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First 5 Adavus Every Bharatanatyam Student Must Master

 


Intro

So you’ve stepped into the world of Bharatanatyam and survived your first class. Now you’re wondering: what’s next? The answer? Adavus — the building blocks of your entire dance vocabulary.

Every Bharatanatyam dancer, no matter how advanced, starts right here. These are the first 5 adavus that you’ll practice until your thighs scream and your spine begs for mercy. But once they click? It’s magic.

1. Tatta Adavu (The Stamping Step)

  • It looks easy, but tatta tests your posture and weight control.

  • Start with Samapada (feet together), then stamp in Aramandi.

  • Keep your spine straight. No slouching. Ever.

2. Natta Adavu (The Stretching Step)

  • This one teaches extension. And rhythm.

  • You’ll start using mukta hasta (open hand gesture).

  • It introduces the "ta tai ta ha" rhythm – get used to it, it’s everywhere.

3. Visharu Adavu (Diagonal Step)

  • Opens your body and introduces basic travel and coordination.

  • Most people mess up the leg-hand sync. Be patient. Practice slowly.

4. Tirmana Adavu (The Ending Step)

  • These appear at the ends of jatis/segments.

  • Requires tight footwork and control of speed.

  • You’ll feel like you're skipping — but don’t actually skip.

5. The Kudittametta Adavu (Jump and Strike)

  • This is your first encounter with jumps.

  • If you’re doing it right, it sounds sharp and looks graceful.

  • Warm up your knees. Seriously.

Tips You Won’t Hear in Class

  • Film yourself. You’ll see what your body won’t feel.

  • Practice slowly. Fast is pointless if the form is a mess.

  • Posture > Speed. Always.

Final Note

These 5 adavus are your foundation. Master them, and everything else — from jathiswaram to varnam — becomes smoother. Rush them, and you’ll trip over your own feet later.

Dance doesn’t lie. Your basics show every time.

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