bharathanatiyam classes in union nj

NEW CLASSES

2015-05-07T23:03:00.000-07:00

New Dance Classes Beginning Nov 2015 May 9th
The 2015 Summer Session of private, semi-private, adult group, and children's Bharata Natyam dance ,Yoga Natya lessons & Zumba(lessons)runs from Nov through 2016. Reserve your preferred day and time for private lessons now by contacting Jenny Chelliah filling out a registration form, and returning it with full payment on or before your first day of class.
August 1st to 31st Summer Holiday
More Details
contact for classes.
908-687-8345
bharathanatyamnj@gmail.com
Children's classes for ages 3 and up
Adult Dance Classes
Yoga natya Dancing for beauty & fitness
Learn to dance, to start a wonderful life.
A Perfect Place To Learn

Dreamiedecors Dance Academy

bharathanatyamnj@gmail.com

Meditation course by telephone

2015-04-30T07:42:00.000-07:00

Meditation course by telephone $15 per class (908-687-8345)

Saturday 8.00am to 9.00am $20 .(Drop in)

7 day Class $125

The Benefits of Meditation

There are so many advantages to meditation. When I first originally thought of this post, I indeed wanted to make it 100 benefits long (think big right!), however, I wasn’t sure I could find more than perhaps 20-25 benefits. Well, I made it happen! Meditation is as powerful as I thought it would be. Here is the definitive list of benefits that meditation can provide you with:

Physiological benefits:
1- It lowers oxygen consumption.
2- It decreases respiratory rate.
3- It increases blood flow and slows the heart rate.
4- Increases exercise tolerance.
5- Leads to a deeper level of physical relaxation.
6- Good for people with high blood pressure.
7- Reduces anxiety attacks by lowering the levels of blood lactate.
8- Decreases muscle tension
9- Helps in chronic diseases like allergies, arthritis etc.
10- Reduces Pre-menstrual Syndrome symptoms.
11- Helps in post-operative healing.
12- Enhances the immune system.
13- Reduces activity of viruses and emotional distress
14- Enhances energy, strength and vigour.
15- Helps with weight loss
16- Reduction of free radicals, less tissue damage
17- Higher skin resistance
18- Drop in cholesterol levels, lowers risk of cardiovascular disease.
19- Improved flow of air to the lungs resulting in easier breathing.
20- Decreases the aging process.
21- Higher levels of DHEAS (Dehydroepiandrosterone)
22- prevented, slowed or controlled pain of chronic diseases
23- Makes you sweat less
24- Cure headaches & migraines
25- Greater Orderliness of Brain Functioning
26- Reduced Need for Medical Care
27- Less energy wasted
28- More inclined to sports, activities
29- Significant relief from asthma
30- improved performance in athletic events
31- Normalizes to your ideal weight
32- harmonizes our endocrine system
33- relaxes our nervous system
34- produce lasting beneficial changes in brain electrical activity
35- Cure infertility (the stresses of infertility can interfere with the release of hormones that regulate ovulation).
Psychological benefits:
36- Builds self-confidence.
37- Increases serotonin level, influences mood and behaviour.
38- Resolve phobias & fears
39- Helps control own thoughts
40- Helps with focus & concentration
41- Increase creativity
42- Increased brain wave coherence.
43- Improved learning ability and memory.
44- Increased feelings of vitality and rejuvenation.
45- Increased emotional stability.
46- improved relationships
47- Mind ages at slower rate
48- Easier to remove bad habits
49- Develops intuition
50- Increased Productivity
51- Improved relations at home & at work
52- Able to see the larger picture in a given situation
53- Helps ignore petty issues
54- Increased ability to solve complex problems
55- Purifies your character
56- Develop will power
57- greater communication between the two brain hemispheres
58- react more quickly and more effectively to a stressful event.
59- increases one’s perceptual ability and motor performance
60- higher intelligence growth rate
61- Increased job satisfaction
62- increase in the capacity for intimate contact with loved ones
63- decrease in potential mental illness
64- Better, more sociable behaviour
65- Less aggressiveness
66- Helps in quitting smoking, alcohol addiction
67- Reduces need and dependency on drugs, pills & pharmaceuticals
68- Need less sleep to recover from sleep deprivation
69- Require less time to fall asleep, helps cure insomnia
70- Increases sense of responsibility
71- Reduces road rage
72- Decrease in restless thinking
73- Decreased tendency to worry
74- Increases listening skills and empathy
75- Helps make more accurate judgements
76- Greater tolerance
77- Gives composure to act in considered & constructive ways
78- Grows a stable, more balanced personality
79- Develops emotional maturity
Spiritual benefits:
80- Helps keep things in perspective
81- Provides peace of mind, happiness
82- Helps you discover your purpose
83- Increased self-actualization.
84- Increased compassion
85- Growing wisdom
86- Deeper understanding of yourself and others
87- Brings body, mind, spirit in harmony
88- Deeper Level of spiritual relaxation
89- Increased acceptance of oneself
90- helps learn forgiveness
91- Changes attitude toward life
92- Creates a deeper relationship with your God
93- Attain enlightenment
94- greater inner-directedness
95- Helps living in the present moment
96- Creates a widening, deepening capacity for love
97- Discovery of the power and consciousness beyond the ego
98- Experience an inner sense of “Assurance or Knowingness”
99- Experience a sense of “Oneness”
100- Increases the synchronicity in your life

Meditation is a tool that enables your body and mind to release stress. Your body heals itself when it is relaxed and free of tension.

