Bharatanatyam Grade 3 Theory Notes

You need to know the names and characteristics of at least 8-10 adavu families:

| Adavu | Meaning | Tala | Characteristic | |-------|---------|------|----------------| | Tatta Adavu | To strike | Any | Heel tapping on floor | | Natta Adavu | To stretch | Adi or Rupaka | Heel & toe, stretched legs | | Visharu (Paraval) | To spread | Adi | Side movements, arms wide | | Tatti Metti | Tap & press | Adi or Mishra | Heel-toe combination | | Kuditta Mettu | Jump & step | Adi | Jump on toes, heels down | | Murka Adavu | Fast beats | Adi | 3 sounds per leg | | Jati Adavu | Rhythmic syllables | Any | Ends with Muktayam | | Sarukkal Adavu | To slide | Adi or Rupaka | Side sliding | | Mandi Adavu | Knee | Any | Sitting/knee bends |

For Grade 3: You should be able to write the Bol (sollukattu) for at least 5 adavus (e.g., Tai Ya Tai Yi, Tat Tai Tam, Dhit Tai, etc.).

Congratulations on reaching Grade 3! By this stage, you have moved beyond the absolute basics (Adavus and beginner theory) and are now entering the intermediate phase of Bharatanatyam. Grade 3 is crucial because it bridges the gap between physical imitation and intellectual understanding. Examiners expect you to know not just how to move, but why certain rules exist.

This article compiles all the essential topics for Grade 3 theory, structured for easy memorization and practical application.

Mastering these Grade 3 theory notes means you are no longer just a dancer; you are a scholar-in-training. The difference between a performer and an artist is knowledge. As you memorize the Tala structures and hand gestures, remember that these are not just exam answers—they are the grammar of a 2,000-year-old living language called Bharatanatyam.

Good luck with your Grade 3 examination. Keep the rhythm in your feet and the theory in your mind.

Note: Always cross-reference these notes with your Guru’s specific syllabus, as some schools vary in the exact list of Hastas or Tala exercises for Grade 3.

For Bharatanatyam Grade 3, the theory curriculum moves beyond basic steps to explore the structure of a performance and the deeper expressive elements of the art form. 1. Etymology and Origins

The Name: The word "Bharatanatyam" is a mnemonic derived from four Sanskrit elements: Bha: From Bhava (Emotion) Ra: From Raga (Melody/Music) Ta: From Tala (Rhythm) Natyam: Dance

Historical Roots: Originally performed in temples by Devadasis (temple dancers), it was historically known as Sadir or Dasi Attam. bharatanatyam grade 3 theory notes

Revival: The modern form was regularized in the early 19th century by the Thanjavoor Brothers (Ponnayya, Chinnayya, Sivanandam, and Vativelu). 2. The Three Foundations of Dance

Grade 3 theory requires a clear distinction between these three technical divisions as defined in the Natya Shastra: Definition Nritta

Pure technical dance focusing on rhythm and footwork without facial expressions or specific meaning. Alarippu, Jatiswaram Nritya

Interpretive dance combining technical movements with Abhinaya (expression) to convey lyrics and emotions. Sabdam, Padam, Varnam Natya

Dramatic representation or a combination of dance and acting to tell a story (similar to a dance-drama). Natiya Nadagam 3. Natiya Margam (The Order of Items)

The Natiya Margam is the traditional order of a full Bharatanatyam performance:

Pushpanjali: Offering of flowers to deities and the audience.

Alarippu: An invocation piece using rhythmic movements to warm up the body.

Jatiswaram: A technical piece adding melody (raga) to the rhythmic movements.

Shabdam: The first item where expressions (Sahityam) are introduced. You need to know the names and characteristics

Varnam: The most complex piece, balancing technical footwork and intense expression.

Padam: Slower, purely expressive pieces focused on devotion or love.

Tillana: The climax, featuring fast-paced rhythmic patterns and statuesque poses. 4. Important Shlokas and Mudras

Natya Kiramam (Natya Shloka): Explains how a dancer should perform:

"Yatho hastas thatho drishti, yatho drishtis thatho manaha..."(Where the hands go, the eyes follow; where the eyes go, the mind follows...).

Asamyuta Hastas: You should know the 28 single-hand gestures, such as Pataka (Flag), Tripataka (Three-part flag), and Mayura (Peacock).

Samyukta Hastas: These are double-hand gestures, such as Anjali (Salutation) or Kapota (Pigeon).

Bharatanatyam Dance: Origin, History, Dress & Dancers - ipassio

You should be able to name and demonstrate the following Adavu families:

Time: 1 hour
Maximum Marks: 50

Section A — Short Answer (Answer all) [10 x 2 = 20 marks]

Section B — Brief Answer (Answer any 5) [5 x 4 = 20 marks] 11. Explain the role of the guru in Bharatanatyam.
12. Describe the basic structure of a Margam (recital).
13. Explain the meaning and use of Bhramara Pada or a short example of a thematic item (mention one theme).
14. Describe the differences between Talam and Laya.
15. Explain the importance of music (Carnatic) in Bharatanatyam.
16. Describe the purpose and components of costume and jewelry in Bharatanatyam.

Section C — Long Answer / Application (Answer any 2) [2 x 5 = 10 marks] 17. Describe in detail the elements of Abhinaya with examples from a simple poetry line (give a short verse and explain expressions and gestures to depict it).
18. Explain the significance of Adavus and demonstrate (write steps) for Tattadavu and Kuditadavu including counts and bols.
19. Write a short note on the history and origin of Bharatanatyam mentioning key contributors (write 6–8 sentences).

Instructions:

(End of paper)

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Four Types of Abhinaya (4 Abhinayas):

Navarasa (9 Emotions): | Rasa | Emotion | Deity | Color | |------|---------|-------|-------| | Shringara | Love/Heroism | Vishnu | Light Green | | Hasya | Laughter | Pramatha | White | | Karuna | Compassion | Yama | Grey | | Raudra | Anger | Rudra | Red | | Vira | Valor | Indra | Yellow | | Bhayanaka | Fear | Yama | Black | | Bibhatsa | Disgust | Shiva | Blue | | Adbhuta | Wonder | Brahma | Yellow | | Shanta | Peace | Vishnu | White |

Key Terms:

1. Adi Tala (Chatusra Jaati Tisra Gati – sometimes, but usually Chatusra Gati for Grade 3) Congratulations on reaching Grade 3

2. Rupaka Tala