Bharatanatyam gives learners an opportunity to build on complexity

Bharatanatyam gives learners an opportunity to build on complexity 

One of the reasons Bharatanatyam is so suited for older adults is that it gives a way to build on complexity of movement in a modular way.  Simpler movements can be combined together to create something longer, giving participants a sense of accomplishment. 
The video below comprises a pattern that we learned in this sequence:  we first learned the rhythm (3 steps + 1 gap), the sollu (the way the rhythm is articulated and spoken), feet movements, hand movements, and then hands in four different directions. At any time, participants can choose to pick all, some, or none of the modalities, as watching is also considered a part of dance in Bharatanatyam. We also did these movements in different speeds, adding an additional layer of complexity. 

Dancers: Sloka, Marshall Douglas, Deanna vanSecondorf, CS Rani 
Video credit: Michael Setter
Venue: YM&YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood.