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About Me

Namskaram !

My name is Anjali Nandan and ‘am currently in Plano,TX, USA. I have been learning Bharatanatyam from the age of 6. The learning has mostly been in Mumbai from late Smt. Madhuri Kelkar. I am a “Nritya Visharad” in Bharatnatyam from Bharatiya Sangeet Samiti.

I have got the good fortune to work along with Padmashri Smt. Hemamalini as part of various dance Ballets. It was a Divine experience working in her productions like “Mahalakshmi”, “Savitri” and “Geet-Govind”. She is a graceful and disciplined exponent of Bharatanatyam.

Apart from online lessons her school Natyam Academy in Plano, TX offers Bharatanatyam lessons to interested students in Dallas/Plano/ Frisco communities.

I am not any expert in the field having seen many greats in this art form. This Blog is a humble attempt to provide some information on the dance form as I have learnt it.

Thanks for your help and encouragement along the way!

Note (Updated Sep 21, 2009): Thanks for all the comments, suggestions and encouragement. I truly appreciate each of that.  To enable a better format for our discussion, I have added forums to the website. Request you to discuss your questions and ideas there.

1,241 Comments

  1. Nighat

    I liked the basic info you provided. My daughter has just started learning this dance. It is helpful to have an explanation of the various steps and gestures.
    Thanks, Nighat Kokan

  2. Anjali

    Thanks Nighat. It is encouraging to know that you like the information. I shall try and post what your daughter would like to understand better. Please suggest the steps and gestures that you would be interested in.

  3. Nithya

    Hi Anjali,

    Thanks, really information you gave is very helpful.
    I’am 30 yrs old.now started leanrning Bharatnataym.Since childhood very interested but could not get oppurtunity to learn.Now I got good guru.
    I want to know whether age matters in learning dance?
    Sometimes i’am getting stuck in 3 beat(fast pace)
    Do you suggest anything for improving the speed.

    With Regards.
    N.Nitu

  4. Anjali

    Hi Nithya
    Its great to know that you have decided to explore your childhood passion now. Nithya age is absolutely not a factor while learning. What matters is your intensity of focus and attitude towards learning. Our body is like any other machine, if not used will either stop working or would show up some problems. Since you have already started your class, any such problems would just disappear with further practice. Dance would be a great exercise for you.

    Unlike the slow and the medium pace, the fast pace (Vilambha, Madhyama and Dhruta as it is called) needs a lost of concentration. When your guru is reciting the sollukattu, you recite them in a numerical form mentally (like 12,123) or just repeat the sollukattu with him. This will help you to focus on your Tala. And perfection is gained through right practice.

    Just free your mind from all apprehensions and enjoy your lessons.
    Best of luck….
    Anjali

  6. sandhya

    hai anjali,
    i really liked your webpage and the important matters that you have shown
    i have completed arangetam in bharatnatyam and i want to continue the dance or what to step to another classic dance
    what would you prefer that i should do

    thankyou,

    sandhya

  7. Anjali

    Hi sandhya, great to know that you have completed your Arangetam. Do not stop here. Continue your quest for more. Since you have a fair idea of Bharatanatyam you can start your experiments on the same. Go and get some beautiful compositions and songs, try and give your own steps to them. It is a great way to revise. Learning a new dance will widen your outlook as a dancer. If given a choice I would love learning a new Classical Dance.

  8. sandhya

    thankyou very much for your reply anjali and if possible put some videos in the website so that we can get the very good ideas of dance and also of which songs to select and how to compose steps on it

  9. Mohammad Nawaz

    Anjali Nandan
    Thanks for putting this art on the web,i really appreciate may be can put some stuff on tabla too.

    Thanks again will all the respects.

    Mohammad Nawaz
    From Mauritius

  10. Sonia

    Hi Anjali,
    really nice site and its superb you put up some videos too. I like the explanations very much you gave for Namaskar. I started learning Bharatanatyam recently. How many basic adavus do exist? Could you please name the adavus? The ones I learnt so far are the following: 1.Tattadavu (8 steps), 2.Nattadavu(8), 3.That thei thei tha(4), 4.They ya they yi (4), 5. They hath they hi (4), 6.That they tham (6), 7. That they taha (4), 8. Sarikul adavu (1). Is it correct so far? Would like to learn the proper name of the adavus and a basic overview, what still is more to come. My teacher said we would roughly learn about 60 steps…
    Thanks a lot and keep up the good work!!!
    Sonia