Special features of yoga clothing

2011-09-07T07:59:00.001-07:00

You need to wear comfortable clothes while practicing yoga. Wearing proper clothes while practicing yoga will help you to practice yoga comfortably. When you will practice yoga comfortably you will reap maximum benefits of practicing yoga. Read on to know how to buy right clothes for practicing yoga.

Practicing yoga regularly keeps you hale and hearty. It is very important that you wear comfortable clothes during yoga exercise. There are clothing specifically designed for practicing yoga but they may be very costly than other outfits that are created for workout. So if you want to buy reasonable yoga cloths you need to do some research and look for discounts that can be on Internet as well as in the stores in your locale too.

Yoga is not only a workout technique; it is actually a spiritual practice. It is believed that practising yoga daily unites mind, body and soul. It rejuvenates your inner self and the exercises along with parnayamas and meditation, helps in harmonizing your life.

The most important feature in yoga clothing is that it should be loose and comfortable and should be made of breathable fabrics. The clothing should be such that helps the person perform the poses with perfection.

The most preferred fabric is cotton as its natural fibers help the person flex and stretch, as he wants to.

Another feature is that the yoga clothing should absorb sweat and should never cling to the body.

Colour is also very important in yoga clothing. Usually the yoga clothing is preferred to be white or off white in colour. The main intention is to keep your mind and body peaceful while you are performing yoga. White colour helps you in achieving your goal faster.

The clothes that you choose should be made of natural fiber and should be good for psyche as well as the nervous system.

Along with comfort, the yoga clothing should help in proper blood circulation of the practitioner.

Yoga clothing is different for men and women. You can have the style of clothing of your choice when you visit a specialized store.

Surya Namaskar

2011-09-07T07:55:00.001-07:00

Do you want to be fit for life? Yoga is the way to go. Start out by doing the Surya Namaskar every morning.

Yoga has hit the mainstream, and is the next cool thing on the block. Ever since Madonna's started talking about it, the entire world is queuing up for
their first headstand. More and more people all around the world are discovering its health and spiritual benefits. So isn't it about time you gave this fantastic practice a shot?

What you will need

A quiet room, an uncarpeted floor, a towel, sheet, mat or chatai.

When should you do it

The earlier, the better. It's best if you do it the first thing in the morning, after attending to your daily rituals. Do the Surya Namaskar before eating
anything though, or you'll be sorry!!

The Steps

Stand at the top of your mat or towel with your feet together and your hands in the Namaste position, in front of your chest.

Breathing IN, extend your hands straight above your head. Arch your back slightly till you feel the stretch in your spine.

Breathing OUT, bend down as far as possible. Try to touch your toes without bending your knees.

Breathe IN. Bend your left knee and keeping your left foot in front, stretch your right leg out behind you. Keep the right knee on the floor. Lift your head and look straight ahead.

Hold your breath, straighten your left leg also behind you, so now both legs are stretched behind you. Lower yourself slightly, so you are in a push-up pose, with elbows straight.

Bend your elbows and lower yourself, keeping your stomach and butt off the floor. You can touch your chest and the rest of your body to the mat.

Lift yourself up chest-first, straightening your elbows.

Exhale. Lift yourself up keeping your hands on the floor, forming a V-shape with your body.

Inhale. Put your right foot in front with your left foot at the back, with the left knee on the floor. Look straight ahead.

As you exhale, bring your left foot forward in line with the right foot. Stand and bend forward, touching hands to your toes. If you can't touch your toes, don't worry. It's just a matter of time before you will be able to. And if you can touch them easily, try touching your head to your knees.

Inhale. Keep your feet together and lean back, stretching your arms behind you.

Exhale. Come back to the center with your arms at your sides.

Repeat the Surya Namskar about 5 to 7 times, and keep alternating your legs.

3 Quick Yoga Aasans

2011-09-07T07:54:00.001-07:00

Here are some great yoga aasanas you can do while watching television without interrupting your time for leisure. Could anything be easier?

Padmasana

This is the classic lotus pose, in which one has to sit with both legs crossed, and ankles placed on the opposite thigh.

Keep your back straight, and your hands stretched out in front of you on both knees, without bending them at the ankles.

This pose is excellent for the spine, kidneys, abdomen and pelvis. In fact, it is supposed to be one of the most beneficial yogic poses. It also eases the pain of childbirth, so if you are planning a pregnancy, it makes sense to start doing the padmasan starting from now!
Don't overdo it all at once. The first day, sit in the pose for a few seconds - that may be all you can manage. The next time, try for a little longer. Keep increasing the duration till you can sustain the pose without feeling any strain. While you can definitely sit like this while watching the television, we recommend that you sit in a quiet room, and try to meditate. Concentrate on a word like "Om" or anything else that suits you, and keep repeating it mentally. This will calm your brain and relax your mind.

