. Songs are set to a specific Thaalam or beat. (Some songs may have multiple rhythms). Each and every Thaalam has a structure, that is governed by the rules pertaining to it. In Carnatic Music, each pulse (every hit) is called "Aksharam" (अक्षर ) that are placed at equal intervals (although each interval is capable of being divided into faster or slower Swaras). Each Thaalam comes in cycles of a number of beats, called an "Aavartanam" (आवर्तन ). So the total number of "Aksharams" (hits) make up one "Aavartanam" of a Thaalam.

Thandai Muzhanga Lyrics | Murugan Bharatanatyam Shabdam

source

 If you don't know what a Shabdam in Bharatanatyam means, I urge you to read my article on the same. It is an item wherein the Abhinaya (or expressions) are introduced for the first time in a recital. Needless to say, the emphasis being on Abhinaya, Shabdam is not a Nritta-piece.

Thandai Muzhanga is a beautiful dance piece on Lord Karthikeya (or Lord Muruga) who is the son of Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvati. Almost 9 years ago, I did this very same Shabdam for my Arangetram. I've learned quite a few Shabdams since then, but this remains to be my favorite item.  

Although the audio in this video is not clear, it'll give you an idea of the tune of this Shabdam. I found this on YouTube. If you want the Thandai Muzhanga Shabdam SONG for download, please click "Read More"

What is a Shabdam in Bharatanatyam?

What is a Shabdam (read: Sh-uhb-dham - शब्दं )?

Shabdam is a Bharatanatyam Item in which the Expressions (or Abhinaya) are introduced for the first time in the repertoire. The song (saahityam) is usually separated into stanzas and between each stanza, you'll have a simple Korvai (nritta steps). Each stanza can contain a different story or all of them put together is one single story. But essentially the whole item is about one person, one theme.

This item is usually set to the Misra Chapu Thaalam and Ragamalika (different Ragams or Tunes for different stanzas). Misra Chapu Thaalam is a series of 7 beats (1-2-3 ; 1-2-3-4 or tha-ki-ta ; tha-ka-dhi-mi)

The movements here are leisurely. In the Shabdam, emotions are withheld at the beginning; thereafter, when the dancer has clarified herself, they are released in a measured and disciplined manner.

Shabdams are also referred to as Yashogeethams . They have also inherited an Islamic Influence of repeating the Salaam or Namostute (paying respects to the Almighty or the King) at the end of each line. This pleased the patrons. Initially Shabdams were composed and rendered in one Raaga. But it is now a common practice to use one Raaga (or tune) for each stanza and present the composition in Raagamalika.

Some of the Shabdams that I know of are listed below. There may be many more to the list. Please let me know by leaving a comment on this post. I shall be happy to update the list -

Thandai Muzhanga

Aayar Seriyar

Adum Mayil

Vayu Maidane

Aazhi Suzhnthida

Ramar

Devi Thaye

Shivan

Venu Gananai

Krishna Manjari

Myilai Pujitha

Sararijakshulu

Sequence of Bharatanatyam Adavus (steps) | How to learn Bharatanatyam from the basics

source

That it takes practice and patience to ace at any art form is a known fact. This fact is especially true for Bharatanatyam. It is believed that at least 6-7 years of rigorous training is required to even ascend the stage (Arangetram) and many more years to give commendable performances. But in this time and age, I find a lot of people looking to accelerate the learning process by skipping the basics. In fact, I was once asked by a mother, "if my daughter can directly learn a hip hop dance number, why can't she learn a Bharatanatyam dance item?". It is a valid question.

source

What people fail to understand is that Bharatanatyam is a very technical dance form. Imagine you start teaching your kid how to read a story without even teaching him/her the basic alphabets? That is what these basics steps are. The alphabets that you need to learn (well) in order to learn the more advanced dances. I cannot ball park the number of years it will take to finish learning these basics (as there are a lot). It entirely depends on the student's capabilities and the regularity with which he/she practices.

The Dancing Duo: Dhananjayans | Famous Dancers

I first heard of "THE legendary Dhanajayans" from my Guru Smt. Sripriya Sridhar. She has had the good fortune of learning from both of them for many many years. As a young teen who's never spent a day outside of Mumbai, I didn't exactly know the importance of this dancing duo in the world of Bharatanatyam. But as I grew up, the curiosity to know more about these famous dancers who trained my dance teacher grew. And I invaded YouTube to watch their performances and bought some of their DVDs too. They often travel the world along with their troupe performing in various places. I met them at a program in Matunga, Mumbai. It soon became clear WHY they were famous. They're incredible. The coordination, creativity and energy with which they have been dancing all these years has earned them the respect of fellow dancers and made them into a phenomenon in Bharatanatyam. Today, more than 60 years of dancing on stage later, they're still growing strong - together.

