Adavu System in BharatanatyamWhat is Adavu System?Adavus are the basic dance steps in Bharathanatyam. The technique of any classical dance rests on the sturdy base of the adavus. An Adavu is defined as "The basic rhythmic unit of dance within a specific tempo and time structure that involves composite movements pertaining to Nritta". The Adavu system is a sound and logical ground upon which the pedagogy of Indian Dance is based.
The Adavu is a combination of - leg and feet postures (Sthanakas) Posture of our standing (Mandalam) Body movements (Charis) Hand Guestures (Hasta Mudra) While learning the Adavus importance is given to 1. Angashuddha (correct postures) 2. Talashuddha (correct rhythm) A dancer also learns to differentiate strong Tandava movements from the graceful Lasya movements. Basic Position of Adavu : Aramandi - Half Sitting Position Interestingly, except a few, majority of the adavus are performed in the Ardha mandali position - the basic stance of this art form in which the torso is held errect with the legs bent at the knees and feet are flexed sideways, horizontally in a line with a distance of one span between the heels. This basic stance in Tamil is referred to as Araimandi, literally menaing the half-sitting posture. History of Adavu Stystem:Origins of today's Adavus can be traced 300 - 400 years ago to Gangai Muttu nattuvanar, the ancestor of the Tanjore Quartet have references in the Sangita Saramrita by King Tulaja II. There are many styles or tradition of Bharathanatyam and so Adavus, the most common of which being the Vazhuvoor, Kalakshetra, Thanjavur, Pandanallur, Mysore and styles -were born in a particular region after which it is named. There are about 64-120 variations of adavus practiced before the main items are taught.
Three Kaalam for Adavu Practice:Adavus are usually practiced in 3 speeds/kaalams. All adavus performed at three speeds, the second speed and the third speed doubling and quadrupling the first speed respectively.
o विलम्बितलय = vilambita-laya - Slow tempo o मध्यलय = madhya-laya - medium Tempo o द्रुतलय = druta-lay a - Fast Tempo |
Adavu Groups - 16 (Total dance steps 84)
There are about 64-120 variations of adavus that are practiced before the main items are taught. Adavus are then combined into jathis and
theermanams to form the basis of the items. The adavu system followed by the oral tradition of Sadir - Bharatanaryam has nearly 13-15 adavu groups with each group having minimum of 4- 6 variants. All schools vary teaching 13-16 adavu groups.
Framework: Teaching Bharatanatyam - Adavu System At Satvikam Shivam ysty
Training of Adavu - Dance Steps
At Satvikam Shivam, we teach 16 Adavu groups(total 84 Dance steps). It takes 2.5 years for the all the Adavus to be taught and perfected at Satvikam Shivam. The following are the groups of Adavus classified according to the movements and the order in which they will be taught by Scholars of Bharatnatyam.
At Satvikam Shivam, our teaching approach includes this 5 steps for basic Indian dance education
1. Learn the Adavu Step during Class Session correctly.
2. Theory Notes with pictures provided to understand foot work, feet position, hand movements and Mudra to understand the Adavu step in detail.
3. Video of the Dance step provided for reference from School for each and every Adavu Group. Students receive home work every week for practice of the same step and may refer the video
4. We Practice all the steps we learnt that year throughout the year until we master them.
5. Annual Exam carried out every June for the steps learnt that year from September to June.
Find the list and path of learning Adavu below
This is the system of adavus (Thanjavour style) taught to me by my Bharatanatyam Guru.
At Satvikam Shivam, our teaching approach includes this 5 steps for basic Indian dance education
1. Learn the Adavu Step during Class Session correctly.
2. Theory Notes with pictures provided to understand foot work, feet position, hand movements and Mudra to understand the Adavu step in detail.
3. Video of the Dance step provided for reference from School for each and every Adavu Group. Students receive home work every week for practice of the same step and may refer the video
4. We Practice all the steps we learnt that year throughout the year until we master them.
5. Annual Exam carried out every June for the steps learnt that year from September to June.
Find the list and path of learning Adavu below
This is the system of adavus (Thanjavour style) taught to me by my Bharatanatyam Guru.
Beginners Level :1
* Namaskar 1 Tatta Adavu (Tap) 7 2 Natta Adavu (Perching on the heels) 8 3 Pakka Adavu (side move) 6 4 Kuddichu Mettu Adavu(jump and beat) 6 5 Sarrikal Adavu (Slide) 4 6 Periya Adavu (Cover Big space) 1 ____________________________________________ Total Steps in Level one are: 32 (Needs 40 1hr. present Dance-Classes) ____________________________________________ Beginners Level :2 7 Etta Adavu ( To reach out) 6 8 Tiramana Adavu – I (finishing and ending) 5 Tiramana Adavu – II 9 9 Uttplavana Adavu (jump) 3 10 Tattu Adavu /Jati Adavu (Taati-metti) 5 11 Katta/Kartari Adavu (enclose), 1 Shimir (Open) 3 ____________________________________________ Total Steps in Level two are: 32 (Needs 40 Present 1hr. Dance Classes) ____________________________________________ Beginners Level : 3 12 Mandi Adavu (sit) 2 Sarukkal Adavu( sit and slide) 3 13 Korvai Adavu (String of Movements) 5 14 Sutral/Shrutu Adavu ( Bhramari) 2 15 Mai/Mei Adavu (body flexibility) 3 16 Pancha Nadai Adavu (walk) 5 ____________________________________________ Total Steps in Level three are: 20 (Needs 20 Present 1hr. Dance Classes) ____________________________________________ |