In an earlier post, I talked about how Bharatanatyam gives learners the unique opportunity to learn and analyze various rhythmic patterns. At the YM&YWHA, Nagle Avenue, participants different combinations of steps that can make up the count (e.g the count of 9 can be 4+5, 5+4, or 3+3+3. 
One learner analyzed the five jaatis as shown in the image below, and shared it with the rest of the group. This also gives an opportunity for learners to share among themselves, building community and trust. 
Hence, the study of Bharatanatyam for creative aging provides a structured learning opportunity that participants can focus on and master (if they so choose), and provides avenues for creativity within this structure. Additionally, as we see in the example below, it provides ways for learners to build community and trust with one another. 
In these ways, the study of Bharatanatyam provides a structure that participants can focus on and learn. 

A few weeks ago, I talked about how the study of Bharatanatyam lends itself to a study of patterns. At the YM&YWHA, Nagle Avenue, we have been learning the five Jaatis that make up the talam (rhythm) repository in Carnatic music. I create videos (like the one below) for learners to practice. 
On the right is an image of the five Jaatis (3,4,5,7,9) that a learner created and distributed to others. 

One of the ways I learn jatis (set of movements) is by creating patterns for them - this in fact, is a commonality between the study of Bharatanatyam and neuroscience. At the YM&YWHA, Nagle Avenue, we have been exploring one of these patterns, and a participant took the responsibility to analyze the movements, notate it, and show it to the others. 
This careful observation and systematization of movements along with the communal aspect of sharing with others what makes this work so unique! Bharatantyam is really marvelous for all - those that learn by patterns, and those that prefer to count and execute the movements. 
Once we perfect a small series, we can repeat it in different speeds and in different directions. We can also add smaller modules to create a bigger jati. 
In these ways, the study of Bharatanatyam provides a structure that participants can focus on and learn.