11. Namaskar – Audio

Narrated by Shantha Lakshmi

Chapter Overview

Chapter 11 of Shall We Dance, titled Namaskar, delves into the foundational elements of Bharatanatyam, focusing on the essential practices of Namaskar and Adavus. These components form the bedrock of Bharatanatyam, instilling discipline, precision, and reverence in the dancer while setting the stage for technical mastery and artistic expression.

Namaskar: The Salutation of Reverence

The chapter opens with an exploration of Namaskar, the traditional salutation that holds a sacred place in Bharatanatyam. Rooted in spiritual consciousness, Namaskar is performed at the beginning and end of a practice or performance as a gesture of respect toward:

1. The Divine: Representing the universal energy and the deities who inspire the art form, particularly Lord Shiva in his form as Nataraja, the Cosmic Dancer.
2. The Guru: Acknowledging the teacher as the guide who imparts knowledge and nurtures the dancer’s artistic journey.
3. The Audience and the Earth: Respecting the viewers who partake in the performance and the Earth, which bears the dancer’s movements.

Namaskar combines symbolic hand gestures, bowing postures, and offerings, reflecting humility and devotion. The chapter underscores its importance in aligning the dancer’s physical and spiritual energies, creating a harmonious beginning to the artistic process.

Adavus: The Building Blocks of Bharatanatyam

The chapter transitions into a detailed discussion of Adavus, the fundamental dance units that form the structural foundation of Bharatanatyam. Each Adavu is a carefully coordinated sequence of movements that integrates posture, rhythm, and gestures, fostering technical skill and artistic coordination. The chapter elaborates on several key types of Adavus, including:

• Tatta Adavu: Basic foot-tapping movements that establish rhythm and body control.
• Natta Adavu: Movements involving stretching and coordinated hand gestures, enhancing grace and balance.
• Mettu Adavu: Intricate footwork patterns that emphasize rhythmic precision and fluidity.

The chapter provides insights into the rhythmic patterns and distinctive qualities of each Adavu, offering a glimpse into their role in shaping the dancer’s agility, strength, and alignment.

Anga Shuddha and Tala Shuddha: Mastery of Form and Rhythm

The chapter highlights the significance of Anga Shuddha (purity of body alignment) and Tala Shuddha (rhythmic precision) as critical elements in mastering Bharatanatyam.

• Anga Shuddha ensures that each movement is precise, aesthetically pleasing, and aligned with traditional standards. Proper posture, balance, and symmetry are emphasized to create visual harmony.
• Tala Shuddha focuses on the dancer’s ability to maintain rhythmic accuracy, ensuring synchronization with the accompanying music and beats.

Both elements are presented as essential for achieving technical excellence and captivating the audience.

Postures and Movements

The chapter further delves into the foundational postures and movements that provide Bharatanatyam with its distinctive aesthetic appeal:

• Samapadam: A neutral, symmetrical posture that serves as the starting point for many movements.
• Araimandi: A half-seated position that enhances balance and conveys a dynamic yet poised stance.
• Muzhumandi: A fully-seated posture used in more intricate movements, showcasing the dancer’s agility and control.

These postures, combined with Charis (stylized walking movements) and Hasta Mudras (hand gestures), expand Bharatanatyam’s vocabulary, enabling dancers to narrate stories and evoke emotions with precision and elegance.

The Connection Between Technique and Expression

The chapter emphasizes that Bharatanatyam is not merely about physical movements but also about conveying meaning and emotion. The integration of Namaskar, Adavus, postures, and gestures establishes a strong technical foundation while nurturing the dancer’s ability to connect with the audience on a deeper emotional and spiritual level.