Shall We Dance - Chapter 11 - Namaskar

Narrated by Shantha Lakshmi.

This chapter explores the foundational elements of Bharatanatyam, focusing on Namaskar and Adavus as vital components.

Namaskar, a salutation rooted in tradition, signifies reverence to the divine, the guru, and the audience through symbolic gestures and spiritual consciousness. Adavus, the basic dance units, integrate posture, rhythm, and hand gestures, fostering technical skill and artistic coordination.

Various types of Adavus, such as Tatta, Natta, and Mettu, are described with their unique rhythmic patterns and movements. The importance of Anga Shuddha (body alignment) and Tala Shuddha (rhythmic precision) is emphasized.

Postures like Samapadam, Araimandi, and Muzhumandi provide balance and visual appeal. Stylized walking movements (Charis) and expressive hand gestures (Hasta Mudras) enrich the dance vocabulary. Overall, the chapter establishes a strong foundation for understanding Bharatanatyam's technical and expressive nuances.

Narrated by Shantha Lakshmi

Chapter 10 of Shall We Dance explores the intricate art of Bharatanatyam, emphasizing its synthesis of various fine arts, including music, poetry, drama, painting, and sculpture.

The chapter begins with a quote by Constanze Mozart, "Dancing is like dreaming with your feet," highlighting the expressive nature of dance. It discusses the universal instinct for dancing and how Bharatanatyam, rooted in the Natya Shastra, has achieved unparalleled technical excellence in India.

The chapter delves into the fundamental aspects of Indian dance—Nrittya, Nritya, and Natya—along with the vigorous Tandavam and graceful Lasya styles. It emphasizes the importance of Abhinaya (gesticulatory expression) in conveying the dance's meaning, dividing it into four types: Angika, Vachika, Aharya, and Satvika.

The traditional structure of a Bharatanatyam performance, including Alarippu, Jatiswaram, Shabdam, Varnam, Padam, and Tillana, is also outlined. The chapter concludes by highlighting the goal of evoking rasotpatti (aesthetic emotion) in the audience, achieved through the dancer's deep connection with the character and emotions portrayed.

Narrated by Shantha Lakshmi

Chapter 9 of Shall We Dance explores the profound connection between the Brihadeshwara Temple in Thanjavur and the rise of Bharatanatyam in South India. The chapter delves into the symbolism of the temple's vimana (tower over the inner sanctum) and gopuram (entrance tower), emphasizing their spiritual significance.

The vimana represents a cosmic mountain, symbolizing spiritual ascent, while the gopuram marks the transition from the material to the spiritual realm. The chapter highlights the deliberate placement of the 108 karanas (dance postures) in temple iconography, symbolizing Shiva's cosmic dance and yogic energy. It underscores the integration of these architectural elements into Bharatanatyam, preserving cultural and spiritual traditions.

The chapter also draws from various scholarly sources to provide a comprehensive understanding of the cultural significance of the Brihadeshwara Temple's architecture and its deep connection to Bharatanatyam, illustrating the intertwined nature of South Indian dance, spirituality, and cultural heritage.