Thattadavu in Bharanatyam

 

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 taught in a sequence that helps build strength, rhythm, posture, and coordination. These stages are performed in Araimandi (half-sitting posture) and usually in Adi Tala (8-beat cycle), starting at a slow speed and gradually increasing. 

Each stage involves striking the feet against the floor in a particular pattern, with consistent hand gestures (usually Pataka or Tripataka held on either side at waist level). 

 

🌟 Stage-wise Breakdown of Thattadavu: 

🔸 Thattadavu 1 – Basic Alternating Strikes 

• Movement: Simple alternation of the right and left foot striking the floor. 

• Beat Cycle: 1 foot per beat – 8 counts. 

• Hands: Both in Pataka, held firmly at waist level. 

• Rhythm: Ta – Tai – Ta – Ha (Right – Left – Right – Left) 

• Focus: Balance, clarity of strike, posture. 

 

🔸 Thattadavu 2 – Double Strikes 

• Movement: Each foot strikes twice in succession. 

• Rhythm: Ta – Tai – Tai – Ta – Ta – Tai – Tai – Ta 

• Focus: Strengthens ankle control, improves stamina.

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🔸 Thattadavu 3 – Pause Between Strikes 

• Movement: Strike one foot, pause, then the other. 

• Rhythm: Ta – (pause) – Tai – (pause) 

• Focus: Control, maintaining steady Araimandi during pauses. 

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🔸 Thattadavu 4 – Triplet Pattern 

• Movement: Right–Left–Right, Left–Right–Left 

• Rhythm: Tai – Tai – Dhit (in a 3-beat cluster) 

• Focus: Introduction to more complex rhythmic groupings. 

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🔸 Thattadavu 5 – Diagonal Strikes 

• Movement: Striking feet slightly outward, diagonally. 

• Rhythm: Same as Stage 1, but spatial variation. 

• Focus: Directional awareness and graceful foot placement. 

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🔸 Thattadavu 6 – Diagonal Double Strikes 

• Movement: Combination of double strikes with diagonal placement. 

• Focus: Greater coordination of arms, torso, and legs

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🔸 Thattadavu 7 – Alternating Paired Strikes 

• Movement: Two strikes on one foot, then switch. 

• Rhythm: Ta – Tai – Tai – Ta, Ta – Tai – Tai – Ta 

• Focus: Builds rhythmic consistency and leg endurance. 

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🔸 Thattadavu 8 – Speed Variation 

• Movement: Any of the above patterns but at higher speed (Drutam). 

• Focus: Testing stamina, clarity at speed, and rhythmic agility. 

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🧘‍♀️ Posture & Hand Use Across All Stages: 

• Hands remain in Pataka or Tripataka throughout, held slightly bent at elbows. 

• Eyes follow the hand or stay centered, depending on the teacher's style. 

• The back remains straight, knees pushed out, and feet turned outward. 

 

🎵 Syllables Used (Nattuvangam): 

• "Ta" – right foot 

• "Tai" – left foot 

• "Dhit" or "Ha" – varies depending on the variation 

 

🧠 Tips for Practice: 

• Start slow, build speed gradually. 

• Keep Araimandi consistent—don’t rise and fall. 

• Strive for sound clarity when striking the floor. 

• Focus on symmetry in hand placement and body posture. 

• Always practice with the beat – either with nattuvangam or metronome. 

 

Important Gestures (Mudras): 

• Pataka: Flat hand gesture often used in the early stages. 

• Tripataka: Similar to Pataka but with the ring finger bent. 

• These are held at waist level, helping to develop hand control and posture. 

 

Benefits: 

• Builds rhythmic precision and muscle memory. 

• Improves balance, coordination, and posture. 

• Strengthens the lower body, especially legs and core. 

• Enhances awareness of Tala and timing. 

• Lays the foundation for more complex Adavus and choreography. 

 

Importance in Bharatanatyam: 

• Thattadavu is the first step in mastering Bharatanatyam. 

• It introduces the dancer to the concept of Nritta (pure dance without expression). 

• Cultivates discipline and focus, both mentally and physically. 

• Essential for understanding the interplay between movement and rhythm, which is core to the dance form.