Natanam Adinar | Song Lyrics & Meaning

One of the songs describing the Blissful Dance of Lord Siva which I love is, "Natanam Aadinaar" by Gopalakrishna Bharatiyaar. The references to the story of Agastya, Tillai (Chidambaram) and the Sollukattu swaras make this dance energizing, interesting and beautiful. It is a celebration of Shiva, the cosmic dancer, who balances creation and destruction.

source

Bharatanatyam Hasta Mudra (Hand Gestures)

source

One of the most striking aspects of an Indian Classical Dance is the use of hand gestures, also known as Hasta Mudra (read: Huss-tha mu-dh-raa). In order to convey the meaning of what a dancer is performing, hand gestures are a significant __ to facial expressions. However, there are also Nritta Mudras, that are employed for the sake of beauty and decorative purposes while performing Nritta. So vast is the hand gestures that it covers almost all the aspects of human life and the entire universe. There is a hand gesture for every single thing in this universe. Some are performed with a single hand while some may require the use of both hands. Hence 'Mudras' bring unique poetic element while performing Abhinaya (expressions) and thus the language of the mudras enables the dancer to express practically anything and everything.

Nataraja - the Lord of Dance (Dancing Shiva)

source

Nataraja (read: Nuh-tuh-raa-jaa) is the depiction of the Hindu God Shiva as the cosmic dancer who performs his divine dance to destroy a weary universe to make way for the process of creation. In Hindu belief, Shiva as Nataraja appears at the end of one cosmic cycle and the beginning of the next, and is thus associated with both creation and destruction. In his hands he holds both the destructive fire and the double-sided drum, the sound from which summons up new creation.

Elements of Bharanatyam - Nritta, Nritya & Natya (3N's)

 

There are way too many things to know when it comes to any dance. Bharatanatyam tops the list, in my opinion! Unlike some dance forms that are learned for 'fun', Bharatanatyam requires deeper understanding, maturity and skill to learn and perform. In many classes, there is no structured program to take a student through the theoretical aspects of this Dance along with the practical steps. Although not knowing the theory doesn't hamper a person's dance skill, it is always good to have an all round growth. :-)

History & Evolution of Bharatanatyam

What we know as Bharata Natyam today springs from Sadir Natyam, also known by names like Daasi Attam, Chinna Mélam, or simply, Sadir.

source : Notice that the procession is being let by a dancer?

Introduction to Bharatanatyam

Bharata Natyam (often spelled as Bharatanatyam) (read: Bhuh-ruh-tha-naat-yum) is one of India's oldest and most dynamic classical dance forms with a history of more than two thousand years.

            Bha for Bhaavam (expression)

Ra for Raagam  (music)

 Ta for Thaalam (rhythm)

The 3 syllables together form the word 'Bharata'.

Natyam is a Sanskrit word that means 'Dance'. Thus, Bharata Natyam is the dance form that unites expression, music & rhytm. (Bhaavam, Raagam & Thaalam) The tinkle of Ghunghroo, synchronizing with the fast movements of the dancer's feet combining with the hand gestures (mudra) and expressions (abhinaya) to form a theme is performed as a yagna (act of worship) to the Lord.

The dance form is a Saadhna - a spiritual means for the integration of thought, emotion and action - all channelized towards one path - the Path towards the Supreme Lord! Bharatanatyam is considered to be a fire-dance — the mystic manifestation of the metaphysical element of fire in the human body

Coming up next.... History of Bharatanatyam

List of Shlokam (prayers)

Shloka or a prayer song are usually in Sankrit and in praise of some Lord. Here are some popular Shlokas -

1. Angikam Bhuvanam (DhyAna Shlokam) - Dance Prayer #1#

Bharatanatyam Hasta Mudra

Hasta Mudra ~ also known as hand gesture is a significant aspect of an Indian Classical Dance.

Here's what you need to know -

1. Introduction

Bharatanatyam Basic Theory

A list of basic theoretical posts for you to know -

1. Introduction to Bharatanatyam
2. History & Evolution of Bharatanatyam
3. 3Ns of Bharatanatyam - Nritta, Nritya & Natya

Privacy Policy

This policy is valid from 22 January 2013

This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. For questions about this blog, please contact  Kavitha Ramaswamy

This blog accepts forms of cash advertising, sponsorship, paid insertions or other forms of compensation.

This blog abides by word of mouth marketing standards. We believe in honesty of relationship, opinion and identity. The compensation received may sometimes influence the advertising content, topics or posts made in this blog. That content, advertising space or post will be clearly identified as paid or sponsored content. However the owner reserves the right to express an honest opinion.

The owner of this blog is (sometimes) compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Even though the owner of this blog (sometimes) receives compensation for posts or advertisements, she/he always give honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the blogger's own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider or party in question.

This blog does not contain any content which might present a conflict of interest.

Random Image Hosting