Bharatanatyam Grade 3 Theory Notes - 2021

At the Grade 3 level, examiners expect students to know the origins of the dance form and the legends associated with it.

Adavus are the basic rhythmic units of Bharatanatyam, combining Sthanaka (posture), Chari (movement), Nritta Hasta (hand gestures), and Pada Kriya (footwork). Each adavu family (e.g., Tatta, Natta, Visharu) contains several variations ( vari ). Learning adavus systematically builds stamina, coordination, and rhythmic precision. bharatanatyam grade 3 theory notes

Tala is the cyclic rhythm structure in Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam. It is composed of angas: Anudrutam (1 beat), Drutam (2 beats), and Laghu (variable beats depending on Jati). Adi Tala is the most common tala, especially in Chaturashra Jati (4-beat laghu). Its structure is Laghu (4) + Drutam (2) + Drutam (2) = 8 beats, called one Avartanam . The hand actions for Adi Tala are: first beat – clap and count 4 fingers (laghu), second beat – clap and wave (first drutam), third beat – clap and wave (second drutam). Every adavu and dance sequence is executed within this tala cycle, ending on the Sama (first beat). Without tala, dance loses its mathematical and aesthetic foundation. At the Grade 3 level, examiners expect students