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)

Common syllables used are:

  • Tai Yum Ta Ha

  • Tai Ya Tai Hi

Each beat corresponds to a leg movement and hand extension.

🎯 Purpose of Natta Adavu

  • Trains the dancer in leg extensions and flexibility.

  • Develops balance and coordination between hands and legs.

  • Forms the base for pure dance (Nritta) sequences.

  • Enhances the beauty and grace of stretched movements on stage.

✅ Tips

  • Keep Araimandi strong and consistent.

  • Stretch legs fully without losing balance.

  • Coordinate hands and eyes with the feet.

  • Practice slowly, then increase speed with rhythm.

✨ Conclusion
Natta Adavu is a graceful adavu that highlights stretched leg movements and rhythmic footwork. Mastering it helps dancers perform complex Bharatanatyam pieces with strength, rhythm, and elegance.

Natta Adavu (Stages 1–8)

🌸 General Features

  • Posture: Araimandi (half-sitting).

  • Hands: Usually in Tripataka or Natyarambhe.

  • Movement: Involves stretching one leg outward (toes or heels striking the floor) while the other leg holds Araimandi.

  • Rhythm: Practiced with solkattu (syllables) in 3 speeds (first, second, third).

Stage 1

  • Movement: Stretch right leg forward, tap toes, then return to Araimandi. Repeat with left leg.

  • Solkattu: Tai Yum Ta Ha.

  • Focus: Learning basic stretch and return with balance.

Stage 2

  • Movement: Same as Stage 1, but hands extend sideways (Tripataka) when the leg stretches.

  • Solkattu: Tai Yum Ta Ha – Tai Ya Tai Hi.

  • Focus: Hand–leg coordination.

Stage 3

  • Movement: Stretch leg forward, then sideways, returning to Araimandi each time.

  • Solkattu: Tai Yum Ta Ha – Tai Ya Tai Hi.

  • Focus: Directional extension (front and side).

Stage 4

  • Movement: Stretch leg diagonally (front corners) with corresponding hand extension.

  • Solkattu: Tai Yum Ta Ha – Tai Ya Tai Hi.

  • Focus: Diagonal balance and eye movement.

Stage 5

  • Movement: Combine forward + side + diagonal stretches in sequence.

  • Solkattu: Tai Yum Ta Ha – Tai Ya Tai Hi.

  • Focus: Smooth transitions between directions.

Stage 6

  • Movement: Leg stretch with a small hop (lift on supporting leg) for added sharpness.

  • Solkattu: Tai Yum Ta Ha – Tai Ya Tai Hi.

  • Focus: Agility and sharpness.

Stage 7

  • Movement: Same directional stretches but done in faster rhythm, alternating legs quickly.

  • Solkattu: Repeated Tai Yum Ta Ha – Tai Ya Tai Hi in speed.

  • Focus: Stamina and speed control.

Stage 8

  • Movement: Combination of forward, side, diagonal, and hops performed in a flowing sequence.

  • Solkattu: Tai Yum Ta Ha – Tai Ya Tai Hi (continuous).

  • Focus: Mastery of all variations together with grace, rhythm, and energy.

🎯 Purpose of Natta Adavu Stages

  • Builds strength in thighs and ankles.

  • Improves flexibility of hips and legs.

  • Develops coordination of eyes, hands, and feet.

  • Prepares the dancer for complex Nritta sequences like Jatiswaram and Varnam.


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