Bharatanatyam Grade 3 Theory Notes Guide

The Ultimate Guide to Bharatanatyam Grade 3 Theory Notes

For a student of Bharatanatyam, crossing into Grade 3 is a significant milestone. You have moved beyond the foundational vocabulary of adavus (basic steps) and are now entering the realm of abhinaya (expression), complex rhythmic structures, and deeper theoretical knowledge. Examinations at this level (conducted by boards like ISTD, ABRSM, or local Indian universities) require a sharp memory for terminology and a clear understanding of the building blocks of this ancient art form.

This article compiles exhaustive Bharatanatyam Grade 3 Theory Notes, covering the syllabus broken down into six core modules: Basic Terminology, Nritta vs. Natya, Aramandi, Taalams, Hastas, and Padarthas.

1. The Three Main Elements of Dance (According to Natya Shastra)

• Nritta (Pure Dance): Rhythmic movement of body and limbs with no expression or storyline. Focus is on speed, pattern, and rhythm (Tala). Example: Adavus, Jatis.
• Natya (Drama/Enactment): Miming or acting out a story using hand gestures and facial expressions. Example: Varnam, Padam.
• Nritya (Expressive Dance): A combination of Nritta (rhythm) and Natya (expression) performed to a song's meaning.

B. The 7 Jaatis (Counting patterns for Laghu)

• Tisra (3) – 1 clap + 3 finger counts (Total 3 beats)
• Chatusra (4) – 1 clap + 4 finger counts (Total 4 beats)
• Khanda (5) – 1 clap + 4 finger counts (wait, correction: 1 clap + 4 finger counts = 5 total? Actually standard: 1 clap + 4 finger counts = 5 beats. Correct.)
• Misra (7) – 1 clap + 6 finger counts (Total 7 beats)
• Sankeerna (9) – 1 clap + 8 finger counts (Total 9 beats)

Key Asamyuta Hastas for Grade 3 (Focus on these)

Memorize the sloka: "Patakas Tripathako Ardhapatakas…"

| Hasta | Meaning | One Viniyoga (Use) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Pataka | Flag | Clouds, forest, river | | Tripataka | Three-part flag | Crown, tree, Indra | | Ardhapataka | Half-flag | Leaves, knife, back | | Kartarimukha | Scissors face | Scissors, separation, lightning | | Mayura | Peacock | Peacock, forehead tilak | | Ardhachandra | Half-moon | Moon, waist, a sword | | Mukula | Flower bud | Lotus, offering food | | Hamsasya | Swan beak | Painting, threading needle | bharatanatyam grade 3 theory notes

Part 5: Margam – The Sequence of a Bharatanatyam Recital

For Grade 3, you must memorize the traditional concert order (Margam) from start to finish.

1. Ganapathi Vandana (Pushpanjali/ Alarippu): An invocation to Lord Ganesha. Note: Alarippu itself has no lyrics—only Sollukattu.
2. Jatiswaram (Nritta item): Pure dance set to a raga (melody) and tala. No Abhinaya.
3. Shabdam (First introduction of expression): A short piece with lyrics explaining the story (usually praising a God or King).
4. Varnam (The centerpiece): Longest item. Demands high stamina. Combines Nritta (solo moves) and Nritya (expressing the song's story, usually love).
5. Padam (Pure expression): Slow, lyrical love poem. Focus entirely on Sattvika Abhinaya.
6. Thillana (Finale): Fast-paced, joyful pure dance with rhythmic syllables (Tarikkita…).
7. Mangalam (Conclusion): A prayer to end the performance peacefully.

Key Samyuta Hastas

• Anjali (Salutation): Used for greetings and respect.
• Kapota (Pigeon): Used for guru vandana.
• Shivalinga: Depicts Lord Shiva & Parvati.

Exam Tip: For grade 3, do not just list names. Write one full sloka line (example: “Patako dvayam – aravindam…”) and translate it.

B. Pada Bheda (Foot Positions – 4 types for Grade 3)

1. Sama-pada (Flat foot): Standing flat on ground.
2. Agra-pada (Ball of foot): Standing on the balls (utplavana – jumps).
3. Kunchita-pada (Heel up/curled): Toes pressing ground, heel raised.
4. Anchita-pada (Heel down/toes up): Heel on ground, toes lifted.

Part 9: Tips to Score High Marks in Grade 3 Theory

1. Use Sanskrit terms correctly: Do not write "Hand movements." Write "Hastas." Do not write "Story telling." Write "Abhinaya."
2. Draw diagrams: For Tala, always draw the clap/finger count table. For Hastas, a simple stick-figure hand is very impressive to an examiner.
3. Quote the sloka: Even if you cannot recite the full 30-line poem, memorize the first line of Abhinaya Darpana relevant to your answer.
4. Be neat: Write each Hasta on a new line. Use bullet points for Rasas.
5. Connect theory to practice: Mention that "In my Varnam practice, I used Pataka hasta to show the river."

Sample Exam Questions (Grade 3 Level)

To test your knowledge, practice writing answers to these: The Ultimate Guide to Bharatanatyam Grade 3 Theory

Q1: Define Laya. Name its three speeds and provide the time ratio between them. (Answer: Vilambita (1x), Madhyama (2x), Druta (4x).)

Q2: Differentiate between Nritta and Nritya using three points. (Answer: See Module 2 Table.)

Q3: Draw the Anga structure of Adi Tala (Chatusra Jaati) and show the clap/wave pattern for one Avartanam. (Answer: I (Laghu) 4 beats – Clap, Index, Middle, Ring; O (Drutam) – Clap & wave; O (Drutam) – Clap & wave.) Nritta (Pure Dance): Rhythmic movement of body and

Q4: Name the Samyuta Hasta used for Salutation to the Guru and the Asamyuta Hasta used for Plucking a flower. (Answer: Anjali; Katakamoutha).

Q5: Why is the Aramandi considered the "identity" of Bharatanatyam? (Answer: Discuss stability, visual line, and strength – see Module 3).