  11. Anjali

    Hi Sonia……Thanks for your motivating words. I have mentioned the names of Adavus in my previous post “More about Adavus” check this link http://onlinebharatanatyam.com/2007/07/21/more-about-adavus/
    The names of Adavu and the number of steps vary from school to school. I shall try naming the adavus as per the sollukettu given by you …3.Tha thei thei tha – Visharu Adavu, 5.They hath they hi- kudittamitta, 6.That they tham- Muruka Adavu, 7. That they taha- tattimitti Adavu, ……… Do not get confused , I am of the view that learning steps are more important than its name……….enjoy your lessons ………keep writing

  13. chony

    Hi Anjali,
    Your blog is superb, I have just started learning bharatam Thanjavur styles, so your video is very usefull for me. Can you say which style is yours. Thanks. Can you Please put a video of naat adavu too. Thanks.
    Félicitations

  14. Anjali

    Hi Chony,
    Thanks for your kind words. Yes, Natta Adavu video is in process. So stay tuned….
    I follow the Pandanallur style which is derived out of the Tanjore Tradition.

  15. manoj.g

    hi anjali….

    hw r u..

    am manu fom US .. i seen ur profile.. and about ur dance too.. so nice to see pictures and knowing me some thing about dance.. am a music lover… i done three music album in malayalam… music is my passion… die for music.. that me..

    keep in touch
    take care..
    god bless you for your nice future…

    by manu

  16. Meghna G

    Hi Anjali.

    Happy Dussehra. Celebrating the spirit of triumph. May the spirit of goodness keep shining on you. Wishing you happiness, prosperity and good tidings. Have a joyous and bright celebration. My daughter Aarya, 4 yrs is learning dance and your site is very helpful for us. Aarya touched your feet (the pic frm the site) this morning to seek blessings from guru Anjali. We check in each day and waiting for the video on Natta adavu.

    Warm Regards.

    Meghna G

  17. Anjali

    Hi Meghana….Thanks a lot for the wishes and may all good luck and prosperity be bestowed to your family. I wish all the success to Aarya in all facets of life. Sorry for the delay in the Natta Adavu video….It will be done soon

  20. priyanka prashanth

    hi anjali ,thanks a ton ..i am so glad that u had the idea of teaching online bharatanatyam.i learned bharatanatyam when i was 5 ,..i did for for 3 years n my teacher got transfred to some other state ..and also my studies were getting affected .so stopped . now i am 24 n married but still in my heart i ve the interested to learn again ..i dont knw whther there is any age bar..but seeing your video i ve started doing it .i am so happpyyyyyy anjali . rite now i m in Germany n the dance class i quite far . can u add few more videos .
    ive a question …can we pratice during periods(during the bad days of teh month)
    .IS their any strict rules .can u plz tell me .
    wish u all the best .
    priyanka prashanth

  21. Anjali

    Hi Priyanka, Thanks a lot for encouraging words. Yes i shall keep adding videos from time to time. So stay tuned. Yes one can surly practice during periods, if you physically feel healthy. There are no rules as such. So enjoy your lessons and donot hesitate to write in your queries.

  22. Sobia

    hi Anjali! How are you…
    I just wanted to say that i take a high interest in classical indian dancing. Right from childhood, i would watch hema malini’s long stage shows on tv and learn the steps. In fact, i had gotten quite good, but had to stop as my extended family disapproved. But, its been awhile since ive started back on dancing but its much more contemporary dancing. And, i really miss being able to learn classical…when i was younger i was in a country where i could learn it…but, now im in a town that has no facilities. And, i realllyyyyyyyy wish you the best of luck with keeping this website going…because, i know i surely will need it. With the passion that i had and have for it…i really hope that you will be my way to learning the basics at least. Please do not stop posting your videos as i am more of a visual learner. Thanks soo much…and, if u have any idea about other people online that do the same thing as you please do let me know. :]
    Sobia

  23. Anjali

    Hi Sobia …I am doing Great. I really understand your feelings and passion for Dancing. Hats off to the efforts taken by you in leaning dance. I wish all the best for you dancing career. I will keep adding more thanks to encouragement from you all Thanks a bunch. 🙂 .
    Infact I love contemporary style of dance. It has a beauty of its own. I have seen some performances which concentrates on athletic movements, lot of Kalari steps(A martial art from Kerala, India), some added Yogic postures. It was interesting to watch. Where do you learn this from….keep going…and have fun. Do think of sharing this contemporary style with us.