If you have suffered from a leg or thigh injury, do this pose under the guidance of a yoga instructor.

Vajrasan

This is a great pose that can be done any time of the day, irrespective of whether you have just eaten.

Sit on the mattress with your legs stretched out in front.

Bend your legs at the knees and bring them under you.

Sit on your heels.

Slowly flatten your feet, parting them slightly at the ankles, till your buttocks are resting on the underside of your feet.
Hold this pose for as long as possible - which will probably be just a few seconds the first time. Try again after a few minutes, and sit in this position for at least one minute. Slowly increase the duration everyday, till you can sit comfortably for half an hour in this position. It is excellent for digestion, so if you have any problems with gas, you should definitely give Vajrasan a shot.
Don't do this Aasan if you suffer from heart ailments or any leg/ankle injury, unless you are supervised by a yogic guruji.

Janu Sirsasana

The classic yoga stretches are excellent for the back as they stretch the spine. This pose also stretches the leg muscles and it simulates the liver, kidneys and groin. In addition, it calms the mind and simulates the brain.

Sit, keeping your legs stretched out straight in front of you.

Bend your left knee outward, bringing your left foot inward so it rests against your inner right thigh and groin.

Bend forward till you touch the toes of your right foot, without bending the right knee.

Keep stretching till you touch your head to your knees. This may not be possible initially, and would take a few days of practice.

Repeat with the left foot.

Once you've done this, you could try touching your head to your knees with both feet stretched out straight in front of you. This is even harder to achieve.

Stretch gradually. Don't jerk. This will only injure your ligaments defeating the purpose.

Yoga to Strengthen Eyes

2011-09-07T07:22:00.001-07:00

Read on for some yogic eye exercises to strengthen eyes. They are easy to do and most of them can be performed any time of the day wherever you are.

Most of us do not exercise our eye muscles at all, but yet, we work them all the time, causing them to be under constant strain. The only time the eyes rest for more than a split second, is when we are asleep. Here are a few yogic eye exercises to strengthen eyes. They are easy to do, and most of them can be performed any time of the day, wherever you are.

Close your eyes as tight as possible, for around 5 seconds. Open them, and close them again. Do this 6 times.
Do you sit in front of the computer screen for hours at a time? Every half an hour, get up from in front of the screen and move around a bit. Get yourself a glass of water. Give your eyes a 2 minute break.
Shut your eyes and roll your eyeballs around for a minute.
Rub your palms together and gently cup them over your closed eyes for around a minute. This is known as palming and is very beneficial for the eyes. The eyes need darkness to rejuvenate themselves and this need is best served by palming. Palming should be done after every eye exercise, to relax the eyes and every now and then during the day.
Imagine that there is a huge clock in front of you. Look at the number 12 for around 10 seconds, and then move your gaze down to 6. Do this around 10 times, rapidly. Then, move your eyes horizontally, in the 3-9 position. Finally, move them diagonally (2-7 and 10-4).
Look up to the position in the middle of your eyebrows. Hold for a few seconds and then move your gaze downwards, towards your nose. This is called Sambhavi mudra.
Slowly, direct your gaze to the ceiling, as you inhale. Exhale, and move your gaze down in a straight line, towards the floor. Do this 6 times.
Any form of exercise, including walking, reduces pressure on the eyeballs and is beneficial for the eyes. So keep exercising.
We blink to lubricate the eyes. But sometimes, when we are concentrating hard, we tend to blink less. Make a conscious effort to blink more.
Dim the lights in your workplace. Bright lights increase eye strain.
Reduce the brightness on your computer. The eyes can adjust to dim light without much strain.
Strengthen the organ which adjusts the lens of the eye, by this exercise, and you may never need spectacles. Sit in a room by the window, and focus on a point in the distance. Hold your arm straight out in front of you, in the same direction as the point you are focusing on, with your thumb extended in a 'thumbs-up' position. Your thumb should be directly in the line of vision of the object you are focusing on in the distance. Now, keep shifting your focus from your thumb to the point in the distance. Do this around ten times, and at least once a day.

Practicing Vipassana

2011-09-07T07:19:00.001-07:00

Vipassana meditation is a form of Yoga. It helps to manage stress, attain self- control, and increase concentration.

While you are extremely health conscious and pay a lot of attention to what goes inside your body, your mind may be full of clutter. Throughout the day and even when we sleep our mind is full of thoughts that keep running to and fro.

Stressful work at office as well as at home and mental tensions can leave you drained out. Problems in concentrating on work and losing temper for the smallest of things can be dangerous for your health and life. If you are finding it difficult to maintain a healthy mental balance then practicing Vipassana meditation can be helpful.

Out of the many different techniques of Yoga, Vipassana meditation can help make changes in life and live better. As we do physical exercise to keep our body healthy, Vipassana is used to develop a healthy mind. If you wish to practice Vipassana here's help at hand. You can easily develop a healthy mind with this unique form of Yoga.

What is Vipassana?

Vipassana is an ancient technique of meditation. Vipassana means an insight in Pali language. It was rediscovered and taught by Gautama Buddha as a technique of defeating universal ills and soon became an art of living. It is described as "the ability to see things as they really are, through a process of self-observation." According to Vipassana experts it is a process by which one can recognise and eliminate the course of suffering.

