FOOT MOVEMENTS

Bharathanatyam combines in it many basic units such as Adavu, Karana, Angahara, Abhinaya, Mudra and many others.Adavu forms the foundation stone on which the entire Nritta rests. It must be evolved from the Karana. In dance especially in Nritta sequence, which are pure footwork, Adavu are woven artistically and beautifully forming the sequence of pure dance.There are various patterns and combinations of Adavu based on execution, mode of performance and many other factors.It also involves various positions, gestures of the hand,movement of the body, limbs, feet etc.,

Classification of Adavu

Generally Adavu are classified into 13 groups having sub divisionswith variations and different permutations. The important rule to be observed is that all the Adavu are to be performed in the right foot first followed by the left in three degree speed.They must be perormed in such positions that the outward bent of the thigh and the knee very important i.e., the Aramandali or the half sit. The posture to be used in Bharathanatyam consists of 3 varities namely Sama -standing position , Aramandi- half sit ,where the feet will be turned to the sides, and Muzhumandi - a sitting posture.

Classification of Adavu

Adavu are to be performed in 3 postures or sthanas. The common Adavu are Thattadavu, Naatadavu,Kudhithumattu, Sarikkal, Tattmettu, MandiAdavu etc., Of the 13 groups af Adavu nearly 114 variations are performed based on feet variations and contemprorary practice.

1. Thatt Adavu

This is the first set of Adavu in Bharathanatyam. This Adavu is performed by striking the feet on the floor one after the other. Thattu means to satrike the floor flatly with the whole sole.

2. Naat Adavu

Striking the floor with the heel. This is the second set in the group. Nattu means stretch .

3. Thattumattu Adavu

Striking the floor with feet and raise the heel while keeping the toes on the ground.

4. Mardita Adavu

To strafe or bruise the floor with the foot. The feet will be moved as in slipping. The feet are in sama posture with the heels also straightened. The movement is done forward and backward.

5. Sarikka Adavu

To move without lifiting the foot. One of the feet moves either on the side, front or back while the other is dragged near the former without being lifted up.

6. Kudittu Adavu

Jumping on the toes and then stamping with the heels, "Kudittu" means Jumping with both feet simultaneously.

7. Khuttu Adavu

Striking with the toes. It involves a slight jumpand is done in the aramandala sthana.

8. Sarukkal Adavu

This adavu is the movement which allows the foot to slip.

9. Mandi Adavu

In this importance is given to the body resting on the heels. This is done in Muzhu mandi( stting posture) and the putting the kneee down to touch the ground.

10. Paiccal Adavu

This Adavu is made up of leaps and jumps. This is also known as pacca adavu.

11. Sutradavu

Whirling the hand in Katakhamukha hastha above the head and alapadma stretched in the front and ending katakhamukha in the chest.

12. Korvai Adavu

Different variations are woven together.This has various kinds of feet movements mixed in them.

13. Tirmana Adavu

This is ususally used for the finale of any part of the concert number. This is also known as Makuta Adavu.They are repeated three times as an ornamental ending performed in Mandala sthana.