Bharatanatyam Grade - 3 Theory Notes
In Grade 3, you must master the remaining 28 gestures from the Abhinaya Darpana Padmakosa: Represents a lotus bud or fruit. Sarpasirsha: Represents a cobra's hood. Mrigasirsha: Represents a deer's head. Simhamukha: Represents a lion's face. Represents a small bell or fruit. Represents a full-blown lotus. Represents sorrow, gold, or a slow pace. Represents a bee. Represents a swan's beak. Hamsapakshaka: Represents a swan's wing. Sandamsha: Represents grasping or a wound. Represents a flower bud or eating. Tamrachuda: Represents a rooster or a crow. Represents the trident of Shiva. 👐 Samyuta Hastas (Double Hand Gestures) These use both hands together to convey complex ideas. Salutation (Namaste). Dove; shows respectful agreement. Crab; shows blowing a conch or twisting. Crossed; shows a crocodile or sky. Swinging; used at the start of a dance. Pushpaputa: Flower casket; offering flowers or water. Embrace; shows modesty or shyness. Shivalinga: Symbol of Lord Shiva. Katakavardhana: Coronation or worship. Kartarisvastika: Crossed scissors; trees or hilltops. Demon; used for celestial or scary figures. Conch shell. 🦵 Basic Adavus (Steps) Grade 3 usually focuses on rhythmically complex steps: Visharu Adavu: Sweeping movements. Tatti Metti Adavu: Striking and healing (Ta-Tai-Tai-Ta). Sarikal Adavu: Sliding steps. Mandi Adavu: Squatting movements using the full body. 🎼 Tala (Rhythm) Components Understanding the beat is essential for advanced steps. The parts of a Tala cycle. Anudrutam (U): One beat (clap). Drutam (O): Two beats (clap + wave). Laghu (I): Variable beats (clap + finger counts).
: The most complex and longest item, blending intricate footwork with deep emotional expression. bharatanatyam grade 3 theory notes
The (Order of the Path) is the traditional sequence of a Bharatanatyam performance. In Grade 3, you must master the remaining
"Yatho hastas thatho drishti, yatho drishtis thatho manaha..." (Where the hands go, the eyes follow; where the eyes go, the mind follows...). Simhamukha: Represents a lion's face
Footwork involving striking the floor with the sole.
Understanding that the dance was historically known as Sadir or Dasi Attam when performed by Devadasis in temples. 5. Tala (Rhythm) Basics Students should be able to define and demonstrate:
| Aspect | Nritta (Pure Dance) | Nritya (Expressive) | Natya (Drama) | |--------|--------------------|---------------------|----------------| | Focus | Rhythm & Technique | Emotion & Mood | Story & Character | | Meaning | No meaning | Has meaning | Dialogue/Play | | Example | Jatiswaram, Thillana | Shabdam, Varnam | Dance drama | | Hand gestures | Rhythmic use | Conveys ideas | Role-play |