Bharatanatyam Foundations: From Adavus to Devaranama

The highlights of the course include -

1. Strength Training

• Strength training is a foundational element to ensure dancers develop the endurance and stamina required for Bharatanatyam.

• Exercises target the entire body, with a focus on muscle strengthening, particularly for maintaining balance, stability, and posture during prolonged dance performances.

• Strength training enhances flexibility, allowing dancers to achieve the dynamic poses and footwork characteristic of Bharatanatyam.

2. Lower Body Exercises

• Lower body exercises are designed to build leg strength, essential for executing the intricate footwork and “striking steps” involved in Bharatanatyam.

• These exercises improve control, balance, and resilience in movements, enabling dancers to hold postures and perform sequences without strain.

• Focus areas include calf raises, squats, and lunges, which support endurance and help prevent injuries.

3. Upper Body Exercises

• Upper body exercises focus on improving arm strength and shoulder flexibility, allowing dancers to hold mudras (hand gestures) gracefully and with precision.

• They build the strength needed for sustained arm movements and improve coordination, enhancing the dancer’s expressiveness.

• Key exercises include shoulder presses, bicep curls, and core stability exercises to help with fluid hand and arm motions.

4. Spine Twists

• Spine twists are incorporated to maintain a supple and aligned spine, critical for Bharatanatyam’s dynamic postures and turns.

• These exercises improve torso flexibility, enabling graceful upper body rotations and enhanced range of motion.

• They also aid in building core stability, which is essential for holding poses and facilitating smooth transitions between movements.

5. Meditation

• Meditation is integrated to enhance focus, awareness, and emotional depth in performance.

• It encourages dancers to connect more deeply with each gesture and expression, bringing authenticity and clarity to their storytelling.

• Practicing meditation regularly helps dancers manage stage anxiety and cultivates a calm, centered presence on stage.

6. Yoga Asanas

• Yoga asanas complement Bharatanatyam training by improving flexibility, body alignment, and breath control.

• They prepare the body for demanding postures and support injury prevention, strengthening key muscle groups used in dance.

• Common asanas include Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations) and Tadasana (Mountain Pose), which reinforce balance, stability, and grounding.

7. Mudras

• Mudras, or hand gestures, are powerful tools in Bharatanatyam used to communicate emotions, tell stories, and depict various objects or actions.

• Each mudra has symbolic meaning and helps convey complex ideas, enhancing the narrative element of the dance.

• In Sanskrit, “mudra” means “joy” or “bliss,” and mastering these gestures allows dancers to connect with the spiritual essence of Bharatanatyam.

8. Adavus

• Adavus are the basic steps, also known as “striking steps,” that form the foundation of Bharatanatyam technique and vocabulary.

• The Dashavidha Adavus, which include Tatta Adavu, Natta Adavu, and Visharu Adavu, are essential for learning rhythm, body alignment, and precision in movement.

• Practicing adavus helps dancers develop rhythm, balance, and coordination, forming the base for more complex sequences and compositions.

9. Neck Movements

• Neck movements are fundamental in Bharatanatyam for adding grace and rhythm to the dance.

• These movements enhance coordination and prepare the dancer to achieve Laya, or rhythmic harmony, which is crucial for syncing body movements with music.

• Practicing neck movements also improves flexibility and control, adding elegance to facial and upper body expressions.

10. Bhava

• Bhava refers to the expressions and emotions conveyed by the dancer, which are central to storytelling in Bharatanatyam.

• Through Bhava, dancers can depict a wide range of feelings—joy, sorrow, love, devotion—bringing life to the performance and connecting with the audience on an emotional level.

• This aspect of Bharatanatyam transforms technical movements into a narrative experience, enriching the dancer’s storytelling ability.

11. Shlokas

• Shlokas are Sanskrit verses that enhance the narrative by combining Bhava and Adavus to create expressive compositions.

• They serve as a bridge between dance and devotion, allowing dancers to explore deeper spiritual and cultural themes.

• Learning Shlokas helps dancers understand rhythm, pronunciation, and expression, adding depth to their storytelling and performance.

12. Devaranama

• Devaranama refers to compositions in praise of a particular deity, often performed as an offering in Bharatanatyam.

• These compositions allow dancers to embody devotion and reverence, connecting them to the divine and spiritual roots of Bharatanatyam.

• Learning Devaranama provides insight into the cultural and spiritual context of Bharatanatyam, helping dancers perform with greater authenticity and connection to tradition.

About the Teacher

Ashitha Rajesh Kumar is a seasoned Bharatanatyam and Kathak artist and instructor, bringing over 22 years of dedicated learning and over 7 years of teaching experience in these revered classical dance forms. Her journey reflects a deep commitment to preserving and sharing the rich cultural heritage of Bharatanatyam and Kathak.

Ashitha’s rigorous training under her esteemed Guru, Shri Suparna Venkatesh, has equipped her with a profound understanding of the intricacies, nuances, and historical significance embedded in these dance traditions. Her goal is to contribute to the legacy of these art forms by guiding the next generation of dancers on their own transformative journeys.

Holding a Master’s Degree in Performing Arts, Ashitha was recognized as a rank holder from Bangalore University for her dissertation on the captivating Masked Folk Dances of Karnataka. In addition to her Bharatanatyam and Kathak expertise, she is an internationally certified yoga instructor, recognized by the International Yoga Alliance, and a Graded Artist by Doordarshan for Kathak. Her holistic approach to wellness and performance is enriched by these additional disciplines, and she was recently honored as a South India Women Achievers Awardee in 2024.

Ashitha’s dedication to promoting Indian culture extends beyond her academic achievements. As a proud member of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, she has represented India’s rich heritage on global stages, including the prestigious RUSSIA Met Gala Festival in 2023 and The Temple of Fine Arts in Malaysia. Driven by a passion for teaching, Ashitha is committed to sharing the art forms she cherishes, enriching students worldwide with the timeless treasures of Indian classical dance.