About Me
Namskar !
My name is Anjali Nandan and ‘am currently in Pune, India. I have learnt and studied Bharatanatyam for close to 10 years. The learning has mostly been in Mumbai from late Srimathi Madhuri Kelkar. I am a “Nritya Visharad” in Bharatnatyam from Bharatiya Sangeet Samiti.
I have got the good fortune to work along with Hemamalini as part of various dance Ballets. It was a Divine experience working in her productions like “Mahalakshmi”, “Savitri” and “Geet-Govind”. She is a graceful and disciplined exponent of Bharatanatyam.
I am not any expert in the field having seen many greats in this art form. This Blog is a humble attempt to provide some information on the dance form as I have learnt it.
Thanks for your help and encouragement along the way!
126 responses so far ↓
I liked the basic info you provided. My daughter has just started learning this dance. It is helpful to have an explanation of the various steps and gestures.
Thanks, Nighat Kokan
Thanks Nighat. It is encouraging to know that you like the information. I shall try and post what your daughter would like to understand better. Please suggest the steps and gestures that you would be interested in.
Hi Anjali,
Thanks, really information you gave is very helpful.
I’am 30 yrs old.now started leanrning Bharatnataym.Since childhood very interested but could not get oppurtunity to learn.Now I got good guru.
I want to know whether age matters in learning dance?
Sometimes i’am getting stuck in 3 beat(fast pace)
Do you suggest anything for improving the speed.
With Regards.
N.Nitu
Hi Nithya
Its great to know that you have decided to explore your childhood passion now. Nithya age is absolutely not a factor while learning. What matters is your intensity of focus and attitude towards learning. Our body is like any other machine, if not used will either stop working or would show up some problems. Since you have already started your class, any such problems would just disappear with further practice. Dance would be a great exercise for you.
Unlike the slow and the medium pace, the fast pace (Vilambha, Madhyama and Dhruta as it is called) needs a lost of concentration. When your guru is reciting the sollukattu, you recite them in a numerical form mentally (like 12,123) or just repeat the sollukattu with him. This will help you to focus on your Tala. And perfection is gained through right practice.
Just free your mind from all apprehensions and enjoy your lessons.
Best of luck….
Anjali
Hi Anjali,
Really appreciate for your quick response.
Do you recommend any CD’s for beginners.
With Regards,
N.Nithya
hai anjali,
i really liked your webpage and the important matters that you have shown
i have completed arangetam in bharatnatyam and i want to continue the dance or what to step to another classic dance
what would you prefer that i should do
thankyou,
sandhya
Hi sandhya, great to know that you have completed your Arangetam. Do not stop here. Continue your quest for more. Since you have a fair idea of Bharatanatyam you can start your experiments on the same. Go and get some beautiful compositions and songs, try and give your own steps to them. It is a great way to revise. Learning a new dance will widen your outlook as a dancer. If given a choice I would love learning a new Classical Dance.
thankyou very much for your reply anjali and if possible put some videos in the website so that we can get the very good ideas of dance and also of which songs to select and how to compose steps on it
Anjali Nandan
Thanks for putting this art on the web,i really appreciate may be can put some stuff on tabla too.
Thanks again will all the respects.
Mohammad Nawaz
From Mauritius
Hi Anjali,
really nice site and its superb you put up some videos too. I like the explanations very much you gave for Namaskar. I started learning Bharatanatyam recently. How many basic adavus do exist? Could you please name the adavus? The ones I learnt so far are the following: 1.Tattadavu (8 steps), 2.Nattadavu(8), 3.That thei thei tha(4), 4.They ya they yi (4), 5. They hath they hi (4), 6.That they tham (6), 7. That they taha (4), 8. Sarikul adavu (1). Is it correct so far? Would like to learn the proper name of the adavus and a basic overview, what still is more to come. My teacher said we would roughly learn about 60 steps…
Thanks a lot and keep up the good work!!!
Sonia
Hi Sonia……Thanks for your motivating words. I have mentioned the names of Adavus in my previous post “More about Adavus” check this link http://onlinebharatanatyam.com/2007/07/21/more-about-adavus/
The names of Adavu and the number of steps vary from school to school. I shall try naming the adavus as per the sollukettu given by you …3.Tha thei thei tha - Visharu Adavu, 5.They hath they hi- kudittamitta, 6.That they tham- Muruka Adavu, 7. That they taha- tattimitti Adavu, ……… Do not get confused , I am of the view that learning steps are more important than its name……….enjoy your lessons ………keep writing
Hi Anjali
Thanks a lot for your quick response and infos. Looking fwd for new posts n videos
Hi Anjali,
Your blog is superb, I have just started learning bharatam Thanjavur styles, so your video is very usefull for me. Can you say which style is yours. Thanks. Can you Please put a video of naat adavu too. Thanks.
Félicitations
Hi Chony,
Thanks for your kind words. Yes, Natta Adavu video is in process. So stay tuned….
I follow the Pandanallur style which Ii guess is derived out of the Tanjaoor Tradition.
hi anjali….
hw r u..
am manu fom US .. i seen ur profile.. and about ur dance too.. so nice to see pictures and knowing me some thing about dance.. am a music lover… i done three music album in malayalam… music is my passion… die for music.. that me..
keep in touch
take care..
god bless you for your nice future…
by manu
Hi Anjali.