  24. Vidya

    Hi,

    Anjali ,

    I posted a question ,its rather a problem my daughter is facing with the ardhamandala position.

    She is bending her body front when she is trying to get it right .She is 9 years old and just started learning.She is coming home crying as the Teacher admonishes her saying “She has never seen anybody finding the ardhamandala step difficult and it is the easiestone”.In front of the whole class and she comes home and cries. It will be nice if you can suggest a remedy as you are already doing a wonderful job by giving so much
    information and lessons about Bharathnatya.

  25. Anjali

    Hi Vidya, I would say ardhamandala is a difficult position for starters. Needs a lot of practice. Make her practice this position daily. Ask her to do a set of fifty counts thrice. since you have seen the video correct her every time she is wrong. Its is a commonly seen mistake . Do not worry. I remember my days of learning since i was constantly bombard by my guru. I was so scared of her that i would make all sorts of excuses for not going. But now I have no regrets. Her guru must be a perfectionist. Keep motivating her and donot stop her training. I would request parents to keep encouraging. She will be fine soon. Thanks.

  26. Vidya

    Thanks Anjali .

    I made my daughter read your message to make her understand

    that she can get it right . I was really getting worried thinking she

    might have a crooked back or some sort of a problem.

    Regards,

  27. Sangeetha.S

    Dear Anjali,
    Love your work. I don’t know if it was just by coincidence that we came upon each others websites.( I try to manage Chidambaram Arts) I would love to link your video in my section on adavus. Though I don’t teach exactly the same style, it can be a great aid to students. With you working on the practical side, it gives me all the more time to work on the theoretical side.
    Would love your input.
    regards,
    sangeetha

  29. Namrita

    Dear Anjali,

    I am a 26 year old researcher very interested in learning Bharatnatyam,but due to my work schedule i can’t provide much time to it and moreover i dont know of any school around my place in Noida.Can you refer me to a good guru.I wanted to learn Bharatnatyam since i was a child but coud n’t do it.I want to seriously pursue the dance form.Kindly suggest some good school and guru around Noida,UP.

    Kind Regards

    Namrita

  31. Divya Menon

    Hi Anjali,
    A very commendable effort!!! I am so excited to see this.
    I learned Bharatnatyam in my chilhood.I love to dance.I was searching for good teachers here in Pune.DO you know someone?I am looking in the areas near Pimple Saudagar and Aundh.

    Thanks.

  33. krishnaa

    Hi Anjali!!!
    I really appreciate your website (as i have already mentioned in the hasta section).
    I would just like to know which style of Bharatanatyam you have learnt. It is just a curiosity. 🙂

  34. A Bharatnatyam dancer

    For Divya Menon –

    Here is some info for you:
    1. my guru Mrs. Gauri Desai, who teaches at Pashan (Ph: 25890114)
    2. my earlier guru Mrs. Manik Ambike, who teaches near Sahakarnagar
    3. Mr. Parimal Phadke, probably around Deccan or Senapati Bapat Rd – whose group some of my friends have performed in
    4. Dr. Sucheta Chapekar Bhide – A renowned guru in Pune
    5. Mrs. Uma Tilak, who teaches at Aundh

    For the ones I have not listed phone numbers for, you might find them online (do a google search).

  35. aiswarya

    Hi Anjali,
    Vey nice posts, rather i should say informative, I have a doubt, what is the difference between a thodayam and a varnam, similarly between padam and shabdam, can you please explain it to me, can you tell me the exact defenition of padam and shabdam.

    Hope to see your reply soon

    thanks

    aiswarya

  36. Deepa

    Hi Anjali,
    I took my three year old daughter to observe a dance class today as she wanted to learn dance. Seeing the aramandala position, kind of thought it may be too early for her to bend her legs like that. What do you think?

    It was so nice of you to post the videos and it is a pleasure watch you demonstrate the steps. Can you please post an mp3 of the beats so that we can play the beats.
    while kids practise. I think as a beginner that understanding of thala and the gaps in between is really important.

    I’m really pleased by your ability to explain this art form so that I could understand without much effort and your videos are extremely useful.

    Thank you so much. Btw, my daughter’s name is also Anjali 🙂

    Keep up the good work!
    Deepa

  37. Dori

    Hi Anjali,

    I really appreciate that you’ve made this website available for everyone. When I watch your videos I think of generosity and the joy of sharing dance.