While you are on your way to discover Vipassana, understanding Yoga can let you make the most of the practice. "Yoga kameshu kaushalam" which means that when you do any activity with full concentration and devotion it becomes immortal and is liked by everyone. It is Yoga in its truest form. It can be writing a poem, cleaning your closet or even brushing your teeth. Any activity with complete concentration and focus is considered as Yoga. If you do any work through complete integration of your soul, mind, and heart it becomes Yoga. With a short insight to Yoga, here's what Vipassana meditation can do for you.
• Helps self transformation and self observation.
• Takes you through the common spot shared by your mind and body.
• Removes impurities of your mind
• Enables concentration on interrelations between your mind and body
• Helps understand the mental process
• Helps you to go deep within your self and discover yourself
• Helps you heal your sufferings

Instructions for practicing Vipassana

Before practicing Vipassana meditation, keeping a few instructions in mind can help. Follow them to a 'T' and you will be able to make the most of your Vipassana practice. Vipaasana can be practiced during any time of the day. Consult a Vipassana instructor or join a Vipassana Ashram if you are a beginner. Vipassana is so simple and beneficial that even children can practice it.
• Create a calm atmosphere of meditation around you. It will help you to concentrate better. For example, you can sit in a room with a dim light in a quiet environment
• Wear loose clothes to be comfortable while practicing Vipassana
• Avoid smoking, alcoholism and indulging in illicit behaviour while practicing Vipassana
• Concentrate on breathing from your nostrils
• Pay attention on different parts of your body from head to toe. For example, start from your forehead then come to eyebrows, then cheeks, then nose, lips and in this way continue till you reach your toes. Observe sensation of each part
• Avoid reacting to the sensations of your body and just observe them
• Avoid paying attention to any one part of your body for a longer time
• Try practicing this activity daily for 45 to 60 minutes
• Seek help of an instructor to guide you
• Avoid practicing this activity immediately after a meal. Take a half an hour break between a meal and Vipassana practice.

Benefits of Vipassana

Here's a quick look at the benefits that practicing Vipassana meditaion provides. Remember, it will only take you about half an hour everyday to get these benefits and live a better life.
• Practice of Vipassana regularly helps control greed
• Helps face tensions and problems
• Increases awareness and helps make peace with yourself
• Helps attain self-control
• Helps control or stop day dreaming
• Helps face fear
• Helpful for stress management and anger management
Each one of us might be facing some or the other problem while coping with our daily lives. So, to stop coping and start living, try practicing Vipassana meditation. Millions of people around the world have discovered the way of living life, through Vipassana. Are you ready to find yours?

Bharatanatyam syllabus

2011-03-25T16:05:00.000-07:00

Bharatanatyam is the classical dance of Tamilnadu which originated in the temples. It involves body discipline, dedication and above all, perseverance. Years of rigorous practice go into making a professional Bharatanatyam dancer. It can be performed by both males and females as it comprises two forms of dance - Tandava and Lasya, respectively for men and women.
It takes at least seven to eight years to complete a full repertoire of Bharatanatyam. In the present syllabus, we are dividing the entire course into three modules - Basic [CB], Intermediate [CI] and Advanced [CA]
SYLLABUS
BASIC -
CB1 - Beginners Level 1
This module introduces the students to Bharatanatyam. Students here learn to appreciate the art form and also discipline their body and mind for further complicated movements to come.
PRACTICAL COURSE -
Shlokas - Every Indian Classical Art form begins with invoking the Almighty. Chanting of shlokas improves the concentration and disciplines the mind of the dancer. The shlokas will be from Abhinaya Darpana.
Postures - The basic postures in Bharatanatyam are taught which are - The Samapada, The Araimandi or ardhamandala and the Muzhumandi
Warm up exercises - These exercises are a prerequisite for learning any step in Bharatanatyam. We begin here with exercises to strengthen the knees and thighs in order to sustain araimandi while dancing
Asamyuta and Samyuta Hastas - These are one hand and two hand gestures used in Bharatanatyam. According to the Abhinaya Darpana, there are 28 Asamyuta hastas and 23 Samyuta hastas. Students would learn to depict these hastas with the shloka given in the Abhinaya Darpana.
Adavus - These are the steps used in Bharatanatyam and form the base for Nritta or pure dance. There are many categories of adavus in Bharatanatyam, which can be divided on the basis of difficulty levels. The first set would comprise 30 adavus. Rhythm is the most important aspect of dance. Thus, we inculcate a sense of rhythm in the dancers by making them perform adavus in three speeds.

THEORY
Theoretical knowledge of Bharatanatyam makes the dancer a consummate performer. We begin by teaching the students the definition of Bharatanatyam, the origin of dance [Natyotpatti] and also introduce some basic treatises on dance.

