Thattadavu-2

Now the eighth thattadavu.
All have 8 beats. But the difference lies in pause, and the leg sequence used.
This has 4 variations.
First variation:
Thai...Thai...Thai...Thai...Thai Thai Thai Thai.
Now this should b done in alternate legs. The first starts with Right leg. So the eighth step will end in left leg.
The next time, the first step should start in left leg, so that the eighth step ends in right leg. And so on...
Second variation:
Thai Thai... Thai Thai... Thai Thai Thai Thai.
Starts in Right leg. 2 in Right, 2 in left, then alternatively one in Right, Left, Right, Left.
Start again in Left. 2 in Left, 2 in Right, then 1 in Left, Right, Left, Right.
Third variation:
Thai Thai Thai... Thai Thai... Thai Thai Thai.
3 in Right, 2 in Left, 3 in Right.
Next round: 3 in Left, 2 in Right, 3 in Left.
Fourth variation:
Thai Thai... Thai... ...(long pause) Thai... Thai...Thai Thai Thaam.
2 in Right, 1 in Left, 1 in Right, 1 in Left, 1 in Right, Left, Right.
Next round: 2 in Left, 1 in Right, 1 in Left, 1 in Right, 1 in Left, Right, Left.

Rukmini Devi Arundale

Rukmini Devi Arundale was born on 29th february 1904. She started learning Bharathanatyam at the age of 24+. She is the founder of Kalakshetra(which was initially named as "International Academy of Art") in Chennai. Her physical self left this world on February 1986, at the age of 82. More about her can be read
here

Thattadavu -1

The first adavu(similar to steps) one has to learn is "Thattadavu". It comprises of eight steps, with the eighth one made of four variations.
Here "..." denotes a pause.
1. Thaiyaa Thai(one beat in each leg).
2. Thaiyaa Thai, Thaiyaa Thai (two beats per leg).
3. Thai Thai Thaam, Thai Thai Thaam (3 beats per leg).
4. Thai Thai Thai Thai, Thai Thai Thai Thai (4 beats per leg).
5. Thai Thai... Thai Thai Thaam, Thai Thai... Thai Thai Thaam (5 beats per leg).
6. Thai Thai Thaam ... Thai Thai Thaam, Thai Thai Thaam ... Thai Thai Thaam(6 beats per leg).
7. Thai Thai Thaam
Thai
Thai Thai Thaam,

Thai Thai Thaam
Thai
Thai Thai Thaam
Here the first 3 beats in one leg, the nxt one alone in another, then continue in the first leg. Start the nxt count with the nxt leg.
8. Will write abt the four variations in next post.


Readers, ur comments r always welcome. I may b wrong at times. As this is a divine art, I don't want to make mistakes here.

The Origin

Bharathanatyam is a beautiful way of expressing life.
Bharathanatyam is said to have invented or recognized by Sage Bharatha, who lived in ancient Tamilnadu. It is the widely practised dance form in South India.
But more is said about this art, a lot of tales.
Watch this blog for more information.