I have here worked on the Natesha Kautukam. This was the Kautukam that I learnt probably when I was 8 or 9. The steps are same almost in every style. I like the the Kalakriya series music for this Kautukam. Hence the demonstration is a blend of what I had learnt and Mrs Priyadarshiniji’s choreography.  [...]

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 [...]

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. [...]

Mandi in some Indian languages refers to area around the thigh and knee. In some instance we can refer it to a bent knee. Eg: Araimandi is where the knee is half bent. Muzumandi or poorna mandala is where the knee is fully bent. In mandi adavus we make use of the Muzumadi position often. [...]

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 [...]

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This video demonstrates the Chatushra Jati and Khanda Jati. Chatushra Jati has 3 syllables (beats) Ta Ka Dhi Mi. Khanda Jati has 5 syllables (beats) Ta Ka Taa Ki Ta. Chatushra Jati can be done in two ways. 1. As we begin with the right side, tap your leg once and raise it on the [...]

The following is the video of first variation in sutral adavu. The Bols are Tat Tai Tam, Dhit Tai Tam. Since this step has two parts, two sets of Tat Tai Tam Dhit Tai Tam would complete one side.

Recently one of my readers had asked about the following concepts. 1. Pada-artha 2. Vakya-artha 3. Sanchari Thought I shall do a posting on this. They form an important part of Nritya and Natya. Often considered when Abhinaya dance pieces like Padam or a varnam is being choreographed. Every padam or varnam has the above concepts [...]

The following video demonstrates the fifth and the sixth variation of KudittaMetta. The Bols are Tai Gha, Tai Ghi.