The Alaripu is the very first piece taught to a student of Bharatanatyam and is also the traditional opening to a performance. The word Alaripu means “to blossom,” symbolizing the gradual opening of the body and mind — like a flower — to the dance.

The Tishra Alaripu is based on tishra (three-beat) patterns, and the sollukattu is most often recited in Rūpaka tāla. It begins with simple rhythmic phrases and expands into progressively complex patterns, embodying the idea of unfolding.

Physically, the Tishra Alaripu trains isolations of the head, neck, shoulders, arms, and torso, demanding precision, control, and perfect alignment. Each body part must move distinctly while remaining in coordination with the tala. Though it seems simple on the surface, it is in fact difficult because of the intense control and stamina required.

Thus, the Tishra Alaripu serves two purposes: pedagogically, it is the dancer’s first lesson in rhythm, concentration, and body control; symbolically, it represents the “blossoming” of both dancer and performance — a pure, rhythmic invocation before the more expressive pieces unfold.