Asamyuta Hasta Mudras | Single Hand Gestures in Bharatanatyam (Asamyuktha Hastas)

These gestures are done using a single hand, hence they are known as Asamyuta (read: uh-sum-you-tha) Hastas. I had earlier written a short post on hand gestures used in Bharatanatyam dance. Today, we will simply take the single hand gestures and see them more elaborately -

You can either call these as Asamyuta or Asamyukta Hastas. The Natyashastra mentions about 28 Mudras or Gestures. There are 4 new gestures added to this list - Kataka, Vyagraha, Ardhasuchi and Palli

Each of these gestures can be used for a variety of purposes in the dance. The uses of each Hasta are mentioned in a "Shlok" or "Hymn" and we call in "Viniyoga".

Sr.	Name – English	Name – in Hindi	Pronounciation	Meaning
1	Pataaka		Puh-thaa-kuh	Flag
2	Tripataaka		Three-puh-thaa-kuh	3 Parts of the Flag
3	Ardhapataaka		Uhr-dhuh-puh-thaa-kuh	Half Flag
4	Kartarimukha		Kuh-r-tha-ree-moo-kha	Scissors
5	Mayura		Muh-yoo-ra	Peacock
6	Ardhachandra		Uhr-dhuh Chandra	Half Moon
7	Araala		Uh-raala	Peak of mountain * (to verify)
8	Shukatunda		Shook-kha toonda	Parrot’s Head
9	Mushthi		Moosh-tee	Fist
10	Shikhara		She-kha-raa	Mountain Peak
11	Kapitta		Kuh-pee-tta	Goodness of wealth * (to verify)
12	Katakaamukha		Kuh-tuh-kaa moo-kha	Crab
13	Suchi		Soochee	Needle
14	Chandrakalaa		Chandra kalaa	Waxing Moon
15	Padmakosha		Puh-dh-muh koh-sha	Lotus Bud
16	Sarpashirsha		Suhr-puh-sheer-sha	Snake’s Hood
17	Mrigashirsha		Mri-guh sheersha	Deer’s Head
18	Simhamukha		Sim-huh mukha	Lion’s Face
19	Kaangula		Kaangoola	Water Lily
20	Alapadma		Uh-luh-padma	Flowering Lotus
21	Chatura		Ch-uh-tu-ra	Clever
22	Bhramara		Bhrah-muh-ra	Bee
23	Hamsaasya		Hum-saasya	Head of Swan
24	Hansapakshika		Hansa – puh-kshi-kaa	Wing of Swan
25	Sandamsha		Sun-dum-shuh	Tongs
26	Mukula		Moo-koo-luh	Flower Bud
27	Tamrachuda		Thaam-ruh choo-duh	Cock
28	Trishula		Three-shoola	Trident
29	Ardhasuchi		Uhr-dhuh Soochi	Half Needle
30	Vyaagraha		Vyaa - graha	Tiger
31	Palli		Palli	Knot
32	Katakaa		Kuh-tuh-kaa	Retsing place

 



In the coming posts, we will be seeing each gesture more elaborately.

That thai tha ha step 2 | Bharatanatyam Adavu | Natyakriya Episode 19

You may want to check out the 1st step of That thai tha ha adavu HERE.

These are intermediate level steps that require concentration and consistency in practice. Here's the 2nd step -

That thai tha ha Adavu - step 2
That thai tha ha Dhit thai tha ha (x8)
(repeated on each side)

Points to remember

• Sit in Aramandi throughout the step
• Tripataka hand gesture used for the entire step
• Follow your hand with your eyes.

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.