Patterns and movements in Bharatanatyam for creative aging

Patterns and movements in Bharatanatyam for creative aging 

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.