Bharatanatyam Grade 3 Theory Notes Jun 2026

shloka: "Where the hands go, the eyes follow; where the eyes go, the mind follows...". 2. The Margam (Order of Performance) Natiya Margam

: The dramatic element of dance. It is essentially a dance-drama where multiple characters tell a story using speech, song, and movement. 2. Asamyuta Hastas (Single Hand Gestures)

A short rhythmic conclusion repeated three times at the end of a music section or an abstract piece of dance. 8. Definition of Repertoire Items (Margam) bharatanatyam grade 3 theory notes

The first piece where Abhinaya (expression) is introduced through a song. Study Tips for Grade 3

The first introduction of Abhinaya (expression), usually praising a deity. shloka: "Where the hands go, the eyes follow;

The head is turned to a side and tilted upwards. Used to indicate "take this," looking at high objects, or welcoming.

Picking flowers, holding a pearl necklace, offering betel leaves The number one, the universe, pointing, umbrella Chandrakala Crescent moon Shiva's crescent moon, face, objects of similar shape Padmakosha Lotus, fruit like mango, ball, circular movement Sarpashirsha Snake’s hood Snake, sprinkling water, offering water to sages Mrigashirsha Deer’s head Deer, women, calling, cheek, umbrella Simhamukha Lion’s face Lion, elephant, preparing medicine Kangula Bell, small bird, betel nut, white water-lily Alapadma Fully bloomed lotus Full-blown lotus, mirror, breast, full moon Chatura Four-sided Gold, copper, sorrow, slow pace Bhramara Bee, parrot, wing of a bird Hamsasya Swan’s beak Swan, tying a thread, painting, drop of water Hamsapakshaka Swan’s wing Bridge, number six, concealing, covering 7. Margam Structure (The Repertoire Block) It is essentially a dance-drama where multiple characters

The Grade 3 theory syllabus for Bharatanatyam typically focuses on expanding technical vocabulary, understanding the structure of a dance recital, and learning the foundational "Sanskrit Shlokas" (verses) for hand gestures and body movements.

3️⃣ Grade 3 focuses on mastering the 28 Single Hand Gestures . From Pataka (Flag) to Shukatunda (Parrot’s beak), ensure the fingers are placed correctly with the palm stretched flat or curved as required.

Advancing to Grade 3 in Bharatanatyam marks a transition from basic steps to a deeper understanding of the "Abhinaya" (expression) and "Tala" (rhythmic) frameworks. At this stage, students are expected to know not just the movements, but the Sanskrit terminology and the shlokas that govern them. 1. Asamyuta Hastas (Single Hand Gestures)

If you need the full list of (hand gesture meanings)