CB2 - Beginners Level 2
In this module, the dancers learn to discipline their entire body with various rigorous adavus. They are also introduced to Tala, or rhythmic patterns.
PRACTICAL
Introduction to Tala - Demonstration of Adi Tala, Misra Chapu and Roopaka Tala is taught.
Advanced exercises - These exercises help in improving the muscle strength. Dancers also learn some yoga asanas to improve balance.
Nethra (eye), Griva (Neck) and Shiro (Head) Movements - Dancers learn the movements of the head, neck and eye with shlokas from the Abhinaya Darpana. In addition, they also learn some eye exercises which are useful in dance
Adavus Part II - This set comprises approximately 50 adavus, which are more rigorous in comparison to Level 1. More emphasis is laid on stretching, jumping, and leaping movements. The dancers are prepared for these rigorous adavus with the help of the Asanas.
Performance items - At this stage, we begin with a small Swaranjali which can be used in performances.

THEORY
Identification of dancers shown in pictures (Picture Memory), Notation of Tala cycles taught, Notation for adavus in three speeds

CB3 - Beginners Level 3
In this module, the basic adavus are put to use in Nritta items. The dancers learn to appreciate Nritta characteristic to the Tanjavur style of Bharatanatyam.
PRACTICAL
BASIC POSTURES - The dancers are taught the Sthanakas and Mandalas as are given in the Abhinaya Darpana. These are to understand the basic postures of Bharatanatyam.
NRITTA HASTAS - As we proceed with the syllabus, the dancers are also taught various Nritta Hastas, or hand gestures useful in dance.
MUSIC - Bharatanatyam breaks into Bha for Bhava or emotion, Ra for Raga or melody and Ta for Tala or rhythm. It is incomplete without music. Narthaki lashana also mentions that dancers should have the knowledge of music. We begin with teaching certain introductory shlokas and sarali and Janta varisais.
TALA - The Sapta Talas are introduced and the Sollukattu of Adavus is taught here.
PERFORMANCE ORIENTED ITEMS - We begin the performance items at this level. Dancers learn the

Alarippu
Jathiswaram
THEORY
Definition of Margam, distinctions between Abhyasa and Sabha Margam, Definition and explanation of Alarippu and Jathiswaram

INTERMEDIATE -
CI1 - Intermediate Level 1
This module introduces the concept of Abhinaya. The dancers theoretically understand the distinction between the four types of Abhinaya and their knowledge of the Drishti, Griva and Shiro Bheda would be put to practice.
PRACTICAL
NRITTA HASTAS, DASHAVATARA HASTAS AND NAVAGRAHA HASTAS - These are hastas used respectively in Nritta, to depict the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu, and to depict the nine planets. These hastas are used in many Abhinaya and Nritta items and hence are important to learn.
TANDAVA AND LASYA ADAVUS - The distinction between the two types of adavus is understood here.
MUSIC - Along with learning the music of the dance items, the students would learn small songs called geethams, to further enhance their knowledge
TALA - We teach basic tala and sollukattu exercises in order to intensify the understanding of Tala
PERFORMANCE ITEMS - Dancers will learn

Sabdam
Swaranjali (Advanced)
THEORY
Guru Shishya Parampara
CI2 - Intermediate Level 2
By this time, the dancers have some idea about Abhinaya and Nritta, and their knowledge of Jatis and Korvais will be further enhanced in this level
PRACTICAL
VINIYOGAS [A] - The depictions of hastas are very important in understanding where they can be used in Abhinaya. This also aids in choreography. In this level, the dancers learn the depictions of the Asamyuta hastas, along with the shlokas from Abhinaya darpana
NAVARASA - Abhinaya is characteristic to Bharatanatyam. The concepts of bhava (expression) and rasa (emotion) are explained here
MUSIC - Dancers proceed to learn small keerthanams, and also learn to notate songs, as this would aid in dance
TALA - Along with Tala exercises, certain korvais will be taught and explained, as are learnt in the practical. Reciting korvais and jatis would also be part of this level.
PERFORMANCE ITEMS

Pushpanjali
Tillana
THEORY
Four types of Abhinaya with description, Life history of Balasaraswati, Kattumannar Muthukumaran Pillai and K.N. Dandayudapani Pillai

ADVANCED -
CA1 - Advanced Level 1
This stage prepares the dancers for their arangetram [which means ascending the stage]. Arangetram is the debut performance of the dancer wherein all his/her learning and skill is put to test. The dancers learn the “piece de resistance” of Bharatanatyam, the Varnam. All the exercises and adavus learnt in the previous levels would help the dancers to gain stamina and confidence to perform the Varnam.
PRACTICAL -
VINIYOGAS [S] - We teach the depictions of the two hand gestures, Samyuta hastas, along with the shlokas from Abhinaya Darpana.
MUSIC AND TALA - Jati recitation and notation is an important aspect of this level. Dancers learn to notate and recite the jatis with talam. They also learn to conduct a jati on the tattukazhi
PERFORMANCE ITEM

Varnam
THEORY -
Introduction and distinction between the Ashtanayikas [Eight types of Nayikas], Deeper understanding of bhavas

CA2 - Advanced level 2 (Preparation for Arangetram)
By the end of this stage, the dancer is ready to set foot on the stage. With dedicated hours of practice and good stamina, the dancer can be considered fit for performance.
PERFORMANCE ITEMS -*
Padam
Keerthanams
Javali
Kavadichindu
Tiruppugazh
Stotram
Bhajan
MUSIC - The dancers should, by now, have the knowledge of the raga, tala and composer for all the compositions taught.
By following the three modules of learning, the dancers would have ascended the stage and entered the beauty Bharatanatyam dance, where they would have to prove their mettle as a dancer.