    With thanks and respect,
    Dori

  38. Dr.Rammohan.S

    respected divine artist…..

    Thank you for giving basic introduction about this divine art.I was searching for information on mudras and their meaning to paint lord shiva.( painting is my hobby).

    All the components of our culture have roots in Vedas.In this fast changing world we are loosing sight of our great traditions.All that is old is not alway bad or out dated.At this moment we need artists like you to speak out and inspire the youngsters to keep the best of this vedic land alive.

    I feel those silent narthakis on the walls of the great ancient temples of this country will speak eloquently to any one who goes through your series web pages.I heard that natya shastra is one of the disciplines of Indian wisdom and philosophy which simplifies and makes every one (learned & common people) understand the concept of dharma artha kama moksha.

    Add more illustrations photographs,miniature paintings,wall paintings,sculptures from temples , samskrit texts ,to the web site so that this web site develops in to a virtual academy.

    Thank you for making the this information available.

    wishing you long life , very best of every thing in life

    Dr.Rammohan.S

  39. Vipin

    hii
    Iam a research scholar from IISc bangalore. Now iam doiong a work in which we are inspiring something from bharatanatyam mudras to describe the various grasps in robotics literature. we are using 28 single handed mudras for this purpose. i have come across a website in which there was urnanbha as one of the mudra. but when i checked other websites they were not mentioning about this mudra. Can u tell me why urnanbha is not popularly mentioned..

  40. Anjali

    Hi Vipin, nice to know about your research topic. Sounds very interesting. We call Urnanbha mudra as Vyagraha. Vyagraha denotes a Tiger. Abhinayadarpanam does not mention about this gesture. But Natyashastra (NS) does talk about Uranabha. I have picked few hastas from other books like NS and hasta lakshana deepika.

  45. aiswarya

    Hi Ajali
    My daughter is getting training in Bharathanaatyam(Kalakshetra style), She had participated in some competitions recently, The most remarks we recieved from the judges were that she is having body shake and the gap between her feet increases while doing fast swaras, It would be greatful if you could give me some tips to reduce body shake and to attain a better control on feet movements.

    To be frank, Anjali you are doing a great job, hats off to all your efforts put in to this site.

    thanks
    aiswarya

  46. Shalini

    Dear Anjali,
    It would be bad on my part if I didn’t leave a comment here.Your blog is like a prayer answered to me.I am a beginner and had my initial training in Bharatanatyam in Chennai,but now I stay in Switzerland.I am not able to find a guru here and so your blog is a very useful resource to me so that I don’t forget whatever I have learned.It is unfortunate that I have come here so late 🙂
    I really appreciate the effort taken by you in keeping this blog so well documented.I was amazed to see the details in all the posts.Also the videos of adavus are just like a guru teaching you.
    You are doing a great job indeed!!May God bless you.
    Here’s wishing you all the very best and looking forward to more of Bharatanatyam.
    Best Regards,
    Shalini

  47. Anjali

    Oh Shalini, thanks a lot for this heartfelt appreciation. God Bless you too friend. May you find a Great Guru soon so that you continue your lessons. I’ll try my best to keep you updated. Thanks once again.

  48. Sreemati

    Dear Anjali,

    Your efforts are superb. I am a beginner and I learnt basic Bharatanatyam in Chennai before coming to UK. I have been surfing the net for a long time to keep in touch with all I have learnt and I hit the jackpot with your website.

    All the material, videos and resources are very well presented and very helpful.

    Thanks a lot for your efforts,

    Wishes and regards,
    Sree

  49. Ajith Kumar

    Hi Anjali,
    I have been searching for mudras of Samyukta & Asamyukta Hastangal on the net. I need them to teach my daughter (Anusha), who is 7 years and learning dance (2 and half years) from Kalamandalam Sreejaya in Bangalore. She has got her exam on 26th January 2007. Though she knows all the mudras, I thought it will help if I can show some pictures of all those mudras. If nothing is available on the web (pics) can you suggest some books on these mudras that I can buy in book stores).

    Your help will be highly appreciated.

    Best regards,
    Ajith Kumar

  50. Anjali

    Hey Sree, Thanks a bunch for your compliments. Its nice to know about your earnest desire to learn this Art. I wish u best of lucks ahead. I will try my best to keep the information flowing. Your feedback will keep giving me direction and do better. Thanks again. God bless you.

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