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Gaati Bhedam

The word " Gaati" in Sanskrit means "speed". However, in dance Gati Bhedam denotes the different speed of walking. Different animals have been taken as an example to show the walking style and speed. 1. Hamsa Gati 2. Mayur Gati 3. Mrig Gati 4. Gaja Gati 5. Turanga Gati 6. Simha Gati 7. Bhujangi Gati 8. Manduki Gati 9. Veera Gati 10. Maanvi Gati

Bhramari Bhedam or Lakshana

 Bhramari literally means "circling" in Sanskrit. As per Natyashastra, there are following type of Bhramari that a dance student has to master.  1. Utpluta Bhramari : Taking a full circle and during start keeping the feet in Sama padam is called Utpluta Bhramari. This is extensively used in Kathak as well as in Bharatnatyam. 2. Chakra Bhramari :  While standing on the toes and turning (full round ) is called Chakra Bhramari. This is also used in Kathak extensively. 3. Garuda Bhramari : Standing in Garuda Stanaka and moving in a circle is Garuda Bhramari. 4. Eka Pada Bhramari : This is done by standing on one leg (Eka Pada Stanaka) with the other leg lifted and quickly taking a turn and landing on both feet. 5. Kunchita Bhramari : Circling with bend knees and on toes is Kunchita Bhramari. 6. Akaash Bhramari : Jumping with stretched legs towards sky (AS FAR AS POSSIBLE) and turning around and landing in samapada . 7.  Anga Bhramari : Standing with two feet ap...

Utplavana Bhedam

 The word "Utplavana" is a Sanskrit word which literally means "leap".  Both Natyashastra and Abhnayadarpana talks about Utplavana. As per these text spinging the body or leaping can be done in the following ways. 1. 

Stanaka Bhedam or Pada Bhedam

  Stanaka literally means " standing position ". Both Natyashastra and Abhinayadarpana not only mentions about the stanaka but also describes them. There are 6 Stanakas that are taught to the students of any classical dance. 1) Sama Padam : This is perhaps the most commonly used leg position not only in Bharatnatyam but in all the dance forms. Both the feet are joined with knee together and body kept straight. The hand is hold at the waist generally. This is extensively used during the beginning (Natyarambham) or end of any dance.  2) Eka Padam : The word "Eka" in Sanskrit means "one". Hence Eka padam refers to one feet. This position can be done when one feet is kept in sama pada and the other leg is lifted in such a way that the feet height will as tall as that of the other knee. The height of the knee should ideally be at the waist length. The hand is held at waist. This can be used showing a King sitting on throne, Rishi doing penance. 3) Naagabandh...

Tatta Adavu

 The word "Tatta" in Tamil means "Stamping feet on the ground". In Tanjavur style of Bharatnatyam there are 7 adavus. Rukmini Devi introduced the 8th adavu in Kalashetra School of Dance. Adavus Sollu   (Syllables or Bol) Details Tatta 1 Tai Ya Tai Stamping   each   feet once (alternately) Tatta 2 Tai Ya Tai Kirataka Tai Ya Tai Stamping   each   feet twice   (alternately) Tatta 3 Tai Tai Tam Stamping each feet thrice (alternately) Tatta 4 Tai Tai Tai Ya Tam Stamping each feet four times   (alternately) Tatta 5 Tai Tai      Tai Tai Tam Stamping each feet twice and then thrice (alternately). There is a small pause between the first two beats and the last three beats Tatta 6 Tai Tai Tam Tai Tai Tam Stamping each feet thri...