2011-03-07T10:38:00.000-08:00

Bharatanatyam syllabus
Beyond the key benefits of dance such as cultural education and bringing people together for a common cause, Dance is also demanding. It
takes years of training to become a Bharatanatyam dancer. The work is demanding because the performers must train every muscle in their bodies and faces in precise movements.

FIRST YEAR
Beginners:LEVEL 1

This course gives the introduction to the classical dances. During this period one can learn:
Basic Foot Steps

Tat Adavu (8) in all 3 speeds. The first adavu is called Tattadavu where the dancer in the arai-mandi position stamps the floor with both feet, the right foot alternating with the left foot. These movements are done to various beats and tempi or speeds. They rhythmic syllables for this adavu are Tei ya tei ye.
Naat Adavus (8) in all 3 speeds. The next group of adavus called Nattadavu have the rhythmic syllables Tei yum tat tat tei yum ta ha. This category has several types of movements and is characterized by one leg being extended while the other remains flexed in the arai-mandi position.
Pakkaadavu Pakka means side and the emphasis on the steps of this group is to move sideways. The sollukattu for this group is Ta tai tai tha dhit tai tai ta.
Kudhitha mettu adavu. Kudhitha mettu means to jump and beat. Both the feet are raised on the toes with a jump and strike the floor together with the heels. There are four in this group. The sollukattu is Tai hat tai hi.
Tattu metta adavu. Tattu matta means to strike and beat. The foot strikes the floor and is raised on the toes and beats the floor with the heel. The sollukattu is ta ki ta .
SECOND YEAR
Beginners:LEVEL 2
Teermana Adavu Teermana means to conclude or finish. These steps are used to end a group of steps and are usually repeated thrice. Tari kita tom and ta dhing ginna tom are the sollukatta for this group. They will be divided into two groups – variations in the tai taidhit dhit tai are five and the usual ending steps in the three format are two.
Sutrul adavu Sutru means to whirl. This group of adavus involves swirling movements. There are four in this group. The sollukattu being tat tai tam dhit tai tam.
Sarakkal adavu Sarakkal is to slide. The foot is made to slide without raising it from the floor and join the other foot in the sthanaka (standing) position. One foot is raised on the heel and both beat the floor with a slight jump. There are four variations and the sollukattu is Tai ya tai hi.
Mandi adavu Mandi means knee and this group of steps consists of one knee resting on the floor while balancing the body on the toes. This group of steps will be combined with the Katta - Shimir adavu. Katta means enclose and shimir means to open. These steps have expansive hand movements that suggest opening an enclosed movement. Altogether there are eight variations. Ta ka ta ki ta is the sollukattu used.
Paicchal Adavu>>Paidhal or Paichal is a Tamil term that means “to leap”. It differs from the Kudhitametti in the sense, the dancer while doing the Paidhal covers space, whereas in Kudhitametti she/he jumps in the same spot. A very graceful step in itself, paidhal is usually seen at the end of korvai(a string of adavus) as part of ardhis..(The concluding steps)Paidhal itself includes a variety of leaps and may also be coupled with spins (Bramhari). It also includes the famous Kartari(Scissors) Adavu where the movement of the hand and feet trace criss-cross patterns in space.
Rangakramana Adavu
THIRD YEAR
Junior: LEVEL 1:

1)Pushpanjali

2) Alaripu or Padam(Depends on Individual capability)

LEVEL 2:

3) Padam or Alaripu(Depends on Individual capability)

FOURTH YEAR
Senior: LEVEL 1:

4) Jathiswaram

5)Devarnaama (2)

LEVEL 2:

6)Varnam

7)Thillana

The duration to reach Arangetram or the Graduation level depends on individual capacity.

Abhinaya in Bharatanatyam

2011-02-23T09:45:00.000-08:00

Abhinaya in Bharatanatyam
The Bharatnatyam techniques of communicating a verbal message are Abinaya (story-telling in mime), which uses facial expressions (Mikha abhinaya) and gestures.

Some authentic styles, such a Melattur style, emphasise a highly expressive, spontaneous and elevated mode of abhinaya.
The Abinaya of is comprised of
Angikabhinaya: communicating the meaning of the songs using the body, i.e. head, hands, legs, etc.
Vachikabhinaya: vocal communications (this element is absent in the present-day Bharatanatyam, except for the such element as mouthing of words)
Aharyabhinaya: use of costumes, jewellry, make-up etc.
Satvikabhinaya: expressions of Bhava and Rasas (emotional states).
There are 8 main or primary emotions, Sthayibhavas, also termed as Rasas (Moods):
Shringara - Love
Hasya - Mirth
Veera - Heroism
Roudra - Anger
Bhayanaka - Terror
Bheebatsa - Disgust
Adbhuta - Wonder
Karuna - Compassion
Shanta - Tranquility - was added by Abhinava gupta.

