Alarippu Alarippu is an invocatory piece that is focused on pure “Nritta”. The repeated rhythmic pattern that varies in speed has a very meditative impact on the dancer. In the actual temple rituals, Alarippu is played before Mallari. Main instrument for Alarippu is Tavil when played in accordance to temple "Upachaarams" or rituals. Alarippu can be done in Tisra, Chatusra, Khanda, Mishra or Sankeerna Eka Thaalam. The word Alarippu means a blooming flower. A dancer performing Alarippu can be seen as going through the various phases of a blooming flower. Starting with a beautiful and subtle attami (greeva or neck movement), the dancer then progresses to opening up slowly with the arm movements. The dancer’s body is in “samam” or straight posture with only her arms and “shiro” or head moving to the rhythmic pattern. There is a slight forward thrust given to the whole body starting from the paada (feet) to the uro(upper body). Maintaining that posture with utmost stillness and ...
Thodayam is one of the first dance items taught to a student of Bharathanatyam. The Thodayam done varies based on the different banis in Bharathanatyam. Thodayam in significance equates to a Pushpanjali and is an invocatory item. The Thodayam handed down to me by my first Guru, Rajalakshmi Surendran is a very traditional item. In Thodayam, the dancer enters the stage with the Asamyutha hasta, Pushpaputha. If performed as the very first item, the dancer carries flowers in her hand as offerings. If done after Alarippu, the flower offering is not done a second time. This being an invocatory item, the emotional state of the dancer is that of utmost devotion. Dancer begins on the sides of the stage in pushpaputa hasta and enters the stage with a medium paced walk. Dancer offers the flowers at the Lord's feet and then commenses the pure nritta section with circular arm movements insterspersed with simple adavus. The first part is pure nritta consisting of short korvais. This is then fol...
A guide for students to do their practice This will serve as a guide for students with practicing at home. It will also be a nice reference for parents who want to help their children practice effectively. Practice Guide for Students Daily Practice : Start with Thattikumbidal and Stretch 1 through 4 Sitting stretches - Butterfly a must. And then any of the 2-3 other stretches Recite the chollu of the adavu they are currently learning in aadi taalam/ekataalam (all 3 speeds). Practice the adavu being taught in class currently. Revise two adavus from an adavu set learnt prior. For beginner level 2 and intermediate batch do Alarippu. Practice your current dance item after Alarippu. Additional Practice : Refer to any of the Technique class videos and practice along (Class Videos link on youtube Takajum channel) Daily practice is the most effective. Submit practice videos whenever requested promptly. Happy Practicing !!
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