This is in continuation of our series on Karanas as explained in the classical texts. In this blog we discuss the formation, meanings and usage of these karanas. 3. Valitorukam(folded thigh) Sukathundamyadahastauvyavrittaparivarthithau Ooru cha valithauyasminvalithoruthaduchyathe Scholars explain valithamas the twisting of the thigh. The sculptures in Thanjavur depict a folded and lifted thigh, bent at […]
1. Honing of mental Capabilities Proper performance of any classical dance requires the harmonious coordination between the hand and the feet, coupled with the projection of the appropriate facial expressions in consonance with the rhythm, melody and mood of the song being performed. The learning of the classical dance thus enables the students to expediently […]
Karana is described in the Natyashastra as “hastapaadasamaayogaahnrttsyakaranambhavet”. It is a combination of three elements, namely nritta hasta (dance movement of the hands), sthaana (a dance posture for the body) and a chaari (a dance movement of the leg). The karanas form the basis of the adavus. Therefore, each karana was practised as a movement […]
Dasiattam is an ancient Indian Classical dance form which derives its roots from the Natyashastra. Originating from many regions of South India, its name is derived from the Devadasis, who were considered to serve the Gods through their art. This art form was developed by the Dravidians in the pre- Aryan era and was practiced […]
Indian Classical dance or ShastriyaNritya is an umbrella term for various performance arts rooted in religious Hindu musical theatre styles, whose theory and practice can be traced to the Sanskrit text NatyaShastra. These dances are traditionally regional, all of them include music or recitation in local language or Sanskrit and they represent a unity of […]
The Hindustani and the Carnatic Tala Systems form the backbone of Indian music and dance. They are well developed, intricate systems using different kinds of beats in various mathematical metric cycles during performances of dance, music or other musical instruments. Although the comparison between these two systems can be quite elaborate, we have tried to […]
The heritage of dancing in India is at least 5000 years old. Since prehistoric times dance had been a mode of expression. Through ages, dance has been used as a vehicle of worship and manifestation. Dance has been an indispensable element of the ancient Indian society. Hindu mythologies associate many deities with this art form. […]
Although the Karanas are a series of body movements (as opposed to the popular notion that they are mere poses or adavus) and have to be performed in accordance to the interpretation of their Sanskrit texts, they all derive their names from a single source which gives each Karana its unique name. Hence, each Karana […]
In the Indian classical dance tradition, hand gestures or mudras are widely used to convey everything from emotions to objects to happenings to living beings to situations. Mudras are used skillfully with facial expressions, poses and dynamic movements to convey stories in Bharatnatyam. As we had written earlier there are two kinds of hand gestures, […]
Touch, to me, has always meant love, compassion and support. It reminds me of my mother, who was and is, a constant in my life. It means friendship, it means easing away pain and sorrows. The greatest healer in life can sometimes be just the human touch. Touch is a symbol of an unbreakable bond […]