Chapter 14 : Adavus - Shall We Dance

In this Chapter Shantha explores and explains about Adavus, the fundamental steps in Bharatanatyam, combining rhythmic footwork, hand gestures, and body movements.

She explains that Adavus are the building blocks for choreography, enabling dancers to master balance, precision, and grace.

Practicing Adavus develops coordination, posture, and stamina, forming the foundation for advanced sequences like jathis and varnams.

Each Adavu is performed in specific rhythmic cycles, deepening the dancer’s understanding of tala (rhythm). They also improve focus and discipline, essential for expressing emotions (abhinaya) effectively.

Adavus connect technique with artistry, allowing seamless storytelling. Without Adavus, Bharatanatyam’s elegance and complexity would be incomplete.

They are crucial for transforming students into skilled performers.