Happy Dussehra. Celebrating the spirit of triumph. May the spirit of goodness keep shining on you. Wishing you happiness, prosperity and good tidings. Have a joyous and bright celebration. My daughter Aarya, 4 yrs is learning dance and your site is very helpful for us. Aarya touched your feet (the pic frm the site) this morning to seek blessings from guru Anjali. We check in each day and waiting for the video on Natta adavu.
Warm Regards.
Meghna G
Hi Meghana….Thanks a lot for the wishes and may all good luck and prosperity be bestowed to your family. I wish all the success to Aarya in all facets of life. Sorry for the delay in the Natta Adavu video….It will be done soon
Hi Manoj …good to know about you passion for music ….wish you all the best and thanks a lot for visiting this site.
I love bharatanatyam. i´m from argentina
http://www.georginad.com.ar
hi anjali ,thanks a ton ..i am so glad that u had the idea of teaching online bharatanatyam.i learned bharatanatyam when i was 5 ,..i did for for 3 years n my teacher got transfred to some other state ..and also my studies were getting affected .so stopped . now i am 24 n married but still in my heart i ve the interested to learn again ..i dont knw whther there is any age bar..but seeing your video i ve started doing it .i am so happpyyyyyy anjali . rite now i m in Germany n the dance class i quite far . can u add few more videos .
ive a question …can we pratice during periods(during the bad days of teh month)
.IS their any strict rules .can u plz tell me .
wish u all the best .
priyanka prashanth
Hi Priyanka, Thanks a lot for encouraging words. Yes i shall keep adding videos from time to time. So stay tuned. Yes one can surly practice during periods, if you physically feel healthy. There are no rules as such. So enjoy your lessons and donot hesitate to write in your queries.
hi Anjali! How are you…
I just wanted to say that i take a high interest in classical indian dancing. Right from childhood, i would watch hema malini’s long stage shows on tv and learn the steps. In fact, i had gotten quite good, but had to stop as my extended family disapproved. But, its been awhile since ive started back on dancing but its much more contemporary dancing. And, i really miss being able to learn classical…when i was younger i was in a country where i could learn it…but, now im in a town that has no facilities. And, i realllyyyyyyyy wish you the best of luck with keeping this website going…because, i know i surely will need it. With the passion that i had and have for it…i really hope that you will be my way to learning the basics at least. Please do not stop posting your videos as i am more of a visual learner. Thanks soo much…and, if u have any idea about other people online that do the same thing as you please do let me know. :]
Sobia
Hi Sobia …I am doing Great. I really understand your feelings and passion for Dancing. Hats off to the efforts taken by you in leaning dance. I wish all the best for you dancing career. I will keep adding more thanks to encouragement from you all Thanks a bunch.
.
Infact I love contemporary style of dance. It has a beauty of its own. I have seen some performances which concentrates on athletic movements, lot of Kalari steps(A martial art from Kerala, India), some added Yogic postures. It was interesting to watch. Where do you learn this from….keep going…and have fun. Do think of sharing this contemporary style with us.
Hi,
Anjali ,
I posted a question ,its rather a problem my daughter is facing with the ardhamandala position.
She is bending her body front when she is trying to get it right .She is 9 years old and just started learning.She is coming home crying as the Teacher admonishes her saying “She has never seen anybody finding the ardhamandala step difficult and it is the easiestone”.In front of the whole class and she comes home and cries. It will be nice if you can suggest a remedy as you are already doing a wonderful job by giving so much
information and lessons about Bharathnatya.
Hi Vidya, I would say ardhamandala is a difficult position for starters. Needs a lot of practice. Make her practice this position daily. Ask her to do a set of fifty counts thrice. since you have seen the video correct her every time she is wrong. Its is a commonly seen mistake . Do not worry. I remember my days of learning since i was constantly bombard by my guru. I was so scared of her that i would make all sorts of excuses for not going. But now I have no regrets. Her guru must be a perfectionist. Keep motivating her and donot stop her training. I would request parents to keep encouraging. She will be fine soon. Thanks.
Thanks Anjali .
I made my daughter read your message to make her understand
that she can get it right . I was really getting worried thinking she
might have a crooked back or some sort of a problem.
Regards,
Dear Anjali,
Love your work. I don’t know if it was just by coincidence that we came upon each others websites.( I try to manage Chidambaram Arts) I would love to link your video in my section on adavus. Though I don’t teach exactly the same style, it can be a great aid to students. With you working on the practical side, it gives me all the more time to work on the theoretical side.
Would love your input.
regards,
sangeetha
Hello,
How I can obtain music for adavus?
Thakns
Dear Anjali,
I am a 26 year old researcher very interested in learning Bharatnatyam,but due to my work schedule i can’t provide much time to it and moreover i dont know of any school around my place in Noida.Can you refer me to a good guru.I wanted to learn Bharatnatyam since i was a child but coud n’t do it.I want to seriously pursue the dance form.Kindly suggest some good school and guru around Noida,UP.
Kind Regards
Namrita
Hi Namrita, I have come across this link do go through it might help you.
http://www.webindia123.com/career/fine_arts/details.asp?uname=+Kinkini+Dhvani+Institution+of+Performing+arts%2C+Noida
Hi Anjali,
A very commendable effort!!! I am so excited to see this.
I learned Bharatnatyam in my chilhood.I love to dance.I was searching for good teachers here in Pune.DO you know someone?I am looking in the areas near Pimple Saudagar and Aundh.
Thanks.
Hi Divya , Thanks a lot for the compliment. I shall get back to you with some info. stay tuned.
Hi Anjali!!!
