The power of rhythmic patterns (talam) in Bharatanatyam

The power of rhythmic patterns (talam) in Bharatanatyam

Inherent in the study of Bharatanatyam is the study of rhythm. With participants at YM & YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood, we have worked on many kinds of rhythmic patterns. Learning these patterns illustrates the modular nature of Bharatanatyam. This dance form  also provides the possibility of doing the steps in various formations, giving rise to beautiful imagery. The one below reminded us of a flower unfurling.  

Pedagogically, Bharatanatyam provides a way to use simple elements to give an achievable challenge alongside beauty and expression. We have studied the 7-beat rhythmic pattern (Mishram jaati) - check out its video here. Now, we are learning a 5-beat rhythmic pattern (Khanda jaati). 
​Dancers: Deanna vanSecondorf, Marshall Douglas, Michael Setter, CS Rani, Sloka Iyengar