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Purpose of the curriculum

Our curriculum is designed to cultivate artistry, discipline, and joy in movement by:

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  1. Holistic Dance Education

    • Balancing technical rigor with creative expression, musicality, and performance confidence.

    • Nurturing physical, emotional, and social growth through collaborative dance experiences.

  2. Progressive Skill Development

    • Each level builds on foundational techniques, from basic posture to advanced choreography.

    • Encourages critical thinking in movement interpretation and stylistic adaptation.

  3. Adaptability & Inclusivity

    • Adapts to diverse learning styles (visual, kinesthetic, auditory) and abilities.

    • Prepares dancers for evolving trends while honoring traditional dance forms.

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Key Principles

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  1. Age-Appropriate Training

    • Tailored to physical development and cognitive maturity (e.g., playful exploration for young children vs. example based teaching for teens and injury prevention based teaching for adults).

  2. Skill-Based Mastery

    • Focuses on technique, flexibility, rhythm, and storytelling through movement.

    • Integrates collaboration (group choreography) and digital literacy (video analysis, virtual performances).​

  3. Continuous Growth

    • Regular assessments via performances, regular feedback, and self-reflection to track progress.

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Adavus

  • Introduction to postures - Araimandi, muzhumandi, Sama Sthiti

  • Namaskaram

  • Tatta adavu(1 to 6 and 6 to 1)

  • Naata adavu (1 to 6 )

  • Increment in speed in Tatta adavu

  • Increment in speed in Naata adavu

  • Theermana adavu (2 varieties)

  • Etta adavu (Tha thai Tha ha) - 2 speeds

Theory

  • Asamyutha and Samyutha Hastas (Single and Double hand gestures)

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Adavus

  • Introduction to Natyarambha posture, placement and alignment

  • Tatta adavu - 3 speeds

  • Naata adavu - 3 speeds and variations

  • Theermana adavu (variations, dhristi, and speed increments)

  • Etta adavu - all three speeds

  • Kudhitthu mettu adavu

  • Pakka adavu

  • Sarrikal adavu

  • Mandi adavu

  • Pancha Nadai adavus (Tattumettu)

  • Adavus mashup

Theory

  • Head (Shiro beda ), Eyes(Drishti Beda), Neck(Griva beda), Feet ( Paada beda) movements

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This level is designed for students who have completed Basic level 1 and basic level 2. 

 

In this level, students show an increasing secure understanding of musical interpretation, use of expression and an awareness of performance space.

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In this level, the student will start learning a Bharathanatyam dance sequel.

 

  • Alaripu - Tisra Talam

  • Andal Kautvam

  • Pushpanjali

  • Small Kriti​

Theory

  • Hasta Viniyoga

  • Devatha Hasta

  • Introduction to Pancha Nadai, Basic rhythm techniques and Talam.

Abhinaya

  • Introduction to Navarasa

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This level is designed for students who have completed Junior level and progressed to Intermediate level.

 

In this level students demonstrate secure technical skills and knowledge through performance of a more complex repertoire in Bharathanatyam through the use of Timing and Rhythm, Musicality, co ordination and control and Spatial awareness.

 

Students show a clear understanding of a range of Nadai’s, Jathi’s, Theermanams, Talam, demonstrate a musical interpretation, a secure understanding of the performance space and the ability to communicate and express themselves through a performance

 

In this level, student will continue to learn the Bharthanatyam dance sequel

 

  • Alaripu (Mishram and Chaturashram)

  • Pushpanjali 2

  • Jathiswaram

  • Jathis for Varnam Starter

  • Padam/Devaranama

  • Role plays

Theory

  • Hastha Viniyoga

  • Understanding Rhythm  - In the form of a workshop module 1

  • Introduction to choreography module 1

Abhinaya

  • Continue to learn Navarasa Abhinaya

  • Introduction to AshtaNayika

  • Drama and role plays

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This level is designed for students who have completed Intermediate Level 1 and progressed to Intermediate level 2. This level concentrates on lessons to demonstrate advanced technical skills through performances and complex repertoires. 

 

Teachings include the use of Timing & Rhythm, Musicality, co-ordination & control and Spatial awareness.

 

Students will 

  • Have a clear understanding of a range of Nadai’s, Jathi’s, Theermanams, Talam. 

  • Be able to demonstrate a musical interpretation. 

  • Have a secure understanding of the performance space.

  • Have the ability to communicate and express themselves through a performance.

 

Teachings includes:

  • Krithi 2

  • Efficient execution of Jathis with improved stamina, strength and confidence

  • Complex Jathis

  • Jathis flowing into an Aradhi.

  • Shabdam

  • Thillana 1

Theory

  • Hastha Viniyoga

  • Understanding Rhythm  - In the form of a workshop module 2

  • Introduction to choreography 2

Abhinaya

  • Continue to learn Navarasa Abhinaya

  • Continuation of AshtaNayika

  • Drama and role plays

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Teachings for students who have completed Intermediate level and progressed to  Senior level.

 

Students will 

  • Demonstrate assured knowledge of the vocabulary of Bharathanatyam.

  • Technical skills and performance qualities demanded by increasingly complex Margam.

  • Through the Margam, they are able to show an assured understanding of a range of complex Nadai, Jathi (trikala/Pacha Jathi/Korvai’s)

  • Demonstrate an advanced sense of interpretation to the Margam, a secure understanding of the performance space and an increasingly assured confidence in performance.

 

In this level, student will continue to learn the Bharthanatyam dance sequel

 

  • Alaripu (in all 5 Nadai)

  • Pushpanjali 3

  • Jathiswaram 2

  • Varnam 1

  • Padam 2

  • Thillana 2

 

Senior level is considered when a student has finished one Margam

A Margam includes

  • 1 Alaripu

  • 1 Jathiswaram

  • 1 kriti

  • 1 Varnam

  • 1 Padam/devarnama

  • 1 Shabdam (portraying 1 Astanayika)

  • 1 Thillana

Theory

  • Recitation of Pancha Nadai in Adi Talam, set to 16 beat cycle and 8 beat cycle

  • Compose a Jathi set to Adi Talam

  • Compose a Jathi set to Mishrachapu

  • Choreography lessons

  • Exploring nuances of Rhythms

Abhinaya

  • Exploring Astanayika

  • Introduction to few basic Karanas and Chari’s

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An Arrangetram marks the debut stage performance of a disciple, symbolizing the culmination of years of rigorous training in the classical art form of Bharathanatyam. This performance consists of a full repertoire of dance items, each reflecting different stages of the dancer’s consciousness.

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Typically this event happens after completion of the Senior Level where the Guru, student and Parents fell confident in their readiness for a solo stage performance.

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This level demands sophisticated knowledge and expertise in the art form. Students are not only trained in the advanced techniques in Nritta and Abhinaya , but also trained in body conditioning, Yoga, Pilates, core strength and stamina to be able to sustain the 3 hour solo performance.

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Students are trained in Pranayama and meditation to balance their mind and body spirits.

 

Arrangetram requires a rigorous 1 year  practice

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©2024 by Margam Centre for Arts

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