Notes | Bharatanatyam Grade 3 Theory

Recite and write the syllables for:

Four Types of Abhinaya (4 Abhinayas):

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 |

Key Terms:

Exam Tip: For grade 3, do not just list names. Write one full sloka line (example: “Patako dvayam – aravindam…”) and translate it.

| S.No | Hasta Name | Usage / Meaning | |------|------------|------------------| | 1 | Pataka | Flag, cloud, forest, river | | 2 | Tripataka | Crown, tree, flame, arrow | | 3 | Ardhapataka | Half flag, leaf, knife | | 4 | Kartarimukha | Scissors, separation, lightning | | 5 | Mayura | Peacock, forehead, bird | | 6 | Ardhachandra | Half moon, crescent moon, waist | | 7 | Araala | Bent, drinking, necklace | | 8 | Shukatunda | Parrot beak, bow, arrow | | 9 | Mushti | Fist, holding a sword, courage | | 10 | Shikhara | Peak, flame, asking a question |

| S.No | Hasta Name | Meaning | |------|------------|---------| | 1 | Anjali | Salutation, prayer | | 2 | Kapota | Pigeon, chest | | 3 | Karkata | Crab, embracing | | 4 | Svastika | Crossed hands, swastika | | 5 | Dolaa | Swing, hanging hands |

To test your knowledge, practice writing answers to these:

Q1: Define Laya. Name its three speeds and provide the time ratio between them. (Answer: Vilambita (1x), Madhyama (2x), Druta (4x).)

Q2: Differentiate between Nritta and Nritya using three points. (Answer: See Module 2 Table.)

Q3: Draw the Anga structure of Adi Tala (Chatusra Jaati) and show the clap/wave pattern for one Avartanam. (Answer: I (Laghu) 4 beats – Clap, Index, Middle, Ring; O (Drutam) – Clap & wave; O (Drutam) – Clap & wave.) bharatanatyam grade 3 theory notes

Q4: Name the Samyuta Hasta used for Salutation to the Guru and the Asamyuta Hasta used for Plucking a flower. (Answer: Anjali; Katakamoutha).

Q5: Why is the Aramandi considered the "identity" of Bharatanatyam? (Answer: Discuss stability, visual line, and strength – see Module 3).

Mastering these Grade 3 theory notes means you are no longer just a dancer; you are a scholar-in-training. The difference between a performer and an artist is knowledge. As you memorize the Tala structures and hand gestures, remember that these are not just exam answers—they are the grammar of a 2,000-year-old living language called Bharatanatyam.

Good luck with your Grade 3 examination. Keep the rhythm in your feet and the theory in your mind.

Note: Always cross-reference these notes with your Guru’s specific syllabus, as some schools vary in the exact list of Hastas or Tala exercises for Grade 3.

For Grade 3 Bharatanatyam theory, the focus shifts from basic positions to understanding the structure of a performance ( ), complex rhythmic systems ( ), and more detailed technical definitions 1. Key Technical Definitions

Understanding these distinctions is fundamental for Grade 3 exams:

: Pure dance involving rhythmic movements and footwork with no specific meaning or facial expression (e.g., Alarippu). : Interpretive dance that combines rhythm with

(facial expressions) and hand gestures to convey a theme (e.g., Shabdam).

: Dramatic dance or "dance-drama" where the performer portrays specific characters from stories or mythology. Natiya Kiramam : The "way of the dance," often explained through the Yatho Thrishti Recite and write the syllables for: Four Types

shloka: "Where the hands go, the eyes follow; where the eyes go, the mind follows...". 2. The Margam (Order of Performance) Natiya Margam

is the traditional order of items in a full Bharatanatyam recital: : An invocatory "flowering" of the body; pure Nritta. Jathiswaram : Pure dance set to music and swaras (notes).

: The first item involving Abhinaya (expressions) and lyrics.

: The most complex centerpiece, combining Nritta, Nritya, and Natya. Padam/Keerthanam : Items focusing on devotion and detailed expression. : A vibrant, fast-paced pure dance finale. 3. Rhythm and Tala Systems Grade 3 requires knowledge of the Panja Jaathi

(Five Types of Rhythm) based on the number of beats per cycle: : 4 beats (Ta-ka-di-mi). : 3 beats (Ta-ki-ta). : 7 beats (Ta-ka-ta-ki-ta). : 5 beats (Ta-ka-ta-ki-ta). Sankeernam : 9 beats (Ta-ka-di-mi-ta-ka-ta-ki-ta). 4. Advanced Gestures and Movements 7 Stages of Bharatanatyam - ipassio

This guide covers the core theory concepts typically required for Grade 3 Bharatanatyam examinations

(such as those by Bridge Academy or Prayag Sangeet Samiti). At this level, the focus shifts from basic steps to understanding the structure of a performance and the deeper expressive elements of the art form. www.mandalaarts.org 1. Three Pillars of Bharatanatyam Every performance is built on three technical foundations:

: Pure dance without any thematic meaning. It focuses on rhythm, footwork, and technical body movements (e.g., Adavus).

: Interpretive dance that combines rhythm with sentiment and facial expressions to convey a specific meaning or story.

: The dramatic element or "drama" aspect where the dancer may take on a specific character to enact a story. 2. Margam: The Seven Stages Navarasa (9 Emotions): | Rasa | Emotion |

A traditional Bharatanatyam recital follows a specific sequence known as the Pushpanjali : An offering of flowers to the deity, guru, and audience.

: A rhythmic invocation that "blooms" the body for the performance. Jatiswaram

: A technical piece focusing on complex footwork and melody (raga and tala). : The first piece where the dancer introduces (expression) to praise a deity. : The most complex centerpiece, blending Nritta and Nritya.

: A slower, lyrical piece focused entirely on deep emotional expression.

: A fast-paced, joyous conclusion featuring intricate statuesque poses and rhythmic patterns. 3. Navarasa: The Nine Expressions

Grade 3 theory requires an understanding of the nine primary human emotions used in : Love/Beauty : Laughter/Mirth : Compassion/Sorrow : Heroism/Courage : Wonder/Surprise : Peace/Tranquility 4. Technical Terms to Know Asamyuta Hastas

: Single-hand gestures (ensure you can recite the 28 gestures from Chandrakala Samyuta Hastas : Double-hand gestures (24 gestures from

: The basic building blocks of Bharatanatyam. You should know the names of the groups you have practiced, such as Tatta Adavu Natta Adavu Visharu Adavu : The basic half-sitting posture (also called Ardhamandala Sadir/Dasi Attam

: The ancient names of Bharatanatyam when it was performed in temples by Devadasis.

For more structured learning, you can reference resources like the Bridge Academy Fine Arts or detailed breakdowns of Bharatanatyam Stages to aid your studies. meanings or a specific

By mastering these Bharatanatyam Grade 3 Theory Notes, you are not just memorizing facts—you are learning the grammar of a language that has survived for over 2,000 years. Good luck with your examination and remember: Theory and practice are the two feet of the dance. When both are strong, your performance will be Sampurna (complete).