Bharathanatyam

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BHARATHANATYAM

Bha-Ra-Tha-Natyam

Bha – Bhavam (Emotions/ Expressions)

Ra – Ragam (Music)

Tha- Thalam (Rhythmic movement)

Natyam – Dance

Bharathanatyam is an immensely popular ancient dance form which originated in Tamil Nadu (Southern India). The technicalities of Bharathanatyam follows the ancient Indian scripture called Natyashastra (the science of dance). As with all classical Indian dances it is comprised of Nritta (pure dance elements), Nritya (descriptive technical elements) and Natya (dramatic elements). To master this complex yet subtle art form it takes a lot of discipline, continuous hard work and dedication.

At Upasana, the Bharathanatyam classes are divided into 3 Levels.

Learn more about Upasana Kalakendra Faculty

Beginner Class

Practicals

Basic dance workouts (Guidelines for practice), Basic dance stances (Araimandi, Samapadam and Muzhumandi), Basic dance units (Adavus with their variations)

Level 1

Theory

Asamyutha hasthas (single hand mudras) and Samyutha hasthas (double hand mudras)

Level 2

Practicals

Korvai (Garland of Adavus) Basic dance items : Pushpanjali, Alarippu, Kavuthuvam

Theory

Asamyutha and Samyutha hastha viniyogam (usages) with reference to the Natyashastra and Abhinayadarpana, Pada Bhedhas (feet movements)

BEGINNER CLASS

Intermediate Class

Practicals

Thodayamangalam, Jathiswaram, Shabdham

Level 1

Theory

Asamyutha hasthas (single hand mudras) and Samyutha hasthas (double hand mudras)

Level 2

Practicals

Shabdham, Varnam and Padam

Theory

Karanas (synchronized movements of hand, feet and body), Aesthetics and applications of Abhinaya.

INTERMEDIATE CLASS

Advanced Class

Practicals

Varnam, Padam and Javali

Level 1

Theory

The three fold divisions in dance : Nritta (pure dance elements), Nritya (technical elements) and Natya (Dramatic elements), slokhas from Natya shastra and Abhinaya dharpana.