Korvai or a Dance sequence

January 21st, 2010 by Anjali

The word Korvai means to compile, join or thread together. Korvais are adavus when set to a particular Talam (Rhythm) and Kalam (speed) and usually concludes with a Theermanam. Dancer Mrinalini Sarabhai says “If we consider ‘Adavus’ as beads, ‘ Talam’  is the thread and ‘ Theermanam’ is the final knot we tie to finish the garland.” Jatiswaram and Tillana are pure dance pieces, where many such korvais are joined together.

Following video is an example of Korvai

We begin with six walking steps. The basic walking steps are called Chalam. To walk, first the body takes a slight dip, while it lifts one feet. Then place the lifted feet forward on the heels. This time  body will rise.

After the walks are completed we do the fifth step of Tatti metti Adavu (taka jham tari taka ta). Followed by a step which is similar to the eleventh step of Teermanam Adavu (tai tai tai tai dhit dhit tai). This is repeated both to the left and right.

Then followed by the Tatti Mettu adavu second variation(Ta ka jham tari taka ta ha). Repeat it on both sides.

Step similar to Tatti mettu Adavu sixth variation is done for Ta ka jham tari, taka nam tari. Then Ta Dhi is a jump forward. For Tai dhit dhit Tai the Seventh step of Teermanam is done.

Also taka jham tari taka nam tari is also done as Ta kita ta kita (similar to Trishra jati Adavu) on both sides. Lastly Ta ka jham tari is a full sitting and Ta ka nam tari is a turn. Such turns are called Bhramari. And what you see here is Ekapada Bhramari.

Related posts:

  1. Abhinaya in Dance (Part 2)
  2. Abhinaya in Dance
  3. Teermanam Adavu in Bharatanatyam
  4. Teermanam adavu fifth step
  5. Abhinaya in Dance (Part 3)

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3 responses so far ↓

  • 1 Mily Jun 8, 2011 at 12:00 pm

    Anjali can you please, post the audio of the Korvai dance squence.

  • 2 Vishwa Protim Banerjee Jul 12, 2011 at 4:39 am

    Namaskaaram maam, thanks for helping me. What are Chari bhedas and different kinds of bhramaris? Kindly guide.
    Dhanyavaadam again

  • 3 calvin Mar 7, 2012 at 1:47 am

    06MAR12
    Hello from Cairo:
    I have just watched this demonstration
    of a korvai which looks great and easy
    when you know how.
    But, I would love to see this in slow motion
    –if possible.
    The individual steps seem rather fast for
    betinners. Perhaps I’m wrong.
    There is each step as we see but most
    have small finer points that have to go
    with the dance.
    Also, I find that the sari you wear is often
    in the way. Especially to see which foot
    is in motion – right or left.
    I did not get to visit Chennai as I did not
    know that Amricans need a visa to fisit
    India. This hasn’t always been the case
    as I was there a few years backand no
    visa was required.
    I was really disappointed not to have the
    chance to see my old guru Adyar Lakshman.
    But, perhaps next Dec and Jan.
    That’s it. Videos ( all) are great and I have
    made great progress and do some practice
    each day.
    Best wishes.
    Calvin W. Hodgdon
    Cairo, Egypt