Bharatanatyam Grade 3 Theory Notes __link__

Bharatanatyam Grade 3 Theory Notes

1. Natya Shastra & Abhinaya (The Core of Expression)

Four Types of Abhinaya (4 Abhinayas):

  1. Angika Abhinaya (Body): Use of limbs (Angas, Upangas, Pratyangas).
  2. Vachika Abhinaya (Speech): Song, lyrics, rhythm syllables (tattakari, konnakol).
  3. Aharya Abhinaya (Costume/Props): Makeup, jewelry, costume, stage decor.
  4. Sattvika Abhinaya (Mental/Emotion): True internal feeling (tears, horripilation, sweating). This is the highest form.

Navarasa (9 Emotions): | Rasa | Emotion | Deity | Color | |------|---------|-------|-------| | Shringara | Love/Heroism | Vishnu | Light Green | | Hasya | Laughter | Pramatha | White | | Karuna | Compassion | Yama | Grey | | Raudra | Anger | Rudra | Red | | Vira | Valor | Indra | Yellow | | Bhayanaka | Fear | Yama | Black | | Bibhatsa | Disgust | Shiva | Blue | | Adbhuta | Wonder | Brahma | Yellow | | Shanta | Peace | Vishnu | White | bharatanatyam grade 3 theory notes

Key Terms:

Module 5: Asamyuta & Samyuta Hastas (Advanced Application)

By Grade 3, you know all 28 single hands (Asamyuta) and 23 double hands (Samyuta). Now you need to know Viniyogas (specific uses). You don't need all 1000 uses, but you must remember 5 specific examples for key mudras. Bharatanatyam Grade 3 Theory Notes 1

Part 2: Abhinaya (The Four Modes of Expression)

For Grade 3, you need to list and describe the four types of Abhinaya: Angika Abhinaya (Body): Use of limbs (Angas, Upangas,

  1. Angika Abhinaya (Body): Expression using the body—limbs (Anga), minor limbs (Upanga), and head/neck.
  2. Vachika Abhinaya (Speech/Voice): Expression through song, lyrics, and vocal sounds (though the dancer is silent, they lip-sync the story).
  3. Aharya Abhinaya (Costume/Make-up): Expression through costume, jewellery, stage decorations, and lighting.
  4. Sattvika Abhinaya (Pure Emotion/Mind): The highest form—spontaneous, genuine emotional response from the dancer (goosebumps, tears, shaking). Grade 3 expects you to know this is internal.

B. Pada Bheda (Foot Positions – 4 types for Grade 3)

  1. Sama-pada (Flat foot): Standing flat on ground.
  2. Agra-pada (Ball of foot): Standing on the balls (utplavana – jumps).
  3. Kunchita-pada (Heel up/curled): Toes pressing ground, heel raised.
  4. Anchita-pada (Heel down/toes up): Heel on ground, toes lifted.

Section B: Definitions (4 x 5 marks = 20)

  1. Explain the difference between Nritya and Natya.
  2. Describe the posture and symbolism of Nataraja.
  3. Write any 5 Asamyuta Hastas with their Viniyogas.
  4. Draw the Tala angam chart for Dhruva Tala in Chatusra Jati.

Part 5: Margam – The Sequence of a Bharatanatyam Recital

For Grade 3, you must memorize the traditional concert order (Margam) from start to finish.

  1. Ganapathi Vandana (Pushpanjali/ Alarippu): An invocation to Lord Ganesha. Note: Alarippu itself has no lyrics—only Sollukattu.
  2. Jatiswaram (Nritta item): Pure dance set to a raga (melody) and tala. No Abhinaya.
  3. Shabdam (First introduction of expression): A short piece with lyrics explaining the story (usually praising a God or King).
  4. Varnam (The centerpiece): Longest item. Demands high stamina. Combines Nritta (solo moves) and Nritya (expressing the song's story, usually love).
  5. Padam (Pure expression): Slow, lyrical love poem. Focus entirely on Sattvika Abhinaya.
  6. Thillana (Finale): Fast-paced, joyful pure dance with rhythmic syllables (Tarikkita…).
  7. Mangalam (Conclusion): A prayer to end the performance peacefully.

Key Samyuta Hastas for Grade 3

  1. Anjali (Salutation): Namaste, greeting a deity or guru.
  2. Kapotha (Pigeon): Sitting in a contemplative pose (often used for Lord Krishna).
  3. Karkata (Crab): Claws, breast, breaking a twig.
  4. Swastika (Cross): Hugging, crocodile, crossing a river.