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Curriculum based training Bharatanatyam at Kalapriya
What is Bharatanatyam? 
Bharatanatyam is one of India’s eight codified Classical dances originating from Tamil Nadu. This dance form encompasses the three core qualities of Bhava, Raga, and Taala - Expression, Melody, and Rhythm within Natyam or Dance that combines theatre, athleticism, and pure movement to weave stories of ages new and old.
❋ Intentional StructureKalapriya offers 8-week courses for children and adults. The children' s courses are divided into three stages:
DHWANI, i.e., INTRO
SWARA, i.e., BEGINNER, and
SANGATI, i.e., INTERMEDIATE
Each stage is named after a musical progression in Indian classical music.
Dhwani translates to “sound” - the very first unit of music.
Swara translates to the combination of the breath and the notes and tone - a step up from pure sound.
Sangati is the musical phrase that is built from a good understanding of Swaras.
❋ Expert FacilitationLed by experienced teachers who know how to hold space, encourage participation, and instill discipline and appreciation for proper technique.
Instructors: Harini Nilakantan
Subs/Co-Teachers: Anushka Tandon, Swetha Chandrasekar
Assisted by the members of the Kalapriya Dance Company
Class Overview
INTRO COURSES:
Students learn the basic techniques of Bharatanatyam including sthanakas (stances), percussive footwork, hastas (hand gestures), simple adavus (dance steps). This class will only focus on technique and form to ensure that students learn this dance style without risking injury.
Adavu is the Tamizh word for “step” or “measure.”
Each class begins with a comprehensive warm-up and ends with a cool-down. At the end of the year, students perform a 2-minute piece incorporating all their dance lessons.
No prior experience required.
BEGINNER COURSES:
Adults [18+]
Students will learn the basic techniques of Bharatanatyam including sthanakas (stances), percussive footwork, hastas (hand gestures), and adavus (dance steps). Students will also be introduced to musicality and foundational techniques of abhinaya (expressive dance) using hastas (hand gestures), facial expressions, and body language. Each class will begin with a comprehensive warm-up and end with a cool-down.
This class will emphasize technique and form to ensure that students learn this dance style without injury.
SYLLABUS
Thattadavu - the first 8 basics in araimandi, focusing on timing and striking the feet.
Naatadavu - the next 8 basics focusing on extensions and timing.
Kuditthamettadavu - metronome jumps, while striking the heels on the floor.
Paraval Adavu - a combination of traveling, striking, and maintaining extension.
Kutthadavu - thath thai thaa haa - combination of minor jumps and metronome striking of the feet.
Korvai Adavu - phrases that combine strikes, extended leg articulation, minor leaps, and kuttanam.
Mandi Adavu - floorwork done in muzhumandi [full sit]
Thattimettadavu - heel toe articulation to the five nadais
Theermanam Adavu
INTERMEDIATE AND ADVANCED COURSES:
STUDENTS WILL LEARN PIECES FROM THE BHARATANATYAM MARGAM:
Pushpanjali
Alarippu
Jathiswaram
Shabdham
Varnam
Padams/Jaavalis
Thillanas
Mangalam