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 [...]

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. [...]

A Jaati is a pattern that  gives us the basic feel of a Thalam. Read the article Tala System to get a hang of how it works. What you need to understand as a beginner of Bharatanatyam is that there are five Jaatis. Every jaati is denoted by a set of syllables. They are: The [...]

The following is the sollukettu for sutral adavu. The Bols are Tat Tai Tam Dhit Tai Tam. If you would like to download this audio, right click here and save to computer

The Third variation is an extension of the second variation. I have seen this step being done in different ways. So I have also tried to explain the varieties seen in this step. The Bols are Tat Tai Tam, Dhit Tai Tam, which is sung twice on each side. The first part of the video [...]

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.

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

Following is the video for the first and the second variation of KudittaMetta. The Bols are Tai Gha Tai Ghi. The most commonly used hand gestures are Alapadma and Katakamukha. In the first variation the hand moves with every sylable. Which means at Tai the hands are stretched out and jump on the toes. At [...]

Kuditta Metta refers to Jumping on the toes and then striking the heels. The initial jump though not very obvious. Both jumping and striking the heels are executed in the Araimandi position. It is also known as Guditta Metta. I have read somewhere (cannot recollect the source) KudittaMetta is also referred as Kutta Adavu. May [...]

In this variation the movements are usually going backwards or side ways. One hand is held in Dola hasta and the other in Chatura hasta. The hand in chatura hasta is placed on the shoulders in such a way that the finger tips are pointing downwards. Leg movements are the same like the previous steps. [...]