Adavus

Adavus are the basic dance steps in Bharathanatyam. The technique of any classical dance rests on the sturdy base of the adavus. An Adavu is defined as "The basic rhythmic unit of dance within a specific tempo and time structure that involves composite movements pertaining to Nritta".

The Adavu system is a sound and logical ground upon which the pedagogy of Indian Dance is based.

The Adavu is a combination of -
               leg and feet postures (Sthanakas)
               Posture of our standing (Mandalam)
               Body movements (Charis)
               Hand Guestures (Hasta Mudra)

While learning the Adavus importance is given to
Angashuddha (correct postures)
Talashuddha (correct rhythm)

A dancer also learns to differentiate strong Tandava movements from the graceful Lasya movements.

Basic Position of Adavu : Aramandi - Half Sitting Position

Every movement of Bharatnatyam dance is unique and dynamic; having it's own originality. Every movement of dance is rthythmic caused as a result of simultaneous stamping of feet, jump pirouettes, and positions where the knees touch the floor forming sophesticated pattern. The main feature of Bharatnatyam is that the dence tends make a beautiful straight lines or triangles as like geometrical angles. The dance form is always preformed with knees of the dancer bent.