How to Practice Bharatanatyam at Home: Tips for Online Learners

Bharatanatyam, one of the oldest classical dance forms of India, captivates with its grace, intricate footwork, expressive storytelling, and its deep connection to culture and tradition. Whether you're looking to dive into this beautiful art form as a beginner or you’re refining your skills as an experienced dancer, practicing Bharatanatyam at home can be both fulfilling and challenging. Thanks to the rise of online learning, dancers can now explore Bharatanatyam from anywhere in the world.

1. Create an Ideal Practice Space

The first step to practicing Bharatanatyam at home is creating a space where you feel comfortable and can focus. While it doesn’t need to be large, having the right environment is key to a successful practice. Here are some simple tips to help you set it up:

• Choose a spacious area: You don’t need a huge room, but make sure there’s enough space for you to move around freely without anything in your way. Bharatanatyam requires precise footwork and expressive hand gestures, so having room to move is essential.

• Ensure good lighting: Good lighting can make a big difference, especially when you’re learning from online classes. Try to practice in a well-lit space, so you can see every move clearly. If you don’t have enough natural light, consider getting a good-quality light to brighten up your space.

• Use a smooth, stable floor: A wooden floor or yoga mat works best for practicing. It provides the right grip and stability for your footwork. Soft surfaces, like carpets, can be tricky to dance on, so it’s best to avoid them.

• Keep the space quiet and distraction-free: You need to stay focused, so choose a place where you won’t be distracted by noise or other interruptions. A peaceful environment will help you stay present and fully immersed in your practice.
  

2. Wear the Right Bharatanatyam Dress

Although you don’t need to wear a traditional Bharatanatyam costume for every practice session, wearing something comfortable and form-fitting is important. Traditional attire for Bharatanatyam dancers includes the saree for women and the dhoti or lungi for men. However, for home practice, you can opt for:

• Comfortable attire: Choose a fitted top and leggings or a long skirt that allows freedom of movement. The key is comfort while ensuring that your body lines are visible to yourself and your instructor.

• Footwear: While traditional Bharatanatyam dancers wear ankle bells (ghungroos), practicing barefoot is perfectly fine at home. If you prefer wearing footwear, opt for soft, flexible shoes.
  

3. Enroll in Online Bharatanatyam Classes

One of the most effective ways to learn Bharatanatyam is through online classes. With the convenience of virtual lessons, you can learn from skilled teachers regardless of your location. Here are some tips for getting the most out of online Bharatanatyam classes:

• Choose an experienced teacher: Select a qualified instructor with a deep understanding of Bharatanatyam. Ensure that the teacher’s teaching style and the class structure align with your learning goals.

• Look for personalized feedback: It’s crucial to receive feedback, especially when learning remotely. Many online platforms allow instructors to provide video feedback, which will help refine your technique.

• Consider recorded lessons: In addition to live classes, recorded lessons offer flexibility. They allow you to practice at your own pace and revisit complex movements as many times as needed.
  

4. Consistency is Essential

Bharatanatyam, like any other art form, requires regular practice to perfect. Consistency is key to mastering the intricate footwork, graceful poses, and facial expressions involved in this dance form. Here’s how to stay consistent:

• Set a daily practice schedule: Dedicate a set time each day to practice Bharatanatyam. A consistent routine builds discipline and ensures steady progress.

• Warm-up before starting: A good warm-up is essential to avoid injury and prepare your body for rigorous movements. Include stretches, basic adavu (footwork), and basic hand gestures as part of your warm-up routine.

• Focus on one element at a time: Whether it’s mastering an adavu or perfecting a sequence, break down your practice into manageable goals. Don’t try to rush or overwhelm yourself with too much information at once.
  

5. Master the Footwork: Focus on Adavu

Footwork is fundamental in Bharatanatyam. The intricate steps require practice, precision, and control. Here are some tips to refine your footwork:

• Start slowly: Practice each step at a slow pace to get the technique right before speeding up. This will help you avoid mistakes and build strong muscle memory.

• Use a metronome: Bharatanatyam is performed to specific rhythms (tala). Practicing with a metronome will help you maintain the correct timing, a crucial part of this dance form.

• Focus on your adavu practice: The adavu is the foundation of Bharatanatyam’s footwork. Mastering these basic steps will make learning complex sequences easier.
  

6. Enhance Your Expressions (Abhinaya)

Bharatanatyam is not just about footwork, it’s also about expressing emotions through facial gestures (abhinaya). Here are some ways to enhance your expressions:

• Practice hand gestures (mudras): Bharatanatyam uses specific hand gestures to convey meaning. Take time to practice each mudra carefully, ensuring that your hand positions are correct.

• Watch experienced dancers: Study videos of professional Bharatanatyam dancers to understand how they use their eyes, face, and body to tell a story.

• Use a mirror: Practicing in front of a mirror allows you to check your expressions and make adjustments. It also helps you become more aware of how your face and body are connected during your performance.
  

7. