Lesson Plans & Materials

Bharatnatyam Classical Dance Lesson Plans

No matter what age you are, a student has to go through all the levels. Exceptional students can advance to the next level as and when they reach that stage. If a parent wants to learn, they can either start with their own child or start at Level 2 and progress at their pace.

LEVEL 1

Beginners

3.5 yrs – Under 6

LEVEL 2

Beginners

6 – 9 Yrs

LEVEL 3

Intermediate

9-11 Yrs

Practical

Adavus – Basic fundamental technique of Bharata Natyam

Tattadavu 4

Nattu adavu 3

Didithei 2

Attami-neck movement

Eyes and Eyebrow movements

Theory

Samyuta Hastas - Two hand gestures - 8

Asamyuta Hastas - Singlehand gestures - 8

Vocabulary: Samam, Araimandi, Mandi,

Slokas from natyasastra

Dances: Mooshika Vahana, Pasani eka dantam, Ga ga pa pa, Bhoomi Mangalam, Manjira

Practical

Adavus – Basic fundamental technique of Bharata Natyam

Tattadavu 8

Nattu adavu 7

Ta thei thei ta 1 with 5 to 6 hand variations

Didithei 2

Thei hath thei hi 1

Attami-neck movement

Eyes and Eyebrow movements

Theory

Samyuta Hastas - Two hand gestures - all

Asamyuta Hastas - Single hand gestures - all

Asamyuta Hasta Vineyoga or uses – 1 thorough 14

Slokas from natyasastra

Dances: Sa ri ga pa, Vara Veena, Kamala sulochana, ganesa kautuam, Supda, Ghungooroo

Practical

Kudithu mettu adavu-theihath thei hi 4; teermana adavu- tadhinginathom 4

Theory

Asamyuta Hasta Vineyoga or uses – 14 through 28

Navarasa slokam

Paada Bheda (foot positions)

Dance: Pushpanjali, Alarippu, padams-action songs; folk dances

LEVEL 4

Intermediate

11-13 Yrs

LEVEL 5

Advanced

13 Yrs & Up

Practical

All Adavus: kutta adavu, uci adavu, tattu mettu adavus, kitataka darikitathoms, kartari adavu, mei adavus, paichal adavus, sarukkal adavus

Theory

Samyuta hasta Vineyogas or uses – all

Siro bhedas-head; Dhrusti bhedas-eye; Greeva bhedas-neck movements

Practical

Dance: Sabdam, Padams, Varnam, 2^nd Tillana, training for arangetram.

Theory

- Abhinaya (facial expressions); different classical styles; folk dances, choreography, etc.

MATERIALS: Please bring a notebook or three-ring binder and pen to class every session. Please get into the habit of writing notes. Textbooks related to adavu practice, hand gestures, and karanas can be bought at the studio. These books must be bought in order for the students to learn the concepts taught in class more thoroughly. Other books that are available are optional reading materials.

The above lesson plan may suggest that the student progresses seamlessly from one level to the next. In other words, it does not mean that a student can reach level 5 in five years. It takes many more years than that. It all depends on the students’ learning capability, physical strength, and perseverance. For example, levels 3, 4 and 5 are generally iterative. Constant repetition and newer patterns based on the basic lesson plan will make the student a strong dancer.

During the regular session you will also be trained for special community performances.

CARNATIC MUSIC VOCAL AND KEYBOARDING Lesson Plans

BASIC LESSONS

INTERMEDIATE

ADVANCED

Svaraavali, Geethams, Alankaarams, Swarajati, Jathiswaram, Short Bhajans, Notes, Basic of Talams and rhythms

Tana
Varnams,
Pada
Varnams,
Kritis

Pancharatna Kritis, More kritis, and Raga and Swara development

Swarajati, Jathiswaram, Short Bhajans, Notes, Basic of Talams and rhythms

ONLINE DEGREE

NRITYA – Offering Degree Programs in Bharata Natyam in affiliation with Alagappa University, Bridge Academy from, India

Level 1 to 8 exams

Certificate in Bharata Natyam: 1-3 Years
Associate degree in Bharata Natyam: 1 Year after Certificate
Diploma in Bharata Natyam: 1 Year after associate degree
BA Degree in Bharata Natyam: 1 Year after Diploma
MA Degree in Bharata Natyam: 2 Years after BA

Payment

Pay by google check out/pay pal, venmo, zelle, cash. If you are paying cash, please place cash in an envelope, with the student’s name and the month for which the payment is being made.