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 movements of Alarippu relax the dancer’s mind and thereby her mind, loosen and coordinate her limbs and prepare her for the dance. Rhythm has a rare capacity to invoke concentration. Alarippu is most valuable in freeing the dancer from distraction and making her single-minded.”
Alarippu begins with Atamis or neck movements followed by Mandi advau in the second half and later culminates with vibrant foot work and teermanam adavu. In the following video I have tried to explain the first half of Alarippu step by step.
Part Two Video of Alarippu
Here is the second part of Alarippu. I have used some audio in between to demonstrate the speed and how it would match with the beats.
Lets watch the whole Alarippu here. The video is a recent update to this post.
Hi Aishwariya, You can try Alliance university in Bangalore. They have Department of performing arts.Im learing Diploma in Bharathnatyam from them . They have BFA and MFA too.U can enquire and Try. It is in BTM layout.
Iam Greeshma I have completed Diploma.Now I am working in travels for a ticketing staff. Later I have done Bharathanatyam.But iam now interested to bharathanatyam.
Hi Anjali,
thank u soooooooooooo much for these mesmerising videos.Ur videos help me teach my 6yr old daughter with better unerstanding.Really hatsoff to u , as u have justified the knowledge of art. Thank u again
hi mam
im krupa 15 yr old high school student and you’re website is really helpful in teaching bharatanatyam
i was not fortunate enough to learn bharatanatyam because of my situation but you’re videos are truly inspiring me to learn and enjoy bharatanatyam
so thank u mam
Thank you ma’am for this video I am in class 11th now and l love to do bharatnatyam very much and I am taking classes since 5 years now l have filled the form of prayaga
Hi Anjali , your videos are awesome. It’s very helpful . I have a small doubt . Where can I see the full length of the Alaripu video with Music.
Vanitha, we have only the instruction video so far. Pls mention your doubt and we will try to answer.
Hi Anjali
I wanted alarippu song in English please can you send me
Hi Mam, I learned Bharatnatyam for 1 year. Later due to financial conditions, I couldn’t continue but now I feel I can fulfill my dream. Lots of Love mam.
Hi Madam,I would like ask you what is diffrence between wing speeds
I like this dance👍👍👍👍🎂🎂🎂🎂💐💐💐💐💐