I really appreciate your website (as i have already mentioned in the hasta section).
I would just like to know which style of Bharatanatyam you have learnt. It is just a curiosity.
For Divya Menon -
Here is some info for you:
1. my guru Mrs. Gauri Desai, who teaches at Pashan (Ph: 25890114)
2. my earlier guru Mrs. Manik Ambike, who teaches near Sahakarnagar
3. Mr. Parimal Phadke, probably around Deccan or Senapati Bapat Rd - whose group some of my friends have performed in
4. Dr. Sucheta Chapekar Bhide - A renowned guru in Pune
5. Mrs. Uma Tilak, who teaches at Aundh
For the ones I have not listed phone numbers for, you might find them online (do a google search).
Hi Anjali,
Vey nice posts, rather i should say informative, I have a doubt, what is the difference between a thodayam and a varnam, similarly between padam and shabdam, can you please explain it to me, can you tell me the exact defenition of padam and shabdam.
Hope to see your reply soon
thanks
aiswarya
Hi Anjali,
I took my three year old daughter to observe a dance class today as she wanted to learn dance. Seeing the aramandala position, kind of thought it may be too early for her to bend her legs like that. What do you think?
It was so nice of you to post the videos and it is a pleasure watch you demonstrate the steps. Can you please post an mp3 of the beats so that we can play the beats.
while kids practise. I think as a beginner that understanding of thala and the gaps in between is really important.
I’m really pleased by your ability to explain this art form so that I could understand without much effort and your videos are extremely useful.
Thank you so much. Btw, my daughter’s name is also Anjali
Keep up the good work!
Deepa
Hi Anjali,
I really appreciate that you’ve made this website available for everyone. When I watch your videos I think of generosity and the joy of sharing dance.
With thanks and respect,
Dori
respected divine artist…..
Thank you for giving basic introduction about this divine art.I was searching for information on mudras and their meaning to paint lord shiva.( painting is my hobby).
All the components of our culture have roots in Vedas.In this fast changing world we are loosing sight of our great traditions.All that is old is not alway bad or out dated.At this moment we need artists like you to speak out and inspire the youngsters to keep the best of this vedic land alive.
I feel those silent narthakis on the walls of the great ancient temples of this country will speak eloquently to any one who goes through your series web pages.I heard that natya shastra is one of the disciplines of Indian wisdom and philosophy which simplifies and makes every one (learned & common people) understand the concept of dharma artha kama moksha.
Add more illustrations photographs,miniature paintings,wall paintings,sculptures from temples , samskrit texts ,to the web site so that this web site develops in to a virtual academy.
Thank you for making the this information available.
wishing you long life , very best of every thing in life
Dr.Rammohan.S
hii
Iam a research scholar from IISc bangalore. Now iam doiong a work in which we are inspiring something from bharatanatyam mudras to describe the various grasps in robotics literature. we are using 28 single handed mudras for this purpose. i have come across a website in which there was urnanbha as one of the mudra. but when i checked other websites they were not mentioning about this mudra. Can u tell me why urnanbha is not popularly mentioned..
Hi Vipin, nice to know about your research topic. Sounds very interesting. We call Urnanbha mudra as Vyagraha. Vyagraha denotes a Tiger. This is one of the new mudras added to the list. Palli, Kataka and Ardhasuchi are the other new mudras i know. Natyashastra has mentioned only about the basic 28 mudras, therefore the new ones are not given equal importance.
thanks anjali for ur information. You solved the confusion which haunted me for weeks.
thanks once again
bye
vipin
Hi Anjali
Thanks for you comment on my blog http://lifestyle-india.blogspot.com
I have changed the name and posted again today. But I have deleted the old post because the old url have the text mrinalini.
Now the new url is:
http://lifestyle-india.blogspot.com/2007/12/mallika-sarabhai-great-dancer-of-india.html
I have added your blog link in my indian bloggers page in the dancers category
http://lifestyle-india.blogspot.com/search/label/Indian%20Bloggers
and also I like to write something about your blog in my next post.
I have posted one article about your site with a title of “Online Bharatanatyam is helpful site for dance students”
the url: http://lifestyle-india.blogspot.com/2008/01/online-bharatanatyam-is-helpful-site.html
Hi Ajali
My daughter is getting training in Bharathanaatyam(Kalakshetra style), She had participated in some competitions recently, The most remarks we recieved from the judges were that she is having body shake and the gap between her feet increases while doing fast swaras, It would be greatful if you could give me some tips to reduce body shake and to attain a better control on feet movements.
To be frank, Anjali you are doing a great job, hats off to all your efforts put in to this site.
thanks
aiswarya
Dear Anjali,
I really appreciate the effort taken by you in keeping this blog so well documented.I was amazed to see the details in all the posts.Also the videos of adavus are just like a guru teaching you.
It would be bad on my part if I didn’t leave a comment here.Your blog is like a prayer answered to me.I am a beginner and had my initial training in Bharatanatyam in Chennai,but now I stay in Switzerland.I am not able to find a guru here and so your blog is a very useful resource to me so that I don’t forget whatever I have learned.It is unfortunate that I have come here so late
You are doing a great job indeed!!May God bless you.
Here’s wishing you all the very best and looking forward to more of Bharatanatyam.
Best Regards,
Shalini
Oh Shalini, thanks a lot for this heartfelt appreciation. God Bless you too friend. May you find a Great Guru soon so that you continue your lessons. I’ll try my best to keep you updated. Thanks once again.