Sringara means love, but is not confined to rati sringara. There is bhakti sringara and vatsalya (parental love) sringara besides rati sringara. Famous Bharata natyam dancer Balasaraswati has said: "sringara brings out the great beauties of this dance can be portrayed with all the purity of the spirit. The flesh, which is considered to be an enemy of the spirit and the greatest obstacle to spiritual realization, has itself been made a vehicle of the divine in the discipline of the dance. Sringara thus is an instrument for uniting the dancer with Divinity.

Bharatanatyam technique

2011-01-10T16:49:00.000-08:00

“Bharata-Natyam, in its highest moment, is the embodiment of music in its visual form…. For more than thousand years, the sastra’s have confirmed that an individual dedicated to dance must be equally dedicated to music and must receive thorough training in both the arts.. In demonstrating the art of Bharata-Natyam abroad, I have made a special point of showing audiences how delicately linked is the realisation of movement to raga expression in abhinaya, including the subtle expression of gamaka’s, intonation of sruti, and the unfolding of improvisation in niraval. In the same way that we look for perfect blending of raga and tala and of raga and bhava in abhinaya, so also it is essential that the raga and the sahitya be perfectly matched and in accordance with the necessities of expression in the dance.”
“Sringara stands supreme in this range of emotions. No other emotion is capable of better reflecting the mystic union of the human with the divine. I say this with great personal experience of dancing to many great devotional songs, which have had no element of sringara in them. Devotional songs are, of course, necessary. However, sringara is the cardinal emotion, which gives the fullest scope for artistic improvisation, branching off continually, as it does, into the portrayal of innumerable moods full of newness and nuance.
If we approach Bharata-Natyam with humility, learn it with dedication and practice it with devotion to God, sringara which brings out the great beauties of this dance can be portrayed with all the purity of the spirit. The flesh, which is considered to be an enemy of the spirit and the greatest obstacle to spiritual realization, has itself been made a vehicle of the divine in the discipline of the dance. Sringara thus is an instrument for uniting the dancer with Divinity. Since the dancer has universalized her experience, all that she goes through is also felt and experienced by the spectator”.
Bharata-Natyam comprises three aspects, Nritta, Nritya and Natya.

Nritta are rhythmical and repetitive elements, i.e. it is dance proper
Natya is the dramatic art, and is a language of gestures, poses and mime. cf. Abhinaya
Nritya is a combination of Nritta and Natya

Nritta can be broadly divided into Chari, Karana, Angahara and Mandala.

One-leg movement are called Chari.
Two-leg movements are Karana.
3 Karanas make a Khanda.
3 to 4 Khandas make a Mandala.
4 to 9 Karanas make a Angahara.
4 to 5 Angaharas also make a Mandala.

108 Karanas and 32 Angaharas are defined in Natyashatra. The 13 Nritta Hastas (see below) are used to perform nritta. The rythmic body movements along with hand gestures are called aduvus. A number of aduvus constitute a jati. Jati will generally end with a Muktaya or Teermana.
There are diferent types of Aduvus: Tattaduvu, Mettaduvu, Nataduvu, Kattaduvu, Kudittamettaduvu, Maiaduvu, Mandiaduvu, Jati, Nadai, Ardi. There are 12 aduvus in each type, making it 120 aduvus in total. Only about 70-80 are generally practised by an average Bharata-Natyam dancer. Aduvus are often confused with the 108 Karanas carved in the Chidambaram Temple in Tamilnadu, India.
The entire body is divided into Anga, Pratyanga and Upaanga.
Anga:Head, Hands, Chest, Waist, Bottom, Legs are the Six Angas.
Some Bharata-Natyam experts distinguish also Neck.
Pratyanga:Shoulders, Arms, Stomuch, Thighs, Knees are the Six Pratyangas.
Some Bharata-Natyam experts distinguish also Wrists, Elbows and Ankles .
Upaanga:Sight, Eyebrow, Eyelids, Eyeballs, Cheeks, Nose, Gums, Lower lip, Teeth, Tongue, Chin and Face are the 12 Upaangas.
Some Bharata-Natyam experts distinguish also Heels, Fingers, Feet and Palms.
Pratynaga and Upaangas should move along with the Angas.
Anga Lakshana, the movements of body parts, are described below.

Shirobhedha – Head Movement
Greevabhedha – Neck Movement
Drushtibhedha – Eye Movement
Paadabhedha
Mandala – Standing Posture
Utplavana – Leaps
Bhramari – Circling Movement
Chari – Leg Movement
Gatibhedha – Charecteristic walks and
Hastas or Mudras – Hand Movements
Asamyuta Hasta
Samyuta Hasta
Deva Hasta
Dashavatara Hasta
Navagraha Hasta
Jaati Hasta
Bandhu Hasta
Nritta Hasta

When all Angas(main body parts) are coordinated (along with pratyanga and upaanga), the Bharata-Natyam dancer is said to possess Angashudhi. Anga meaning body parts, and shudhi means perfection or purity. The Natyashastra has shlokas describing how to perform all the above movements.
The Dance performed by Lord Shiva is known as Tandava, virile aspect. The tandava performed with bliss is called Ananda Tandava. The tandava of the violent and destructive aspect is called Rudra Tandava.
There are 7 types of Tandava in Bharata-Natyam:

Ananda Tandava,
Tripura Tandava,
Sandhya Tandava,
Samara Tandava,
Kaali tandava,
Uma Tandava and
Gauri Tandava.

