Head kept straight and still (used at the start of dance). Udhvahita: Head looking upwards (looking at the sky, moon).
Chant the Asamyuta Hasta sloka flawlessly up to Chandrakala .
: Shaking the head quickly from side to side (joy or passion). Drishti Bheda (Eye Movements) There are 8 primary eye movements used to convey emotions: Sama : Looking straight ahead with a neutral gaze. Alokita : Turning the eyes in a circular motion.
: The purity of body movements and correctness of posture. 5. Rhythmic Foundations (Thalam) bharatanatyam grade 3 theory notes
Moving the head from side to side (as if saying "no"). Used to show denial, looking around, or rejection.
The foundation of Bharatanatyam is divided into three distinct categories:
Demonstrate the first 10 Samyuta Hastas with correct posture. Head kept straight and still (used at the start of dance)
: A "blossoming" piece that warms up the dancer's body through rhythmic neck, eye, and limb movements.
: In the early 20th century, the dance faced a decline due to political shifts. Pioneers like E. Krishna Iyer and Rukmini Devi Arundale revived the art form. Rukmini Devi founded the Kalakshetra academy, moving the dance from temples to international proscenium stages while institutionalizing its training.
Moving the neck horizontally from side to side (affection, broad approval). : Shaking the head quickly from side to
Shabdam , Varnam (the expressive segments), and Padams . Natya (Dramatic Drama)
| Name | Contribution | |------|--------------| | | Wrote Natya Shastra (2nd cent. BCE – 2nd cent. CE) | | Tanja Quartet (Chinnayya, Ponnayya, Sivanandam, Vadivelu) | Fixed the modern Bharatanatyam Margam (early 19th century) | | Rukmini Devi Arundale | Revived Bharatanatyam from Devadasi tradition to classical stage; founded Kalakshetra | | E. Krishna Iyer | Worked to remove social stigma from the dance form | | K. N. Dandayuthapani Pillai | Famous for Nattuvangam | | T. Balasaraswati | Famous for pure traditional style (Bani) |
Formed by placing Pataka hands down by the sides of the thighs with relaxed shoulders. Used to indicate the start of a performance, deep thought, or a graceful stance.