Dear Anjali,
Your efforts are superb. I am a beginner and I learnt basic Bharatanatyam in Chennai before coming to UK. I have been surfing the net for a long time to keep in touch with all I have learnt and I hit the jackpot with your website.
All the material, videos and resources are very well presented and very helpful.
Thanks a lot for your efforts,
Wishes and regards,
Sree
Hi Anjali,
I have been searching for mudras of Samyukta & Asamyukta Hastangal on the net. I need them to teach my daughter (Anusha), who is 7 years and learning dance (2 and half years) from Kalamandalam Sreejaya in Bangalore. She has got her exam on 26th January 2007. Though she knows all the mudras, I thought it will help if I can show some pictures of all those mudras. If nothing is available on the web (pics) can you suggest some books on these mudras that I can buy in book stores).
Your help will be highly appreciated.
Best regards,
Ajith Kumar
Hey Sree, Thanks a bunch for your compliments. Its nice to know about your earnest desire to learn this Art. I wish u best of lucks ahead. I will try my best to keep the information flowing. Your feedback will keep giving me direction and do better. Thanks again. God bless you.
Hello Ajith, I thank you for visiting this site. Nice to know about your little dancer at home. May Anusha excel in all aspects of her life and I am sure you will always be proud of her. I wish lots of luck for her exams on 26th. To see pics on Mudras go to my Resources I have linked to sites that show all the mudras. Also I have given meanings and photos of some Asamayukta hastas in this site (check the Index page). A book called “Dance Gestures-Mirrors of Expression” by P.Ramachadrasekhar will be a great reference for her ahead. It is a translation of the sanskrit text Abhinayadarpanam. Visit http://www.giritrading.com, guess you can buy it online. Else there is Abhinayadarpanam by Manmohan Ghosh which is a hallmark Text.
Thank you Anjali for your best wishes. Your response has been of immense help. Thank you once again.
Best Regards,
Ajith Kumar
Hi Anjali,
I am really a bit dissappointed i have asked something on Jan 6th and until now you didnt answer me, I know it is not easy for you to answer each and every silly posts like mine, but for me your answers to my querries are of great importance. hope you will answer me.
My question was
My daughter is being trained bharathanatyam and had participated in some competitions recently, the most comments from the judges were about body shake and the gap between the feet which increases while doing fast swaras and jatis.
can you please suggest something to reduce these. Do you think that she will improve if she does more practice, she is now 10years old.
Hope you will reply this time
We are really greatful to you for your sincere efforts and dedication to familarize bharathanatyam.
Its now my daily routine to visit this site and look for new posts
thanks a lot for all these great help you are rendering to us,
Aiswarya
Hi Anjali, you are doing a great job. Thankyou very much. I am kavya from Germany, I wanted to learn Bharatanatyam right from my childhood, thanks to you that my dream is coming true. The way of teaching is very clear. I have learnt all the steps until now.
Keep uploading. Thanks.
Hi Anjali,
I really appreciate and thank you for your efforts in sharing info about the basics of Bharatanatyam. I am glad to know that there are many people out there who wish to do stuff that are of use to others. Believe me, sharing knowledge can be so difficult, because it is that knowledge that puts us on a higher ground and to be able to share that and let others step up is a huge thing, really.
I started learning Bharatanatyam in the last quarter of 2006. I am currently working and staying in Dubai. My Guru follows the Thanjavur style. But, unfortunately, due to personal reasons, she has relocated to Chennai in Feb 2007, just after a couple of months of my lessons. And since then, I’ve been searching for another Guru to teach me Bharatanatyam. Hopefully, I should find someone, soon!
Which style of Bharatanatyam do you follow? I have seen your instructional videos on youtube and noticed that its a bit different from what I was taught.
Thanks and hope you have a good day!
Kind regards,
Sunita
Hi Ashwaiya, I thank you for the encouraging words. Also nice to know about your daughter who is learning bharatanatyam. I wish her success in every aspect of her life.
Very sorry for not answering you. Indeed your question is not Silly. Increased gap between the legs while doing the fast swaras is very common mistake seen among the beginners. Such an act reduces the beauty of the dance. It looks awkward. It has to be corrected every time she does it. Infact she has to be aware of it. So from our part we can only point it out every time the mistake is repeated. Ask her to practice the Teermanam Adavu and the Jati adavu nonstop in the 3rd speed every day in proper Araimandi. The steps in these adavus are used in the fast swaras. Practicing in front of the mirror will help. You have also mentioned about Body shake ie swaying of waist while dancing. That too will stop once she is aware of it and with right practice. This is my opinion….you can also ask her guru for some tips. Thats it…… nothing much to worry about. She has a long way to go.
Dandavats Pranam,
I’m from Spain and started learning Bharatanatyam a few months ago (I’m 28 now). I only get lessons once a week so it’s great to have your site for doubts and so on.
I have been looking for a site like this for long time and I must tell you that this is the best so far. The videos are very helpful.
Thank you very much!!
Regards,
Gopi Kumari dd
Hi Anjali,
i have been following your vids on utube and reading some of your comments, like on jan 20 th you wrote about
….while doing the fast swaras…
As a musician who can play the swaras on his instrument or sing them I often wonder where it is laid down how to perform them with limbs, legs, waist etc. In dance scripture we talk about the rasa of a swara, and one should perform so that the rasa is felt, either song, music or dance. This seems to have been the older way of yore. You seem to have some knowledge, perhaps you can point out some of your instructional vids to me or let me know of coming up vids where I can check this out?
