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Warm Up Exercises for BharatNatyam Student

It is very important for the students to learn the art of warming up before actually moving on to the dance practices. Researches show that warming up helps in slowly tuning the body for the vigorous exercise later on by increasing the body temperature in a controlled way. This in turn makes sure that the wear and tear of the muscles are minimized, hence the chances of injury is absolutely nominated. There is no specific rules and regulations set for warm up exercises. It totally depends on the student's body. The teacher has to work with the student to understand the areas that requires more attention. If practiced regularly these will ensure flexibility of the body.  Each of these exercises are elaborated separately. Please click on the name to know more about the exercises.     The First Set Patangasana    :  Both the feet tucked close to the groin, clasped tightly with the hands like binding the feet. Both the thighs are then moved in a...

Hasta Mudra (Hand Gestures) Part 12 - Jaati Hasta or Varna Hastas

Since Pre - historic times, Indian society had a complex, inter- dependent and co operative political economy where each individual had a specific role to play in uplifting the society and human welfare. The caste system in ancient India was followed with precise order and instructions. One can go on and on about the intricacies of the Caste System in India. Many research in modern times have been conducted on the caste systems. For centuries, caste dictated each and every aspect of Hindu life with each group occupying a specific place in the complex hierarchy. Earliest mention of the caste system in ancient India can be found in Manusanhita (1000 years before Christ), a book written by King Manu who ruled South India and have said to migrated to North India. Jaati Hastas are very common in Indian classical dance compositions. While composing a dance drama it becomes very important to depict the characters with the help of these Hastas. These hastas in co ordination of the body...

Hasta Mudra (Hand Gestures) Part 11 - Naadi Hasta ( Rivers & Oceans)

The seven Oceans are Sl No. Name Hand (Same hasta has to be performed by two hands) 1. Lavana (Salt) Mukula moved up and down (Vyartiita and Apaveshita) 2. Iksu (Sugarcane Juice) Alapadma moved up and down (Vyartiita and Apaveshita) 3. Sura (Intoxicating drink) Sankirna and Pataka moved up and down (Vyartiita and Apaveshita) 4. Sarpi (Ghee) Chatura moved up and down (Vyartiita and Apaveshita) 5. Dadhi (Curds) Tripataka moved up and down (Vyartiita and Apaveshita) 6. Ksira (Milk) Sarpashishya moved up and down (Vyartiita and Apaveshita) 7. Suddhodaka/ Jala (Water) Pataka moved in the same manner (Vyartiita and Apaveshita) 0 Lavaneksusurasarpaihdadhiksirajalarnavah |                  ...

Hasta Mudra (Hand Gestures) Part 10 - Dashavataram Hasta

Madhubani Painting Dashavataram  in Hinduism means the 10 incarnation of Lord Vishnu (the second of the Holy Trinity).  Vishnu is the preserver of the Universe and from time to time takes birth on Earth in Human forms to end the evil maintain the balance on earth. It is believed that Lord Vishnu comes on earth time and again to eradicate the evil and restore peace (Yada yada hi dharmasya || Glanir bhavati bharatha|| Abhur thana adharmastsya||). Vishnu is Sleeping posture (Mahabalipuram) Madhubani Painting The word "Dasa" means Ten and "Avatar" means Incarnation. The order of the Dashavataram in true sense falls in line with the Darwin Theory of Evolution of creatures that talks about the birth of water creature first, then the amphibions and then the animals on land, next came the half human half animal, next were the small humans and so on. To be very honest the concept of existence of Dashavataram is found through out the length and breadth of the co...

Hasta Mudra (Hand Gestures) Part 9 - Jantu Hasta

These are not so common and is hardly ever taught to the students in the class. However it is advisable to read this. This strictly falls under "Good to Know" information. Animals Hasta Reference Lion Patāka (applied to the back of the right, the fingers being freely moved) Siṃha-mukha in Right Asamyukta Mudra Tiger Ardha-candra hand held face downward Asamyukta Mudra Boar Saṅkīrṇa-makara hand in the aforesaid Matsya hand, the right hand is held downwards and shaken the five fingers being severally held apart, indicating bristles Asamyukta Mudra Monkey Adho-muṣṭi-mukula hand is used, i. e. the thumb and second finger of the Muṣṭi hand are joined Asamyukta Mudra Cat Ardha-mukula hand the thumb and third finger of the Muṣṭi hand are joined Asamyukta Mudra Yak the hands touching at the wrists, left hand Muṣṭi, right hand Mudrikā, making the M...