The Guide to Learning Bharatanatyam as a Beginner

Bharathanatyam is the most ancient form of Classical Dance in India. It has been derived from the 5th Veda called Natya Veda. Bharathanatyam is such a powerful influence in your life that this art form can bring a positive change if you learn it for the long term. The scientific benefits derived are immense. The topics in this course include Vyayamas, Definition, and Importance of Bharathanatyam, Basic Postures, Namaskaaram and its importance, Mudras, Basic Natta Adavus, and Tatta Adavus, Dhyana Shloka Dance with its meaning. There will be a total of 24 sessions that would be a blend of Practical and Theory and also would include exercises to make the body flexible. In this all-level Bharatanatyam course, the students would work on the Adavus, Shabdam, and Varna aspects of dance which involves rhythmic footwork, use of hand gestures, and understanding body postures. As a part of this course, the students would also be given an introduction to “Abhinaya” so that they can be aware of what to expect from further study of the art. Adavus are the basic steps of Bharatanatyam which are a combination of footwork and hand gestures. Students will be taught the initial sets of Adavus in this course. They would be introduced to the concept of Laya (speed) and made to practice the adavus to 3 speeds. In addition, an introduction would also be made to understand the concept of Jaati (Tishra and Chatushra) because it forms the base for rhythmic footwork.

About the Instructor: Smt. Mala Prashanna is an alumnus of a very prestigious Kalakshetra Foundation and trained in Bharathanatyam and Carnatic Vocals. She has completed her Ph.D. in Bharathanatyam and has more than two decades of experience in the teaching field-both Kids and Adults. She has trained many kids for Arangetram and is a long-term committed Guru who believes in Guru Shishya Parampara. She also worked for the Kalakshetra Repertory troupe for a couple of years.