God bless your work
Nigamaa forgot to add:
Check
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1K02ORzWI8
Josiane Sarrazin dite Jyoti dances Bharata natyam
style in front of a shrine dedicated to God, but no
explanation is given what rasa she is depicting, if sringara or santa?
It should be sanata anyhow, since it is a temple of peace!
Hi Nigama, Thanks for visiting this site. I saw the video link. The audio is not very clear. what I understood from her actions was its a song on SriRama. Now coming to your question on which Bhava to use. See while doing a dance we have to constantly change our expression in order to explain the meanings of the lines. But we must be aware of the Central Idea of the song. Like in the dance while showing Srirama…bring out the Santa Bhava. While showing the emotions of love bring out Sringara. It is also important what character are you dipicting. If you have a role of a departed lover show the depression on your face and body language. If you are a goddess at war its the Raudra Bhava and not shanta Bhava. I am of the opinion that expression change as per the situation.
Anjali, thx for following up on my questioning.
The above mentioned BN dancer is using a very sacred spot in a church
usually reserved for a male priest only. If made public to conservative folks,
quite alot people would take this as affront, ecspecially if they knew it depicts SriRam in a place dedicated to Christ. It is like offering a christian sermon in a Kali temple. I think Shanta Ras could compensate for this if made clear? To my understanding dance scriptures are presently researched into and in the future we might get a better picture of how Rasa was defined in the old days, see also the topic here
History of Carnatic Music
http://rasikas.org/viewtopic.php?id=4560
From pondering the subject, to me it appears in the beginning there could have been one sringara rasa, with seven bhava rasas. The themes treated below might be in shanta ? This way the vids below would become very meaningful to me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5X71AraKVKQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vL0pHRTj7I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiINCMdvKzU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7hvVJP3oIA&feature=related
It seems comparatively easy to see rasa in connection with dance or drama, but in the oldest writing this included music as well, so that even shruti and sowith swar had a rasa .
Anjali garu,
In my childhood I had learned basic steps and now when I could not refresh those steps to teach for my 9yr daughter, your web site and videos helped me alot to teach. I had learned in telugu words and I still find these words are easy to follow. One request is, now that my daughter is following all of your steps, I like her to perform these steps on the stage with some music to play all these steps. One request from you is , could you also compose a musical dance with all your steps. So that we can use your steps and dance song and make my daughter do on the stage. Thanks in advance. Very happy with your teaching.
Regards,
Leela
Hi leela
Thanks a lot for your kind word. I donot know how long your daughter has learnt. It is always better to learn classical for atleast 4 yrs before you give a stage performance ie classical based. Only by that time your child may attain perfection in body language. I can understand your concern aswell. I shall try doing something on these lines also. May be I can put up a small music with these steps included. But wait till I finish atleast three more adavus.
Thanks
Anjali
dear anjali,
thank you so very much for your blog! it is so helpful - especially for people like me, who are just beginning to study the dance. keep up the good work!
best,
wenti
Hi Anjali,
This is an incredible site - I was surfing the net to find diagrams/pictures and explanations of the mudras to help my 5yr old daughter with her Bharathanatyam practice. You have exceeded my expectations. Your site is clear, informative, well-organised, culturally rich.
One question - since my daughter is studying Kalakshetra style, will there be much difference in the basics as I would not want to confuse her from what her teacher explains?
Also, Priyanka Prashanth had asked about practising during the “monthly period” times. I am studying Ayurveda and my understanding is that traditionally women fully rested during the first 3 days of this period, not exerting themselves at all as it is the body’s natural way of cleansing itself to maintain harmony and balance in nature (our prakruthi) which explains why our ancient women aged gracefully and lived long and quality lives. Today, our busy modern lifestyles do not give time for rest and we suffer the consequences in our post-menopause years having all sorts of physical, emotional and cognitive ailments. I hope this helps and hope I have not contradicted anyone.
Hey Sheila, thanks for your kind words. Also you have explained Priyanka’s query quite well. This kind of tradition is still followed in our culture. I appreciate your concern. Now coming to your question…there are bound to be difference in the sequences of Adavus and their variation. I would advice you to follow her teacher while practicing. But the Mudras and the theory stuff would be common. You can refer this site for some extra tips and guidance. Keep visiting and adding you valuable comments
Hi Anjali,
This site is a wonderful piece of work from your side and I’ve been reading your posts for almost 4 months now. I’m sure atleast a few of those with enough passion but less time and resources to continue their proper lessons would benefit from this site.
I’m also glad that you enjoy reading my blogs.
Will be in touch. Take care.
Cheers,
Arv.
[Arvind Padmanabhan].
Hi Anjali
I do not have any words to say thanks about your wonderful job, but still thanks so much,
you have written about ADAVUS, there i have a confusion, please tell me the difference between - position of the legs and the posture of the legs. please let me know as soon as possible.
THANKS-GOD -BLESS YOU
hi anjali
i am a person that who interested a lot to classical dance (bharata natyam). i am very much impressed by this site and got happy. its very nice anjali..please be keep it up.
it is the most useful for the students who wants to learn the natyam online.
all the best,
smily regards,
- jyothi.
Dear Mam,
I dont know how to be thankful to you. My name is Kavya and I always wanted to learn Bharatnatyam since my childhood. I am very thankful to you for teaching me all this. You are my guru now. And please continue to teach me further.
