What is BharatNatyam?
It is an ancient South Indian Dance form that uses subtle eye movements, hand gestures, and graceful footwork, accompanied by soulful music to communicate a poetry or story in visual form. Bharathanatyam is traditionally set to Carnatic Music which combines 'Raaga(m)' and 'Thaala(m)'. A melody consists of two things - a sequence of notes and the definition of time intervals for which these notes are to be played.
What is Raaga?
In the broad sense a raaga is a set of rules or constraints that binds the performance of a singer or a musician in such a way that it induces a certain emotion or mood in the minds of the listeners. The raaga is not a scale or a tune or a mode. It is more like a framework that binds all these things together.
What is Thaala?
Thaala in Indian Carnatic Music is a time measure or rhythm cycle. The term thaala literally means rhythm. The rhythm is a fundamental element of music. The thaala or time in Carnatic Music is a series of counts made by wave of hand or tap of the hand on the lap or by using both the hands in a manner of clap.
What is an Arangetram?
It is the debut onstage performance of a BharatNatyam student after undertaking years of training. It is similar to a graduation although it is more than that. It signifies that the student has mastered at least some level of skill and artistry and is now ready to perform as a professional artist.
How many years of training does it take?
It varies from student to student but on an average it takes between 8 to 10 years of rigorous training.
Should I bring a gift?
Your presence and best wishes are the best gift you can get but if you must, a gift card would be most convenient.
What is the dress code?
Elegant casual wear would be appropriate although if you want to wear something formal it wouldn’t be out of place.
It is an ancient South Indian Dance form that uses subtle eye movements, hand gestures, and graceful footwork, accompanied by soulful music to communicate a poetry or story in visual form. Bharathanatyam is traditionally set to Carnatic Music which combines 'Raaga(m)' and 'Thaala(m)'. A melody consists of two things - a sequence of notes and the definition of time intervals for which these notes are to be played.
What is Raaga?
In the broad sense a raaga is a set of rules or constraints that binds the performance of a singer or a musician in such a way that it induces a certain emotion or mood in the minds of the listeners. The raaga is not a scale or a tune or a mode. It is more like a framework that binds all these things together.
What is Thaala?
Thaala in Indian Carnatic Music is a time measure or rhythm cycle. The term thaala literally means rhythm. The rhythm is a fundamental element of music. The thaala or time in Carnatic Music is a series of counts made by wave of hand or tap of the hand on the lap or by using both the hands in a manner of clap.
What is an Arangetram?
It is the debut onstage performance of a BharatNatyam student after undertaking years of training. It is similar to a graduation although it is more than that. It signifies that the student has mastered at least some level of skill and artistry and is now ready to perform as a professional artist.
How many years of training does it take?
It varies from student to student but on an average it takes between 8 to 10 years of rigorous training.
Should I bring a gift?
Your presence and best wishes are the best gift you can get but if you must, a gift card would be most convenient.
What is the dress code?
Elegant casual wear would be appropriate although if you want to wear something formal it wouldn’t be out of place.
