Head movements are also called Shirobheda. Shira or shirasa meaning ” Head” in sanskrit. The head movements refer to the head positions, while expressing a particular bhava. There are Nine head movements. Sama : The head kept straight Udvahitam : Head Looking upwards Adhomukham : Looking Down Alolitam: Circular Movement of the head Dhutam: Right […]
Head movements or Shirobheda
May 6th, 2010 7 Comments
Tags: Aalolita · adhomukham · bharat natya · bharata natyam · Bharatanatyam · Bharatnatyam · bhedas · Gesture · head movements · Indian classical dance · kampitam · lessons · Mudras · parivahittam · parvrittam · sama · Shiro bheda · udvahitam · ukshiptam
Alarippu
March 18th, 2010 57 Comments
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 […]
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Korvai or a Dance sequence
January 21st, 2010 5 Comments
The word Korvai means to compile, join or thread together. Korvais are adavus when set to a particular Talam (Rhythm) and Kalam (speed) and usually concludes with a Theermanam. Dancer Mrinalini Sarabhai says “If we consider ‘Adavus’ as beads, ‘ Talam’ is the thread and ‘ Theermanam’ is the final knot we tie to finish […]
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Mandi Adavu Fourth variation
December 22nd, 2009 3 Comments
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. […]
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Mandi Adavu in Bharatanatyam
November 10th, 2009 4 Comments
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. […]
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Mandi Adavu First and second variation
November 10th, 2009 5 Comments
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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Jaati Adavu in Bharatanatyam part 3 (video)
September 11th, 2009 9 Comments
The Mishra Jaati and the Sankeerna jati is demonstrated here. Mishra has 7 beats Ta Ki Ta Ta Ka Dhi Mi. Sankeerna has 9 beat Ta Ka Dhi Mi Ta Ka Ta Ki Ta.
Tags: Adavus · basic steps · bharat natya · bharata natyam · Bharatanatyam · Bharatnatyam · Indian classical dance · Jati · lessons · mishra · sankeerna · syllables · Ta Ki Ta Ta Ka dhi Mi · Video
Jaati Adavu In Bharatanatyam part 2 (video)
August 24th, 2009 9 Comments
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 […]
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Jaati Adavu in Bharatanatyam
August 18th, 2009 9 Comments
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 […]
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Sutral Advau Fourth Variation (video)
July 30th, 2009 2 Comments
This step incorporates a number of leg position and movements in it. For example we begin with the Araimandi, move on to the full sitting posture (muzumandi or purna mandala) and finally end in the Stanaka position. Other position used are the prerita and Alidha. The Bols are Tat Tai Tam Dhit Tai Tam which […]
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