Intro to Bharatanatyam

Bha(va)Ra(ga)Tha(la) Natyam is one of the oldest known dance forms of South India and is one of the seven classical dances of India. The others are Kuchipudi, Mohiniattam, Kathakali, Kathak, Odissi and Manipuri. The origins of Bharathanatyam can be traced back to Sage Bharatha who wrote "Natya Shastra" on which this dance form is based.
The first step in learning this dance form is "thatti kumbidal" which literally means to tap and salute. Every class begins and ends with this step. This is our way of thanking Mother Earth for her support and asking her permission to jump on her during the session.
1. We begin by holding both hands in katka mudra* in front of our chest and standing in samapadha*.
2. Beat the right leg first, then the left. Extend both the hands in shikara mudra* pointing towards the earth.
3. Bring the hands towards your shoulders and extend outwards making a circle while at the same time sitting down.
4. Extend your hands towards the earth with palms outstretched (pushpakoota mudra).
5. Raise your hands to your eyes, briefly touching then and bring them back to the earth.
6. Slowly stand up while raising your hands in a circular motion above your head and making the anjali mudra.
7. Descend the anjali mudra towards your chest.
8. Take both your hands towards your back and place them on the lower back with palms open facing outwards and thumb extended.
9. Tap you right foot.

Eventhough this may sound complicated, it is quite simple to do and you will master it in no time. Anjali has a excellent video on this one here.