Thanks
Kavya
Jyothi, Kavya and Ramya thanks a lot for your kind words. May god bless you all.
Hi Anjali,
My sincere congratulations and appreciation for your efforts !! I am currently residing in Saudi Arabia and am 28. I want to learn bhartnatyam. But donno how to begin. I donot have access to any schools or gurus here. I came across your website while searching and its really very good. In addition I also came across these DVD’s- Dances of India – Bharata Natyam Arangetram Dances DVD(Dancer: Padma Chebrolu, Directors: David Morrison) and Dances of india, learning bharatnatyam(Dancer: Padma Chebrolu, Directors: David Morrison) from this website- http://site.voila.fr/dancerindiana/Bharatanatyam_Bharatnatyam_Bharata_Natyam_DVD_VCD_Odissi_Bharathanatyam_Indian_Dance_yoga.html
I wanted to know your opinion before buying these DVD’s. I want you to advise me if these will be helpful. If you can recommend some dvd’s for beginners it would be a great help.
The country I am living in makes it difficult to get hold of things , so I have to resort to learning online or through CD’s.
Pls guide me on how to start and mode of learning. I would be ever grateful.
Thanks in advance and All the best,
Deepa
Hi Deepa , thanks a lot for your appreciation. I am impressed by your strong desire to learn this art. My heartfelt wishes and good luck to you.
Yes this Dvd of Padmaji (learning bharatanatyam)is quite educative and good for a starter. I would also recommend you to buy “Bharatanatyam Adavus - the depth and diversity” by Swathi soft solutions. It is an hour presentation of Adavus in a very stylized manner. Here you can see grace and expression of the dancers. This will also help you to improvise on your movements. You need not buy the Arangetram DVD now.
Hi Anjali, I think that by publishing the bharatanatyam basics video in your blog you give a great gift to all dance students and lovers. And they seem to be very clear and well explained. I would like to do something similar with kuchipudi one day!
Good job. Carry on with it!
Thanks a lot Marzia. Kuchipudi is very vibrant and elegant with its fast pace. Infact I feel fortunate to be receiving such words from dancers like you. Looking forward to some kuchipudi lessons from you.
Dear Madam,
I absolutely am thrilled to find this website! I am currently in the States - I learnt Bharatnatyam for just 3 months, then my work at office got too hectic and I couldnt continue. I still love this dance form and havent found any place here in States where I could continue it. This site is simply too good to be true. I hope I can learn the remainder from this site - at least I can practice it out!! Thanks Again!!!
I really enjoyed exploring your site. I have limited knowledge of bharatanatyam, having seen it only a few times in performance; I have never taken a class. It’s really informative and your site would be a great resource to a student.
Dear Anjali, please have a look at the 2 videos I’ve freshly sent to Youtube.
Here are the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pWpAuM0Br8
Feel free to leave a comment and don’t hesitate to criticize it if it is the case.
hi,
i was just wondering,
about this type of dance, only i want to base it as my theme for my gcse choreography?
instead of being a normal 8 beats is it 9 and a half?
id like to no some information if thats ok?
Anjali,
It’s beautifull all that you have done for disseminate bharatanatyam,
i want to deeply thank you.
Thanks a lot Daniela for your kind words. Your support and wishes will only help the site grow. Good luck!
Hi Anjali,
Thanks so much for this wonderful website ! I am 30 years old and have been learning bharathanatyam for 4 years. I am very serious about bharathanatyam and would like to do this professionally. I am wondering how to improve my form. I have heard that practising adavus daily for atleast 1 hour helps (vs. practising complete pieces like thillans and varnams). What is your experience. How much practise would you recommend on a daily basis for an advanced student who is really serious about bharathanatyam. Thanks much in advance for your response.
Sincerely,
Rekha
Hi,
It has been my lifelong dream to learn bharatanatyam, but since I’m a guy, dance wasn’t encouraged for me and I learned Carnatic music instead. I’ve learned some of the basics from your videos and I’m really happy for that. I will not perform for anyone and nor do I want to, but I’m excited to learn for my own satisfaction!! Thank you for making my dream come to fruition.
N
Thanks Mr N. Its good to know that Dance has been your passion and this site is helping you get closer to it. May god bless you.
Thanks Rekha for your appreciation. If you wish to be a professional dancer you must learn further. You must be a full time devotee of this art. It must be your first priority. A professional dancer spends altleast seven hours a day practicing for their performances. One hour of dance will help you to keep in touch with your basic and to be fit. Think about it. Decide your priorities and make a right choice.
Hi
I’m going to teach my friend’s sister bharatanatyam and i’m not a teacher,i’m a teen and i want to teach her bharatanatyam.Since I haven’t taught anyone i dont know where to start and what order to follow.so can you please help me?
Hi Anitha, thanks for visiting the site. I assume that you are a trained bharatanatyam dancer.
The right age to start learning bharatanatyam is 5 yrs. First class is only an introduction and breaking of ice between students and teacher. Then Begin with introduction to Samapada and Araimandi positions. Some basic warm up exercises. Give them a brief introduction about Bharatanatyam and lord Nataraja. From the Second session onwards recite the Angikam bhuvanam Shloka. Teach the Namaskar. Explain to the kids the importance of namskar. Revise the first session. From the third session onwards start with reciting Angikam bhuvanam sloka, followed by namskar and warmup. Then introduce adavus. You can follow the adavu as you were taught or can follow the order on this website. Every session revise the earlier steps taught. Do not move ahead if the student is not clear with the previous session.
