Eligiblity
Minimum 8 Years old
Course Duration
1 Year/Grade
Certification
The Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Music and Fine Arts University
Mode
Offline/Online
Kalalaya Foundation's Bharathanatyam Grade Exam is a comprehensive assessment of a student's proficiency in the classical Indian dance form of Bharatanatyam. The exam is designed to evaluate students' understanding of various aspects of Bharathanatyam, including:.
Technique: Students will be assessed on their mastery of basic and advanced dance movements, footwork, and hand gestures.
Rhythm: Students will demonstrate their ability to maintain accurate rhythm and tempo throughout their performance.
Expression: Students will be evaluated on their ability to convey emotions and stories through their dance.
Knowledge: Students will be tested on their understanding of Bharathanatyam's history, theory, and notation.
The exam is conducted in multiple rounds, including a written test, a practical performance, and an interview. Students who successfully pass the exam will receive a certificate of achievement from The Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Music and Fine Arts University.
The Bharathanatyam Grade Exam is a valuable opportunity for students to showcase their skills and receive feedback on their progress. It is also a stepping stone for students who aspire to pursue a career in Bharathanatyam or continue their dance education at a higher level.
| UNIT 1 | Adavus | Thattadavu, Naattadavu, Paraval adavu, Kudithu mettu, Korvai adavu, Paidal adavu |
| UNIT 2 | Primary Information | Adavu, Korvai, 3 Speeds, Adi Thalam, Rupaka Thalam |
| UNIT 3 | Technical Information | Siro bhedas, Asamyuta hastas, Viniyogas from Pataka to Arala |
| UNIT 4 | Theory | Names of Classical dances, Nattuvanars - Meenakshi Sundaram Pillai and Chokalingam Pillai, Legends - Smt.T. Balasaraswathi, Kalyani Sisters |
| UNIT 5 | Texts | Thirukkural, Abhinayadarpanam, Purananooru |
| UNIT 6 | Project | Mime a story with a moral, using dance gestures |
| UNIT 1 | Adavus | Kuthadavu, Thattimettu adavu, Sarukkal, Mandi, Ettadavu, Tirmana adavu and Kummi/Kolattam |
| UNIT 2 | Primary Information | Tirmanam, Nrtta, 4 types of abhinaya, Panchajati, Kings ( patrons of arts) any 4 |
| UNIT 3 | Technical Information | Drishti bheda, Samyuta hastas, Viniyogas from Katakamukha to Chandrakala |
| UNIT 4 | Theory | Names of folk dances, Nattuvanars - Kaatumannar Koil Muthukumara Pillai, Panchapakesa Nattuvanar, Legends - Smt.M.K. Saroja, Kumari Kamala |
| UNIT 5 | Texts | Tolkappiyam, Silappadikaram, Agananooru |
| UNIT 6 | Project | Ramayana characters - any two |
| UNIT 1 | Adavus | Adavus in Tisram, Compositions - Alarippu, Kavuthuvam |
| UNIT 2 | Primary Information | Nritya, Natya, Alarippu, Kavuthuvam, Saptha Tala |
| UNIT 3 | Technical Information | Griva bheda, Devata hastas, Viniyogas from Padmakosha to Chatura hasta |
| UNIT 4 | Theory | Bharatanatyam; Rukmini Devi, Nattuvanars - Kandappa Pillai, K.N. Dandayudapani Pillai, Legends - Ms. Yamini Krishnamoorthy, Smt.Vyjayanthimala Bali |
| UNIT 5 | Texts | Natyasastra, Manimekhalai, Kurunthogai |
| UNIT 6 | Project | Panchasabhai and Panchabhootam |
| UNIT 1 | Adavus | Adavus in Misram, Compositions - Jatiswaram, Shabdam |
| UNIT 2 | Primary Information | Sollukkattu, Jati, Jatiswaram, Shabdam, Tanjore Quartet, Mallari |
| UNIT 3 | Technical Information | Mandalas and Sthanakas, Dashavatara hastas, Viniyogas from Bhramara to Trisula hasta |
| UNIT 4 | Theory | Kathak, Kuchipudi; Nattuvanars - Pichiah Pillai, Subbaraya Pillai, Legends - Adyar K. Lakshman, Travancore Sisters |
| UNIT 5 | Texts | Natyasastra, Manimekhalai, Kurunthogai |
| UNIT 6 | Project | Dasavataram |
| UNIT 1 | Adavus | Adavus in Khandam, Compositions - Kirtanam/Kriti, Tillana, Kavadi Chindu/ Kilikanni |
| UNIT 2 | Primary Information | Bhava, Rasa, Orchestra, Pushpanjali, Kirtanam, Kavadi Chindu |
| UNIT 3 | Technical Information | Leaps and jumps, Varna bhedas, Bandhava hastas, Samyuta hastas from Anjali to Utsangam hasta |
| UNIT 4 | Theory | Odissi, Manipuri; Nattuvanars - Bavu Pillai, Ramaih Pillai, Legends - Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam, Prof.C.V. Chandrashekar |