There are some Bharata-Natyam experts who distinguish 16 types of Tandava. Tandava produces vigourous, brisk movements.
When the dance is performed by Goddess Parvathi, it is known as Lasya, where the movements are soft, gentle, graceful and sometimes seen as erotic. Some Bharata-Natyam scholars consider Lasya as the feminine version of Tandava. Lasya is of 2 kinds:

Jarita Lasya and Yauvaka Lasya.

Dance class policies...

All new enrollments will register for the Basic level class in the appropriate age group. Unless the instructor promotes the child to an older age group.

The class duration is1 hour. Parents are requested to bring their children on time.

Parents are not allowed to sit in the class during the teaching is in progress. They can watch only for the last 5 mins of the class.

Students should come to class in proper dance uniform.

Parents must sign in on their child’s attendance sheet every class.

Fees must be paid on time, or there is a late fee charge.

Classes missed will not be made up, except those cancelled by the instructor. The initial 10 mins of every class is revision time of the steps done in the class prior, so every child can make up her unlearnt steps that way.

During rehearsals for performances , there could be more than one class per week.

The performance costumes & accessories would be provided by the teacher with an additional cost.

Bharathanatyam ( Classes in union nj )

2011-01-10T11:09:00.000-08:00

Admission fee $15
NEW CLASSES
Beginner Bharatnatyam Classes - May 9th Saturday 3.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.
$20 per session

Yoga Natya Fitness Classes - May 9th Saturday Morning 10.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m.
$200 for 10 sessions or $20 per class

Zumba Classes - May 9th Saturday 11:30 am $15 per class

* Please do check back for updates.

For more information or to register for all classes,
Bharatanatyam technique

Bharatanatyam is one of the most ancient forms of South Indian classical dance that originated in the Thanjavoor district of Tamil Nadu. The name Bharatanatyam can be interpreted as Bhava (expression), Raga (Music), Thaala (Rhythm) and Natyam (Dance). It is based on the theories of the books Natyasaasthram and Abhinaya Darpanam.

The three major styles of Bharatanatyam dance are Vazhuvur, Tanjore and Pandanalluras. The modern and more popular Kalakshetra style is a simplified combination of these three styles.

Bharatanatyam is evenly divided between three elements Nritta, Nritya and Natya .Nritta : Rhythmic Element.Interprits the language of rhythm with the help of body movements.

Nritya : Combination of Rhythm with Expression .Conveys poetic meaning with the help of expressions, rhythmic gaits and postures. e.g.. Varna, Shabda, Pada etc.

Natya : Dramatic Element. Performing for a theme like Ramayana, Mahabharata etc.

Nritta

Nritta can be broadly divided into Chari, Karana, Angahara and Mandala. Movement of a leg is called Chari. Movement of both the legs is Karana. 3 Karanas make a Khanda. 3 to 4 Khandas make a Mandala. 4 to 9 Karanas make a Angahara. 4 to 5 Angaharas also make a Mandala. 108 Karanas and 32 Angaharas are defined in Natyashatra. The 13 Nritta Hastas (explained later) are used to perform nritta. The rhythmic body movements along with hand gestures are called Aduvu s. Number of aduvus constitute a Jati . Jati will generally end with a Muktaya or Teermana .

There are varieties of Aduvus like,

Tatta Adavu
Natta Adavu
Visharu Adavu
Tatti Metti Adavu
Teermanam Adavu
Sarikal Adavu
Kuditta Metta Adavu
Sutral Murka Adavu
Jaati Adavu
Mandi Adavu

There are 12 aduvus in each of the above explained. Hence 120 aduvus exist in total. Only about 70 - 80 are in practice. The aduvus are more or less Karanas. Hence can be concluded that there are 108 aduvus. The 108 Karanas or Aduvus are carved in the Chidambaram Temple in Tanjore, Tamilnadu, India. To perform an aduvu aramandi , bending of the knees is very very important.

The entire body is divided as Anga, Pratyanga and Upaanga.

We Accepting New Students Between Ages 5 and Above

For More Details Contact:

Beginners:

Level 1:

1. Tat Adavus (8)

2. Naat Adavus (8)

3. Tha tai tai tha

4. Kudittha Mettu

5. Tattu metti (Ta ki Ta)

6. Theermanam

Level 2

1. Sutrul Adavu

2. Sarakkal Adavu

3. Mandi Adavu

4. Tat tai ta ha,dit tai ta ha

5. Rangakramana Adavu

Theory: Asamyuktha and Samyuktha hastha with Shloka Natya krama ,Drishti Bedha. Question and Answers.

Junior:

Level 1:

1. Pushpanjali

2. Padam

Level 2:

Alaripu

Theory: Drishti Bedha,Deva Hasthas,Natya Krama and Question and Answers.

FOR BOOKINGS

Thank you for your interest in booking a performance by JENY CHELLIAH. All presentations can be designed to meet your event needs in these formats:

Stage Performance



Master Classes/ Workshops



Educational Presentations



Lecture- Demonstration

Please cotact with full details.bharathanatyamnj@gmail.com