Feel free to mail me if you need any help. Good luck.
Dear , Anjali i am also from pune i have lerned bhartnatyam from different different places and may be because of that i found my own style of dancing bhartnatyam is different rather than the kalakshatra actuly i want to learn more and more about this beautiful dance form you can help me in that
please mail me about your classes
and help me in that
Regards
ARTI
Hi Arti, thanks for visiting this site. Style and differences does not matter as far as the dance is beautiful. Finally a dancer has to go beyond techniques to explore the art. I will be going to US for a year now. Therefore some well known teachers form pune are
Sucheta Chapekar , Mrs. Shashikala Ravi, Parimal Phadke, Uma Tilak, Geeta Nair. Just google and search their names, you will get their contact. You will find lot of other teachers too. Meet them, decide and Good luck.
Hi Anjali,
Do you teach ‘Bharatnatyam classes’? If so, which style do you teach? My daughter will be in Pune in July and August. She is learning Bharatnatyam of ‘Kalakshetra’ style. She would like to join the classes. Please let me know.
Thank you in advance.
Hi Pratibha thanks for visiting the site. I shall mail you with the details.
Hi Anjali
I am living in Vancouver, Canada, I am looking for a guru in vancouver , Canada , Your blog so impressive and I hope you can help me to find a Guru for my daughter to learn bharatanatyam , If u have any information please mail me ,
Thanks
atia
Hi Anjali,
I teach Bharatanatyam at Jakarta, Indonesia. Found your website really interesting and a wonderful resource for students.
Thanks
Janaki
Hi Janaki, It feels nice when you are appreciated by people who are in the same stream. Your words are a great motivation to do better. Thanks a lot.
Hi Anjali,
I just discovered your website and I think it is absolutely fantastic!! I learned Bharatanatyam for around 6 years but I was very young at the time. I had to stop because the classes werent very effective as new students kept joining. Now all these years later I wish I had never stopped. I am keen to get into Bharatanatyam again and will soon see if I can find a teacher in London (where I reside). Your website has enabled me to teach myself the steps again. As I have already learned it before it is coming back very quickly. I think its great that you have created this website demonstrates all the steps and handmovements! I have already spent 3 hours practicing today (after 15 years!!) because I enjoyed it so much!!!
I am trying to re-teach myself the Alarippu dance. I remember most of it but I have difficulties getting the last fast part of the dance right. I was wondering if you could demonstrate the steps for the Alarippu?
Thank you so much for this website!!!
Regards,
Nisha
Wow, Nisha thats great !!! This show your interest. Hey Nisha, thank you so much for those encouraging words. Actually I have not yet thought about putting in dance items as online lessons. Not sure how that will work out. As of now I am concentrating on gestures and adavus. But yes I shall look into your request closely. Thanks again.
Hi Anjali! I have just completed all your videos and realized that most of the fast part of the Alarippu are the TattiMetti Adavu steps which you have demonstrated. So this is very helpful. I hope you carry on adding more videos so I can practice at home until I find a guru in London. Thank you so much again for this website!!! You really have done an amazing job with this. Many thanks!
Regards,
Nisha
Hi Anjali,
Thanks for putting this blog and your great videos online! It helps me learn a lot!
I wanted to ask you which of the DVDs on adavus you would recommend - there are 4 different DVDs on http://www.jayq.org , and I am wondering if you have watched any of them.
Thanks!!!!!!!
Regards,
Sumathi
Hi Sumathi. Thank you. Yes It is “Bharatanatyam adavus-the depth and diversity”. It explains the steps clearly, shows a few variations in three speeds. Also the dancers have perfect body language and expressions. Also the Cd “Bharatanatyam- percepts and practice” is good for hastas and bhedas. Others I have not gone through.
Hi Anjali,
I realize you are a great dancer.
I have a great love for Bharathanatiyam .My 6 year old daughter is learning Bharatanatyam . May I know which song will be best for children for stage performance.
If will help if you can suggest me a few songs good for Bharatanatyam and easy for children.
Hi Anjali,
You’re indeed doing a wonderful job by promoting Bharatanatyam. I wanted to ask your opinion about teaching the dance to my daughter who’s just turned 3 years old. Is it too early to start? And if not, could you recommend any school near Reading, Berkshire which might be teaching this beautiful artform?
Thanks a lot!
regards,
Monika
Thanks Nivedita, for your encouragement. It would be better if you ask your daughters guru, because he/she will be the right person to select a song best suited for her depending on her dancing abilities.
Hi Monika, thanks a lot for your kind words. If your daughter enjoys the whole process then you can go ahead with it. Else cannot force her to do so. Otherwise the right age to begin is 6yrs and above.
Hi Anjali,
I am Chitra from Singapore. Today i stumble upon your page by chance. I have learnt dancing when i was young and have stopped it for the last 7 years due to circumstances as i was out of the country. But the passion is still there in my heart. I would love to dance again. I am 28 years old now and thinking whether it is too late to start all over again.. I even have the drean of someday doing my arangetram.. Kindly advise me…
Hi Anjali
I am truly impressed by your website and the service you do to all the students of Bharathanatyam world wide.
Please can you let me know of any good Jatiswaram videos. My daughter is doing it right now and I am keen that she watches some videos.
