SangeetKalaKendraKolkata

 Mandala bhedam is the different ways of standing described in Natyashastra and Abhinayadarpana. It is very important for a student of any classical dance to focus of these leg and feet position. not only we need to teach these theoretically but we have to practice the same practically in the class, only then can we master these. It is very important to learn these and practiced this diligently so that during the performance, postures look extremely nice. Slokam related to Mandala Bheda in Natyashastra is as follows : “Sthaanakam chaayataalidham prenkhanapreritaani cha Pratyaalidham swastika cha motitam samasoochikaa Paarshwesoochiti cha dasha mandalaaniritaaneeha” 1. Stanaka Mandala 2. Ayataa Mandala  : Placing heels together and the toes facing outside (not necessarily 180 degrees as in Aramandi) , with the knees bent facing both sides. Feet position is flat.  3. Aalida Mandala :  From Ayataa lifting the right feet and keeping it in front. Both the knees wil...

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 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...

 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 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...