The rhythmic chime of ankle bells, the expressive play of eyes, and the intricate footwork—Bharatanatyam, one of India’s most revered classical dance forms, is more than just a visual art. It’s a living tradition that carries with it centuries of devotion, culture, and storytelling. For many Indians, Bharatanatyam is more than a performance; it is a personal connection to spiritual and cultural heritage. But what gives this dance form its unique structure and elegance? The answer lies in its fundamental elements: the Bharatanatyam Adavus.
Adavus are the basic building blocks of Bharatanatyam, much like alphabets are to a language. Just as one must learn to form letters before writing poetry, a Bharatanatyam dancer begins their journey by mastering Adavus. These carefully structured movements form the very grammar of the dance, without which the expression, emotion, and depth of Bharatanatyam cannot be truly conveyed. This article dives into the essence of Adavus—not just how they’re performed, but also their deeper meanings, significance, and cultural context. Whether you're a curious viewer, a beginner, or someone rediscovering this heritage, you'll find a wealth of understanding in the world of Bharatanatyam Adavus.
Understanding Bharatanatyam Adavus: The Soul of the Dance
Often described as “sculptures in motion,” Bharatanatyam is composed of codified movements that follow ancient guidelines. At its very core lie the Adavus.
What Are Bharatanatyam Adavus, Really?
An Adavu is a rhythmic sequence of movements that harmonizes various parts of the body. It includes coordinated leg and foot positions (Sthanakas), controlled body movements or gaits (Charis), non-expressive hand gestures used in pure dance (Nritta Hastas), and overall body postures (Mandalam). When these elements come together, they create a seamless unit of movement performed in synchrony with specific rhythmic syllables known as sollukattus.
Think of each Adavu as a piece of choreography within itself—a complete expression of rhythm and geometry. Much like how a potter carefully molds clay into form, each Adavu shapes the dancer’s technique, balance, and timing.
The origin of Adavus can be traced to the ancient dance treatise, the Natyashastra, composed by Bharata Muni. This foundational text lays down the grammar of classical Indian dance and ensures that every Adavu, however simple it may seem, carries the weight of tradition and centuries of refinement.
Why Learning Adavus Is Essential for Every Bharatanatyam Dancer
For any student of Bharatanatyam, learning the basic Adavus is not just the first step; it is the most vital one. These movements serve as the foundation for all later expressions, building the dancer’s strength, posture, stamina, and rhythm.
Daily practice of Adavus strengthens the leg muscles, improves flexibility, and enhances balance. They also help develop endurance, enabling dancers to perform long routines with grace and energy. But beyond physical benefits, Adavus train a dancer’s internal rhythm, known as Talashuddha. Each step must match the beat of the tala, or rhythmic cycle, building an intrinsic sense of timing.
Adavus are also key to achieving Angashuddha, which refers to purity and precision in bodily movement. This ensures every gesture and posture is aligned, symmetrical, and aesthetically correct. Without mastering Adavus, even the most expressive storytelling in Bharatanatyam would lose clarity and strength. As many experienced Gurus say, “The grace of the dance lies in the perfection of its foundation.”
The Foundation of All Movements: Aramandi
Before a dancer even begins to learn the steps of an Adavu, they must become comfortable with Aramandi, the core posture in Bharatanatyam.
What Is Aramandi and Why It’s Crucial
Derived from Tamil, "arai" means half and "mandi" means sit. So Aramandi literally refers to the half-sitting position that defines the Bharatanatyam stance. In this position, the feet are turned outward with the heels touching, knees bent to form a diamond-like shape, and the upper body held straight, creating an aligned posture from the head to the base of the spine.
Holding Aramandi requires significant strength in the thighs, hips, glutes, and core. It not only improves a dancer’s stamina but also grounds them, both physically and energetically. Aramandi connects the dancer to the earth while keeping them light and poised, embodying the concept of Mandala—a sacred circular form that represents balance and completeness.
How Aramandi Supports Every Bharatanatyam Adavu
The Aramandi stance is the structural base for almost every Bharatanatyam Adavu. It stabilizes the dancer’s movements and allows for smooth weight shifts. Whether tapping the feet or stretching the arms, Aramandi ensures that the dancer maintains balance, form, and fluidity.
Just as a writer needs a steady hand to produce clean letters, a dancer needs a solid Aramandi to create clean movements. Without it, the steps may look unstable, lacking the sharpness and grace that define classical dance.
Basic Bharatanatyam Adavus and Their Significance
Let’s now explore the essential Adavus that every Bharatanatyam student begins with. Each step has a purpose, a rhythm, and a deeper cultural significance.
Tatta Adavu: The First Tap of Rhythm
The Tatta Adavu, meaning “to tap,” is usually the first step introduced to learners. It involves tapping the foot flatly on the ground in a precise rhythm, alternating between the left and right foot. The associated rhythmic syllables, or sollukattus, are “Tai Ha Tai Hi” or “Tai Ya Tai Hi.”
This Adavu trains the dancer in fundamental rhythm, balance, and ankle strength. It is the purest form of Nritta, showcasing rhythmic excellence without storytelling. The sound of the ankle bells during Tatta Adavu echoes the temple drums, creating a spiritual ambience that draws from India’s ritual traditions.
Natta Adavu: Stretch and Elegance
Natta Adavu involves stretching the leg to the side, striking the heel to the floor, and returning to Aramandi. Its sollukattu is “Taiyum Tatta Taiyum Taha.”
This movement builds flexibility and introduces lateral motion. It helps dancers coordinate their arms and legs, expanding their control over space and adding grace. Where Tatta Adavu focuses on vertical rhythm, Natta brings in horizontal flow, vital for creating dance patterns.