Hi, i’m christina. i’m 15yrs old. i really love dancing and i would love to learn Bharatanatyam. But i’m nervous about learning i feel like i’m too old to learn dancing now all my friends graduated from their bharatanatyam class. Anjali can you email me at asiancutie9310@yahoo.com if you have any suggestions for me? By the way i saw your classes on youtube you were amaaazzinnng:)
Thank you have a nice day
Namasthe Anjali:
People like you who are adepts in the Bharatanatyam and other Indian classical dances are the true ambassadors of our culture. I salute you and wish you all the very best.
May God bless you in your efforts.
aamiahindu@yahoo.com
Hello dear Anjali,
Congratulations for your new web design. It’s very nice. Well, I’m studying Bharatanatyam in Spain and I may visit Mumbai in a few months. I would like to ask you if you can recommend some book so I can purchase them when I visit India and also if you know about some Guru who gives intensive courses or something like that.
Thank you very much for such a wonderful site. It’s very helpful and inspiring.
Regards
Sol
Hello Mr Vishwanathan (Am I hindu)
Thanks a lot for visiting. I believe it is the duty of every Indian to carry and preserve our rich culture. May be this blog has given me an opportunity to contribute in my own way.
Dear Sol
I am happy that you liked this design. Thanks.
Mumbai is a very vast city. If you could tell which part of Mumbai you will be residing (may the name of the place) I will be able to guide you. And certainly there are lot of Bharatanatyam teachers in mumbai. A well known school is the Nalanda institute of performing arts founded by Dr Kanak Rele.(a renowned Mohiniattom dancer.)
Dear Mrs. Anjali:
Thanks for the Bharatanatyam videos. We live in Detroit. My 6 year daughter Bavya is learning everyday from your videos. Instructions are very clear. May be you can release instructional DVDs.
Any way !!, Thanks for all the good work and making it available for us.
Thanks again
Regards
Sakthivel
Hi ! Anjali,
Congrats on your new website design. Your website is very rich in content and has great information for beginners and newbies like me, even just to read about Bharata Natyam. Hats off to you !!!! Keep up the good work.
All the very best to you.
Kapil
Thanks Sakthivel for these motivating words. I wish your daughter good luck in all her endeavors.
Thanks kapil for your inspiring comment.
Hi Anjai,
I liked yr website. I stay in Aundh Pune. I havee 2 qtns -
1) what is the right age to start learning Bharatnatyam dance. I have a 21/2 yr old daughter.
2) I want to know any good carnatic music teacher in Aundh or nearby places. I have already learnt music but lost touch. Also If someone can come home and teach music to small kids.
Vidya
Hi Anjali!
I love the new look of the website!!
Keep up the good work!
Sri Ramajayam
May Lord Shiva Bless you always.
With Love and Prayers
aumsree
Dear Anjali,
I really appreciate your efforts in creating this website, especially videos with explanation. I have learnt Bharatnatyam for 5 years in India and now am in USA.
I came across your site today while looking for dance classes in our area for my 3 year old daughter.
I will surely visiting this site frequently.
Thanks, Archana
Dear Vidya
Thanks for visiting. The right age to start a formal bharatanatyam lessons is 6yrs and above. Sorry I am not aware of any music teachers.
Dear Bansuri
Thanks again for your encouraging words.
Hello Aumsree
Thank you for the blessings. May God bless you too.
Dear Archana
It feels nice when this site is liked by dancers themselves. Thank you very much.
hi Anjali…i am Gayathri…actually i use to collect the famous dancer’s albums and videos, photos…..and i use to go and purchase many dvds, & acds from http://www.kalakendra.com and other sites. But i couldn’t find your any product cds on kalakendra.com and other than sites..also..like celextel…artindia.net…etc..etc…
so, can u just help me to identify that where can i collect your products…..
Cheers..
Gayathri N
Hi Gayatri. thanks for the interest shown. I have not yet thought about releasing the Cds. But yes it is a good idea.
Dear Anjali,
Thank you very much for your reply. I will be in 7, K.M.Munshi Marg Girgaon Chowpatty. That’s the exact address. I will spend maybe a couple of months so what I was looking for was for some intensive course or something. If you have some information that would be great!
Thank you very much and sorry for the inconvenience.
regards, Sol
Dear Anjali
Thank you so much for this blog. My daughter is 4 years old and she is crazy for dance, whenever she listens music automatically she starts dancing and she likes classical dance mostly. We are in UK and I was just worrying about how to teach her dance here and I saw ur blog just today and its really amazing I feel. I will try to teach her from ur videos and could u please suggest me where to start first and which part continues… it will be a great help for me
All the best and Thanks again
this is just amazin
cool
extraodinary
tremendous
i couldnt find any site learning bharatynayam
online
i searched for months
finally today i got see ur video in u tube.com
thanxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
u are so perfect st dancing
ur dance is awesomeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
i love it
thanx for the help
i appreciate that u respect our tradition
Dear Devi
Thanks for encouraging. You can begin with the Namaskaram followed by the Adavus. check http://onlinebharatanatyam.com/2007/07/more-about-adavus/. Good luck.
Dear Tina
Thanks a bunch for your kind words. May god bless you.
G8 work,but can u make the site more organised ,what I mean is the video clipings can be provided in a way how a student starts off with this great art.Also u can have a archieve of all the clippings in the order so that a lay person like me can about it.
Congrats on ur great effort and the dedication to the unparallel dance art.
Thanks a lot , I have got a answer for my questions from ur website itself.Thanks G8 wrk
Thank you Mr Rajesh for the feedback. I have now organised some of my videos on the Index page. I hope that should be better. Do let me know.