Further steps in Natta Adavu are slightly different than the previous steps with regards to hand movements. Also the leg movements get tougher now on. But its not any cause of concern. A Dance gets beautiful only when complex steps added to them. Hope You all are enjoying your dance lessons. In this post I [...]

Tanjore Quartet – The modern day Bharatanatyam was given the formal shape by these four Nattuvanars (widely known as Tanjaore Bandhu) namely Chinnaiya, Ponaiyah, Sivanandam, Vadivelu. They flourished in the Darbar of the Maratha ruler, Sarfoji-II between A.D 1798 to 1832. Todays Margam (repertoire from Allaripu to Tillana) was also given a face lift by [...]

In the last post we saw about Angika Abhinaya and Vachika Abhinaya. Now lets see what Aharaya and Sattvika Abhinaya mean. 3. The Aharya aspect of Abhinaya involves the make-up and costumes, ornaments, use of specific colours, hair-styles as well as dress code for particular characters. Aharya also includes the stage props and decor. A [...]

Abhinaya in Dance (Part 1) Before we move on to the explanation of different Abhinayas I would like to share a popular shloka (poetic verse) in praise of lord Shiva who is said to be the embodiment of these four Abhinayas. The dancing Avatar of Lord Shiva is called the Nataraja (The king of Dance). [...]

Here is the Video for the Fifth, Sixth and Seventh step of Natta Adavu. back to Natta Adavu Index

Hope you must have tried out the fifth and sixth step. Today I shall describe the seventh step. Be in Ardhamandala and hands stretched out in Tripataka. 1.Do the first step of Natta Adavu as explained in the previous posts. (Tai yum Tat Ta tai hi ya ha) 2. After doing the first step take [...]

As we saw the third and the fourth step is very similar. The fifth and the sixth are similar as well. let see how it is done. 1. Be in Ardhamandala posture. Take your right leg forward in Alidha and Right hand in Triptaka touching the right foot. The left foot will be grounded flat [...]

Here all the fingers are bent and pressed against the Palm except the thumb. The thumb is raised and held erect. (like the thumbs-up Sign) It is used to denote the following: An Armour A Bow A Pillar Making offering to Manes Upper lips A tooth Questioning Saying No Recollection Pulling a griddle An act [...]

Here is the Video for the Third and Fourth step of Natta Adavu. This also has a detailed explanation of the crossed leg movements. back to Natta Adavu Index

I have described the First and Second steps of Natta Adavu earlier. I am happy to add a Video of the steps today. back to Natta Adavu Index