ITEM OF Bharatnatyam

 

Alaripu

A presentation of the Tala punctuated by simple syllables spoken by the dancer. This really is sort of an invocation to the gods to bless the performance. Alaripu is performed in different jatis. Tishra, Mishra, Chatushra, Sankirna are the different types of jatis.

Kautuvam

Ancient temple dance item performed in the beginning of the recital, containing rhythmic syllables sung for jathis.

GanapatiVandana

A traditional opening prayer to the Hindu god Ganesh, who removes obstacles.

Todayamangalam

A starting dance in which we show respect towards the god. This item was adopted from the karnatic music margam.A beautiful example of a todayamangalam is "jayajankakiRamana"

Jatiswaram or Jathiswaram

An abstract dance where the drums set the beat. Here the dancer displays her versatility in elaborate footwork and graceful movements of the body. Here the Dancer displays the Korvai in a rhythmic form. Jatiswaram or Jathiswaram brings out three aspects of dance: unity of music, rhythm and movements.

Shabdam

The dancing is accompanied by a poem or song with a devotional or amorous theme. Shabdam is usually depicting graceful movements in a story or a poem.

Varnam

The center piece of the performance. It is the longest section of the dance punctuated with the most complex and difficult movements. Positions of the hands and body tell a story, usually of love and the longing for the lover.

Padam

Probably the most lyrical section where the dancer "speaks" of some aspect of love: devotion to the Supreme Being; or of love of mother for child; or the love of lovers separated and reunited.

Stuti

Hymn in praise of a deity that may contain a feigned mockery, etc.

Koothu

Item containing a lot of dramatic elements.

Javali

Javalis are relatively new, pure abhinaya types of compositions of light and pleasing nature. Like Padams the underlying theme of Javalis is Sringara Rasa depicting the Nayaka-Nayakibhava.

Tillana

The final section is a pure dance (nritta) when the virtuosity of the music is reflected in the complex footwork and captivating poses of the dancer. Apart from these items, there are items such as Shlokam, Swarajathi, Krithi etc. The performance concludes with the chanting of a few religious verses as a form of benediction. Certain styles include more advanced items, such as TharangaNritham and SuddhaNritham. When a dancer has mastered all the elements of dance, as a coming out performance, he or she generally performs an Arangetram (debut).

Angikam

This is a devotional song on Lord Shiva and an item dance in BharataNatyam. It can also be performed in byapti slow motion. The words for the shloka are " AngikamBhuvanamYasya, VachikamSarvaVangmayam, Aaharyam Chandra Taradhi, TvamNumahSatvikamShivam".