Classes
Elementary Phase
(Level 1, 2 and 3) - Students are taught basic building blocks of Bharatanatyam. The level teaches simple series of foot work at various speed as well as mudras, which are various hand gestures and postures. At these beginners levels, students also start to develop a rhythm sense by learning to dance on various musical ballet pieces.
Intermediate Level
(Level 4, and 5) - As students start to master and continue learning complex series of adavus (steps), they are introduced to items such as Kautvam, Millari and Pushpanjali. Learning these items requires students to use combinations of different steps at various speeds. On top of this, students are now introduced to the concept of using facial expressions to create the storytelling aspect of the dance. Allaripu, an important dance piece, is also taught in this level, as the student exhibit their mastery over execution of some complex steps and postures.
Advanced Level
(Level 6 and up) - As students start to master and continue learning complex series of adavus (steps), they are introduced to items such as Kautvam, Millari and Pushpanjali. Learning these items requires students to use combinations of different steps at various speeds. On top of this, students are now introduced to the concept of using facial expressions to create the storytelling aspect of the dance. Allaripu, an important dance piece, is also taught in this level, as the student exhibit their mastery over execution of some complex steps and postures.
Arrangetram:
At the end of the advanced level training, the students are evaluated to see if they are ready for "Arrangetram". Arrangetram (meaning ascend on stage), is when students debut their performance of a complete Bharatanatyam margam on stage. In this dance premiere, the instructor presents her debutante to a wider audience. It usually takes place on an auspicious day in the presence of critics, artists, dance patrons and well-wishers. This formal dance performance takes place only when a student has acquired an acceptable repertoire of dance items in Bharatanatyam. An Arrangetram is a great milestone and accomplishment in a dancer's career and takes on a very heavy preparation.
