In carnatic music Mallari is associated to Nadaswaram instrument, the Mangala vadyam (auspicious instrument).  Redention of Mallari is an important part of Nagaswaram repertoire. Nagaswaram music is a part of every day temple ritual. During deepaaradhana’s and temple processions Mallari is played with this instrument along with Tavil. The common ragas in which Mallari’s are presented are Gambheera [...]

Pushpanjali is an invocatory dance in Bharatanatyam.

Drishthi in sanskrit meaning “Vision”. In relation to our eyes it means “sight” or “to see”. The classification of these eye movements are based on how we move the eye balls. Infact we use each of them in our every day routine. Just a matter of identifying with their names. There are eight types of [...]

Head movements are also called Shirobheda. Shira or shirasa meaning ” Head” in sanskrit. The head  movements refer to the head positions, while expressing a particular bhava. There are Nine head movements. Sama : The head kept straight Udvahitam : Head Looking upwards Adhomukham : Looking Down Alolitam: Circular Movement of the head Dhutam: Right [...]

The word Alarippu means “a flowering bud.” It is an innovatory piece meaning it is performed before a dancer begins a whole performance. It is considered to be a warm up piece for the dancers. According to T. Balasraswati “Alarippu, which is based on rhythm alone, brings out the special charm of pure dance. The [...]

Neck movements are an integral part of most indian classical dance forms. If performed in a smooth and delicate manner it increases the quality of both Nritta and Abhinaya. The grace emerging out of Attami’s plays a very important role in communicating an idea in abhinaya pieces or as an ornament in Nritta. Like Gamakas [...]

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 [...]

[ad#Link4] This conference was held in Chennai during this music season  from 26th to 31th December. Convener danseuse Padmashri Ananda Sankar jayant, brought together some top class dancers of the current and last decades to analyze and highlight the features of their legacy and personal style. Chennaistream has done a wonderful job of capturing those [...]

Here is yet another variation to mandi adavu. This is done 100 percent in purna mandi. Dancer would first jump in purna mandi. Then jump and place the right/ left  knee on the floor. Such a posture, where one knee rests on the floor is called Parshvasuci. The hands are in Tripataka hasta held in Natyarambhe. [...]

The first variation uses the Shikhara and pataka hand gesture. Begin the step with a jump down to the Muzumandi mandi position. Hands in Shikahra hasta. Say Ta Ka. Then rise up facing the left. Left leg bent and right leg stretched back on the toes. Left hand in Shikara and right hand in Pataka [...]