Theory

Theory

3 Seasons

The Theory section will cover content on the origin, history and context of Bharatanatyam. It will also deal with the current practice of the form and the changed nuances. This section will introduce and discuss varied subjects from the Natyashastra, such as, Bhava, Rasa, Dharmis, Vrittis and Stagecraft amongst others. This section is comprehensive and wide and will address the needs to the Bharatanatyam dancer fully.

Theory
  • Talam: Lecture 1

    Episode 1

    This short lecture deals with the basics of Talam. The meaning of rhythm within the context of Bharatanatyam and our understanding of it. It deals with the basics of Talam according to the Carnatic music tradition.

  • Talam: Lecture 2 , Speeds

    Episode 2

    This short lecture deals with the idea of speeds in Rhythm. It explains how the number of syllables in a beat change, and how it affects movement choices.

    The speed we choose defines the number of syllables in a beat. The number of syllables will double with every increase in speed.

  • Talam: Lecture 3, Introducing the structure of a Korwe

    Episode 3

    This lecture in the Talam series introduces the basics of Rhythmic layering practiced in Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam. The music and dance work together in polyrhythmic structures in Bharatanatyam. It is important to understand this when dancing repertoire.

    Please make notes when watching t...

  • Talam: Lecture 4 ,Saptatalas and Jathis

    Episode 4

    The lecture deals with the notations and idea of Jathis when applied to the Laghu in the Suladi Saptatalas, according to the Carnatic music tradition.

  • Talam: Lecture 5, Speed and notation

    Episode 5

    It is important to write Korwes and Jathis coherently such that you can understand when reading them subsequently. This lecture suggests ways in which you can begin to create a system of notation for yourself.

  • Talam: Lecture 6, Counting Muktayams

    Episode 6

    Students of dance are often confused with the numerical value of Muktayams/ Theermanams. This lecture goes through some of the simple Shollukattus and their numerical values.

  • Talam: Lecture 7, Yatis

    Episode 7

    In Carnatic music, Yatis are used to guide Rhythmic and musical compositions. The complexity and use of Yatis varies from one tradition to another, creating mathematical shapes and structures in the music and rhythm. We also incorporate Yatis in the choreography of adavus in dance, often choosing...

  • Talam: Lecture 8, counting while dancing.

    Episode 8

    This lecture will share a simple method of developing rhythmic precision in movement, by revisiting how we remember our choreography.

  • Talam: Lecture 9, Gati

    Episode 9

    Gati's are used to bring rhythmic variation within the structure of a talam, by changing the number of syllables per beat.

    Gati variations are used in many compositions and are important to understand before learning choreography.