| UNIT 5 | Texts | Kutanul, Tevaram, Tiruvasakam, Paripadal |
| UNIT 6 | Project | Aarupadai Veedu |
| UNIT 1 | Adavus | Adavus in Sankeernam, Compositions - Padal/Bhajan/Abhang, Padam/Javali |
| UNIT 2 | Primary Information | Nayaka Nayaki Prakarna, Evolution of Margam, Paadal, Padam, Javali, Thodayam |
| UNIT 3 | Technical Information | Twirls and turns, Navagraha hastas, Samyuta hastas from Sivalinga to Samputa hasta |
| UNIT 4 | Theory | Kathakali, Mohiniattam; Nattuvanars - Mahalingam Pillai, Muthuswamy Pillai, Legends - Dr. Sudharani Raghupathy, The Dhananjayans |
| UNIT 5 | Texts | Kutanul, Tevaram, Tiruvasakam, Paripadal |
| UNIT 6 | Project | Aarupadai Veedu |
| UNIT 1 | Adavus | Pada-varnam/Swarajati/Daru varnam/Alternate composition |
| UNIT 2 | Primary Information | Revival of Bharatanatyam, Importance of music and yoga, Pada varnam, Swarajati, Viruttam/slokam, Ashtapadi |
| UNIT 3 | Technical Information | Gaits, Tala dasa pranas, Marga talas, Viniyogas from Pasa hasta to Bherunda hasta |
| UNIT 4 | Theory | Sattriya, Chau; Nattuvanars - Kittappa Pillai, Dakshinamoorthy Pillai, Legends - Smt. Chitra Visveswaran, Ms. Lakshmi Viswanathan |
| UNIT 5 | Texts | Kuravanji, Ainkurunooru |
| UNIT 6 | Project | Krishna avatara |
| UNIT 1 | Adavus | All of the previous levels |
| UNIT 2 | Primary Information | All of the previous levels |
| UNIT 3 | Technical Information | All of the previous levels |
| UNIT 4 | Theory | All of the previous levels; Nattuvanars - Ellappa Pillai, Govindarajan Pillai, Legends -Smt. Mrinalini Sarabhai, Smt. Krishnaveni Lakshmanan |
| UNIT 5 | Texts | Mahabharata Choodamani, Thoodu, Ula, Kalithogai |
| UNIT 6 | Project | Mahabharata |
The exam typically consists of three main components:
Written Examination:
Theoretical Knowledge: Students will be evaluated on their understanding of Bharathanatyam's history, theory, and notation. This includes knowledge of various dance postures (asanas), hand gestures (mudras), and rhythmic patterns (talas).
Cultural Context: Questions may also explore the cultural and religious significance of Bharathanatyam, its evolution, and its role in Indian society.
Practical Performance:
Dance Technique: Students will perform a set of choreographed pieces that demonstrate their mastery of basic and advanced dance techniques, including footwork, hand gestures, and rhythmic patterns.
Expression: The performance will also be evaluated based on the student's ability to convey emotions and tell stories through their dance.
Musical Accompaniment: Students must perform to live or recorded Carnatic music, demonstrating their ability to synchronize their movements with the rhythm and melody.
Interview:
Understanding of Bharathanatyam: The interview may cover topics such as the student's understanding of Bharathanatyam's philosophy, its role in Indian culture, and their personal journey as a dancer.
Future Goals: The interviewer may also inquire about the student's aspirations and plans for further dance education or a career in Bharathanatyam
Recognition of Achievement: Successful completion of the exam provides students with a formal recognition cerfication of their skills and accomplishments from The TamilNadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Music and Fine Arts University.
Career Advancement: The exam can be beneficial for students who aspire to pursue a career in Bharathanatyam, as it demonstrates their proficiency and dedication to the art form.
Educational Progression: Passing the exam may be a prerequisite for admission to advanced dance programs or institutions.
Personal Growth: The exam can be a valuable experience for students to assess their progress, identify areas for improvement, and set new goals.
In conclusion, the Bharathanatyam Grade Exam is a comprehensive assessment that evaluates a student's overall proficiency in the art form. It is a valuable opportunity for students to showcase their skills, receive feedback, and set the foundation for their future endeavors in Bharathanatyam.
Grade Programme Branches
Carnatic Vocal
Violin
Veena
Mridangam
