A+Taste+of+India

=BHARATHANATYAM - Indian Dance Workshop=

Click on the links below the photographs to see more....

 * [[image:P1330691-001.JPG width="393" height="291"]]

How to make a Rangoli Kolam here
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How to draw a Pulli Kolam - scroll down the page here
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The Art of Mehndi - henna hand painting here
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Anu recommended the Youtube video below as an excellent example of Indian Bharata Natyam dance.
media type="custom" key="22218742" =Learn how to wrap a sari step-by-step [|here]=
 * This is the music we are using in our dance performance. **
 * [[image:P1330794.JPG]] || [[image:P1330792.JPG]] || [[image:P1330796.JPG]] || [[image:P1330800.JPG]] ||

Anu spent the introductory sessions teaching students several mudras and how to wrap a sari....

 * = [|Bharathanatyam] =

The name comes from three basic concepts + dance

 * ==== BHAva - Gestures ====
 * ==== RAga - Music ====
 * ==== TAla - Beat or Rhythm ====
 * ==== NATYAM - Dance ==== || =[|Adavus] - Basic steps=

Just like a combination of letters make words and then sentences,
adavus are combined to form a dance sequence.

An Adavu is the synchronized combination of:
> || =[|HASTAS or MUDRAS]- Hand gestures=
 * ==== Leg positions ====
 * ==== Standing postures ====
 * ==== Walking movements ====
 * ==== Hand gestures ====

Every day we use hand gestures, for example:

 * ==== To call a person ====
 * ==== To point to an object ====
 * ==== To show drinking ====
 * ==== To express happiness or anger ====

||  ||
 * [[image:P1330745.JPG width="432" height="319"]] || [[image:P1330747.JPG]] || [[image:P1330845.JPG width="476" height="307"]] ||  ||
 * =Tripataaka Mudra=

In a dance story it can mean one of many things including:

 * ==== A crown ====
 * ==== A tree ====
 * ==== An arrow ====
 * ==== Thunder ====
 * ==== A lamp ====
 * ==== A pigeon ====
 * ==== A Ketaki flower ==== || =Ardhapataaka Mudra=

In a dance story it can represent:

 * ==== Leaves ====
 * ==== A slab for writing ====
 * ==== The bank of a river ====
 * ==== A knife ====
 * ==== A tower ====
 * ==== To indicate "Both" ====
 * ==== An animal horn ==== || =Katakaamukha Mudra=

I t is generally used to express:
Source:onlinebharatanatyam.com || ||  ||   || =Adavus=
 * ==== The picking of flowers ====
 * ==== Holding a necklace or garland ====
 * ==== Talking and seeing ====
 * ==== Pulling a bow string ====
 * ==== To show preparation od a paste of sandal or musk ====
 * ==== Offering Beetle leaves ==== ||  ||
 * [[image:tripataaka align="center"]]
 * [[image:P1340106.JPG width="432" height="334"]] || [[image:P1340115.JPG width="432" height="322" align="center"]] || [[image:P1340119.JPG width="432" height="335" align="center"]] ||  ||
 * [[image:P1340108.JPG align="center"]] || [[image:P1340123.JPG align="center"]] || [[image:P1340111.JPG align="center"]] ||  ||

For demonstrations of Adavus click **[|here]**

 * ==Tatta and Natta Adavus==

using in our dance...
||  || Tatta adavu position || Natta adavu starting position || Natta adavu: Step 1 || Natta adavu: Step 2 || Natta adavu: Step 3 || Source: onlinebharatanatyam.com

=More Symbolism...= Source: openlibrary.org ||  || Natya Shastra
 * [[image:natya shastra width="435" height="532"]]

Where there is bhava, mood or emotion (rasa) is invoked.
||  || ========

=Bindis :=

the seat of wisdom, where all experience is gathered in total concentration.
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Our Temple Jewellery has arrived!
====The origin of Temple jewellery dates back to the 12th century. Temple jewelry is considered to be auspicious and that’s why during festivals and occasions of worship of Gods, Indian females like to wear temple jewellery.==== ====Temple jewellery is supposed to bring good luck to the wearer. In olden times temple jewellery was made of gold, rubies, emeralds and pearls. These days the jewellery is made using a variety of metals like silver and brass as its base.====

Women’s costumes involve a significant amount of jewelry, including bangles, necklaces, rings, ear rings, nose rings, and special ornaments for the arms and head...

 * ====[[image:allencentre/P1340220.JPG width="488" height="362"]]====

Our box of Temple Jewellery contains:

 * ====Jumka/Jimiki - ear rings====
 * ====Sooriyan and Chandhiran - sun and half-moon hair ornaments.====
 * ====Netthi Chudi - head accessory====
 * ====Mukutthi - nose pins====
 * ====Long pearl necklace====
 * ====Dance Ghungaroo/Salangi - ankle bells.====
 * ====Bangles==== || [[image:P1340196-001.JPG width="318" height="461"]] || [[image:allencentre/P1340194.JPG width="289" height="465" align="center"]] || [[image:allencentre/P1340203-001.JPG width="299" height="473" align="center"]] ||
 * ====[[image:allencentre/P1340197-001.JPG width="478" height="384"]]==== || [[image:allencentre/P1340207-001.JPG width="308" height="440" align="center"]] || [[image:allencentre/P1340214-001.JPG width="288" height="432"]] || [[image:P1340339.JPG width="330" height="432"]] ||

Anu gave us a useful tip for getting the bangles on - if you over your hand in a plastic bag, the bangles will slip on more easily...

 * [[image:allencentre/P1340216-001.JPG width="424" height="314"]] || [[image:allencentre/P1340336.JPG width="442" height="310"]] || [[image:P1340341.JPG width="468" height="315"]] ||