Basic Bharatanatyam Dance Steps

Video Transcript

"In this clip I'll explain the first basic step which is the foundation of all the rest of the steps. When we begin on the dance form we start with a Namaskaram, which is a salutation to Mother Earth. And it's asking Mother Earth?s permission to stamp on her. And when we finish our practice, we end with a Namaskaram. Asking her forgiveness for stamping on her. So the Namaskaram looks like this. The feet are together, the legs are straight, the hands at rest position are resting on the back of the hips. So the Namaskaram looks like this with Tripataka Mudra. Stamp the right foot, then the left foot. Change to Sikara Mudra. Make a circle around your shoulders, turn your feet out at the side. Bend your knees. Touch the floor and then your forehead. And then come up. And this is how we begin our practice. The very first step, very first basic step or Adavu is called Tai Ha Tai. And as we do this step, we say the syllables that go with that step."