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NATTADAVU IN BHARATANATYAM

  Natta Adavu in Bharatanatyam 🌸 Introduction In Bharatanatyam, Adavus are the basic units of movement that combine footwork, hand gestures, and body postures. Natta Adavu is one of the most important adavus, widely used in dance sequences like Alarippu, Jatiswaram, and Varnam . The word “ Natta ” comes from “Nattu” meaning to stretch or extend , which is reflected in the long, stretched leg movements of this adavu. 👣 Posture The dancer stands in Araimandi (half-sitting posture). Feet are placed with toes turned outward. Spine erect, chest open. Hands in Tripataka or Natyarambhe (on the sides, elbows raised). 👣 Footwork / Movement Involves stretching one leg outward while keeping the other leg in Araimandi. The extended foot strikes the ground with toes or heels depending on the variation. The movements alternate between right and left leg. Arms are stretched gracefully in coordination with the legs. 🗣️ Solkattu (Rhythmic Syllables) ...

SURYANAMASKARAM - YOGA

  🌞 Surya Namaskaram (Sun Salutation) Introduction: Surya Namaskaram, also known as Sun Salutation , is a sequence of 12 yoga postures performed in a flow, traditionally practiced at sunrise. It is both a physical exercise and a spiritual practice , honoring the Sun as the source of energy and life. ✅ Benefits of Surya Namaskaram 1. Physical Benefits Strengthens muscles, joints, and ligaments. Improves flexibility of the spine and limbs. Enhances lung capacity through synchronized breathing. Boosts blood circulation and oxygen supply. Helps in weight management and fat reduction. 2. Mental Benefits Reduces stress and anxiety by calming the mind. Improves focus, memory, and concentration. Balances energy levels, preventing fatigue. Encourages mindfulness through breath–movement coordination. 3. Health Benefits Stimulates digestive system and metabolism. Improves functioning of the heart and kidneys. Balances hormones and strengthens i...

MUDRAS IN BHARATANATYAM

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Asamyukta Hastas (Single-Hand Mudras) – Bharatanatyam Asamyukta Hastas are single-hand gestures used in Bharatanatyam to express ideas, objects, emotions, and actions. They are described in the Natya Shastra and Abhinaya Darpana . 1. Pataka – Flag All fingers extended and together, thumb bent slightly inward. Uses: Denotes cloud, forest, denial, blessing. 2. Tripataka – Three Parts of a Flag Pataka with ring finger bent. Uses: Crown, tree, arrow, flame. 3. Ardhapataka – Half Flag Pataka with little finger and ring finger bent. Uses: Leaves, knife, tower. 4. Kartarimukha – Scissors Index and middle fingers extended apart, others folded. Uses: Separation, opposition, lightning. 5. Mayura – Peacock Ring finger touches thumb tip, others extended. Uses: Peacock, bird, creeper. 6. Ardhachandra – Half Moon All fingers extended with thumb stretched sideways. Uses: Moon, waist, offering. 7. Arala – Bent Index finger bent, others extended, thumb touches middle finger. Uses...

Thattadavu in Bharanatyam

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  BHARATANATYAM BASICS THREE BASIC POSTURES OF BHARATANATYAM Thattadavu in Bharatanatyam   Overview:   Thattadavu is the foundational step in Bharatanatyam, focusing on striking the feet in rhythm with the hand gestures. It is the first type of Adavu (basic dance unit), and it trains dancers in rhythm, posture, coordination, and discipline.     Steps:   The dancer begins in Araimandi (half-sitting posture).   The foot is lifted and struck flat on the floor, alternating between the right and left foot.   Hands are placed in specific Mudras (gestures), typically in Tripataka or Pataka .   Movements are performed in synchronization with the Tala (rhythmic cycle), commonly Adi Tala .   There are generally 8 variations (types) of Thattadavu , increasing in complexity and speed.   🩰 Thattadavu – Stages in Detail   Thattadavu consists of a series of progressive stages or variations , typically taugh...