Pushpanjali
Raaga: Aarabhi
Aditala
Composer: Dr Balamuralikrishna
Choreography: Rukmini Vijayakumar

The Pushpanjali is choreographed with many rhythmic layers. You will have an appending document that you can download to understand the Rhythm clearly.

There is an added verse from the Ganesha P...

The first part of instructions for the practise of the Jatiswaram.

Raga : Rasikapriya
Adi Tala
Composer : Lalgudi G Jayaraman

The Jatiswaram will be taught in parts with detailing on rhythm and alignment.

A Jatiswaram is traditionally performed after an Alaripu or Pushpanjali in a BHaratanaty...

The Alaripu is the first piece that anyone learns in Bharatanatyam as a student. Alaripu means to bloom. It begins with isolations of the head, shoulders, neck and then progresses into larger movement of the torso.

This Alaripu is in the Mishra Chapu Tala with the 'Tirupugazh' sung at the backgr...

Tillana
Raga : Vallachi
Adi Tala
Composer: Dwaraki Krishnaswamy
Choreography: Guru Narmada, (reinterpreted by Rukmini Vijayakumar)

A Tillana is usually the last piece in the performance of a Margam. Adapted from the Tarana, of Hindustani music, the Tillana reflects the joy of finally reaching th...

Vandeham Sharadam

Raga: Yamuna Kalyani
Mishra Chapu
Composer: Swami Dayananda Saraswati
Choreography: Rukmini Vijayakumar
Language: Sanskrit

It describes Goddess Saraswati, the embodiment of knowledge, speaking of how the knowledge of the self is revealed to those who have clarity of thought, a...

Varnam, "Adi Shivane"

Raga: Todi
Adi Tala
Composer: K.N.Dandayudapani Pillai.
Choreography: Guru Narmada (Jathis) , Adapted by Rukmini Vijayakumar
Language: Tamil

The Varnam speaks from the perspective of a Nayika that is longing to see Lord Shiva.

This introduction will go through the meani...