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Yoga Asana & Fitness

Anubhava Abhyasa

For building Resilience

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About the course

What will I learn

You will learn and practice dynamic body movements based on Bharatanatyam (a classical Indian dance form), including Adavus (footwork and hand gestures) combined with expressive storytelling in sync with music, culminating in precise and elaborate dance sequences.

Benefits of this course

This practice builds resilience through a sense of 'good tiredness' by enhancing physical stamina and mental focus through rigorous movements and sustained concentration.

Incorporating in my life

Dedicate 30–45 minutes daily to practicing the dynamic body movements, focusing on consistent refinement of footwork, hand gestures, and expressions.

About the specialist

Brindha and Venkatakrishnan, an accomplished duo deeply rooted in the classical arts, bring unparalleled expertise to their craft. Brindha, hailing from a family of artists, began her Bharatanatyam journey at the age of two under her father, A. Selvaraj, and honed her skills under illustrious gurus like Smt. Maya Vinayan and the Dhananjayans. Multifaceted in dance, music, painting, and sculpture, she seamlessly blends her talents to offer a unique artistic perspective. Venkatakrishnan, trained in both dance and music, refined his artistry under Thiruvidaimarudur T.A. Rajalakshmi Ammal, Kutthalam Sri M. Selvam, and the Dhananjayans, mastering nattuvangam, choreography, and composition. Together, they have performed, choreographed, and conducted workshops worldwide, inspiring students through their institution, Pranava Center for Arts. This dynamic partnership upholds the rich traditions of Bharatanatyam, creating and sharing timeless works that resonate with global audiences.

Online from
Trichy

Ancient & scientific relevance

Ancient texts that refer to this

The Natya Shastra, attributed to sage Bharata Muni, is a Sanskrit treatise on the performing arts, dating back to a compilation between 200 BCE and 200 CE, providing comprehensive insights into the field.

Bharatanatyam, as recognized by the Natya Shastra, promotes the wellbeing of practitioners by combining precise movements, expressive gestures, and spiritual connection, engaging both the body and the mind to foster physical and emotional wellness.

Modern research & publications

Research paper: Effects of Bharatnatyam Dancing on the Cognitive Ability of Adult Bengalee Females

Authors: Surjani Chatterjee, Neepa Banerjee, Sandipan Chatterjee, Satabdi Bhattacharjee

Abstract: Bharatanatyam dance offers numerous health benefits, including improved flexibility, strength, aerobic fitness, balance, concentration, and cognitive development. It is now recognized as a high-intensity aerobic activity with both physical and mental advantages.

Introductory session

30-45 mins LIVE 1:1 online introductory session with Venkata & Brindha.

The session will be facilitated by the Leela Life Concierge Desk.

Plan for the intro session

Get introduced to Bharatanatyam and how it encompasses entertainment, spirituality, exercise, and overall well-being

Understand the mindful nature of Bharatanatyam as a physical practice that demands focus, concentration, and the use of the five senses

Discover how the immersive experience of Bharatanatyam helps redirect the mind from stress and anxiety, promoting a sense of presence and self-awareness

Engage in an interactive Q&A session ask questions, gain deeper insights, and clarify doubts about the course

Pre-requisites for the intro session

Advised to wear comfortable clothing such as track pants and a t-shirt for ease of movement during the session

Ensure adequate space of 10 x 10 ft area or enough room to move around comfortably

Plan for overall course

The specialist will be tailoring the course for you and the exact number of sessions will depend on multiple factors such as need, inclination, interest, absorption and more.

The plan below should give you a rough indication of how many sessions will it take for you to inculcate the learnings from this course in to your regular life by yourself.

Live 1:1 online course
10 sessions
Duration of each session
45 mins
Frequency
Weekly

Session 1

Introduction to Bharatnatyam and Basic Footwork & Hand Gestures
  • Get a detailed introduction to Bharatnatyam, its history, and significance
  • Teach basic footwork steps like Thattadavu and hand gestures (mudras) used in Bharatnatyam

Sessions 2 & 3

Footwork, Hand Gestures, and Expression Practice
  • Focus on practicing footwork (Nattadavu) and hand gestures
  • Introduce movement sequences like Paraval adavu
  • Begin exploring the display of expressions or emotions through facial expressions

Sessions 4 & 5

Hand Gestures, Expressions, and Navarasas
  • Continue practicing hand gestures (mudras) and expressions
  • Learn new movement sequence Kuthithu mettu adavu
  • Introduce the concept of Navarasas (nine emotions) and practice expressing them through hand gestures and facial expressions

Sessions 6 & 7

Navarasas and Adavu Combinations
  • Further explore Navarasas, focusing on Thathaithaha
  • Combine footwork and hand gestures to express various emotions
  • Practice combinations of different adavus (footwork sequences) along with the expressions

Sessions 8 & 9

Slokam Presentation and Revival of Previous Learnings
  • Introduction to Slokam (devotional verses) with their meaning
  • Teach accompanying hand gestures to present the Slokam
  • Review and revisit previously learned adavus and Slokam from the earlier sessions

Session 10

Advanced Footwork and Shloka
  • Introduce advanced-level footwork sequences
  • Practice the Shloka (devotional verse) with the newly learned footwork and hand gestures

Frequently asked questions

  • Is prior dance experience required to participate in this workshop?
  • No prior dance experience is required for this practice. A basic understanding of rhythm is enough to participate and benefit from the sessions.
  • Is this a dance session?
  • The described practice involves learning different types of dance movements, including footwork, hand gestures (Adavus), and expressions. It is not a typical dance session but rather focuses on harnessing the wellbeing benefits of these movements. Through rigorous physical effort, it challenges and strengthens the body and mind.
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Conducted by

Venkata & Brindha

Multifaceted Bharatanatyam artists

Find out if it's right for you!
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