Visharu Adavu: Sweeping Grace in Motion
Visharu Adavu, meaning “to fan or sweep,” features broad arm movements synchronized with extended legwork. The rhythmic syllables are “Tai Ha Tat Tat Dhit Dhit Tai.”
This Adavu develops fluidity in arm motion and upper body grace. It allows the dancer to engage with the surrounding space more fully, expressing the aesthetics of motion without using facial expressions or storytelling. Visharu introduces the concept of spatial choreography—a critical aspect of Bharatanatyam’s elegance.
Tatti Metti Adavu: The Dynamic Duo
This Adavu blends the sharp tapping of Tatti with the rhythmic heel strikes of Metti. Dancers sometimes rise onto the toes before striking the heels down, creating a dynamic interplay of soft and loud footwork. The common sollukattu is “Tai Ha Tai Hi Tai Ha Tai Hi.”
Tatti Metti Adavu introduces complexity in rhythm and builds strength in the ankles and calves. It enriches the dancer’s understanding of Talashuddha and offers an engaging variation in sound that enhances performance texture.
Cultural and Spiritual Dimensions of Bharatanatyam Adavus
Adavus are not just technical exercises; they are vessels of culture and spirituality.
Bharatanatyam as a Cultural Inheritance
The forms, postures, and movements in Adavus often resemble the carvings and statues seen in ancient South Indian temples. The Aramandi and Karanas are depicted in temple sculptures like those in Chidambaram’s Nataraja Temple. Dancing an Adavu is akin to bringing these sculptures to life—preserving tradition and reliving a divine art.
For many Indian families, especially in South India, learning Bharatanatyam is a cherished tradition that instills values, discipline, and a connection to one's roots.
The Language Within the Steps
Though Adavus belong to Nritta—the pure dance form without emotional expression—they are the basis for Nritya (expressive dance) and Natya (dramatic storytelling). Learning Adavus is like learning grammar: once mastered, they allow the dancer to express poetry and drama.
A well-executed Adavu brings both technical brilliance and expressive potential, forming the dancer's toolkit to convey stories rich in bhava (emotion) and rasa (aesthetic experience).
Learning Bharatanatyam Adavus at Home: Practical Guidance
For those without immediate access to a dance class, starting Adavu practice at home is absolutely possible with commitment and care.
Begin by dedicating time each day, ideally 30 to 45 minutes, to practice slowly and consistently. Use a mirror to monitor your posture and alignment. Listen to Bharatanatyam sollukattus and familiarize yourself with talas (rhythmic cycles). There are many Hindi and Tamil video resources available online that demonstrate these syllables and step-by-step Adavu breakdowns.
Warming up before and stretching after practice helps avoid injury. Aramandi will be difficult at first, but perseverance leads to confidence and strength.
Choosing the Right Bharatanatyam Classes in India
Many reputed Bharatanatyam teachers and institutions now offer structured online lessons tailored for Indian students, including adults. Look for platforms that provide:
- Step-by-step instruction with slow and fast-paced demonstrations
- Qualified Gurus with student feedback systems
- Visual clarity from multiple camera angles to understand alignment and footwork
This has opened new opportunities for anyone in India—urban or rural—to pursue their passion for classical dance from home.
For those who wish to pursue formal education in Bharatanatyam, structured academic programs are also available. At Dr. D. Y. Patil School of Liberal Arts, Pimpri, Pune, students can enroll in full-time degree programs such as the Bachelor of Performing Arts in Bharatanatyam and the Master of Performing Arts in Bharatanatyam. These programs are designed for individuals seeking a deeper academic and practical engagement with the art form.
Fascinating Facts About Bharatanatyam Adavus
Did you know Adavus are traditionally practiced in three speeds—slow (vilambita laya), medium (madhya laya), and fast (druta laya)? This builds strength, flexibility, and rhythm control.
Also, many Adavu names originate from Tamil verbs, revealing a beautiful linguistic connection between movement and meaning.
Conclusion: Step Into Tradition With Bharatanatyam Adavus
Bharatanatyam Adavus are more than just beginner steps. They form the essence of a dancer’s journey, uniting body, mind, and spirit. Each movement has a role, each syllable a rhythm, and together they build the pathway to expressive excellence. By mastering Adavus, you’re not just learning dance—you’re stepping into a timeless cultural and spiritual journey. Whether you learn in a studio or through an online platform, the first step is always the most meaningful. Take that step today.
FAQs
Q1. What is an Adavu in Bharatanatyam?
It is a basic unit of movement combining footwork, hand gestures, and posture performed in rhythm with vocal syllables.
Q2. How many basic Adavus are there?
Generally, there are 10–15 core Adavu groups, each with multiple variations depending on the tradition.
Q3. What is Aramandi and why is it important?
Aramandi is the half-sitting posture that offers stability and form to Bharatanatyam steps. It is foundational to all Adavus.
Q4. What are sollukattus?
They are rhythmic syllables recited to guide the timing and tempo of Adavus.
Q5. Can I learn Bharatanatyam Adavus at home?
Yes, with discipline, good video resources, and ideally guidance from an online Guru, you can start practicing at home.
Q6. What is the spiritual value of Adavus?
They embody India's temple traditions and reflect the dancer’s connection to divine forms and cosmic geometry.
Q7. How long does it take to master Adavus?
With daily practice, it may take 6–12 months to gain proficiency in the basic Adavus under proper guidance.
Q8. Are Adavus just mechanical steps?
While technical, Adavus lay the groundwork for expressive and narrative dance forms in Bharatanatyam.
Q9. Are there beginners Bharatanatyam classes for adults in India?
Yes, many institutions now offer online classes tailored for adult beginners across India.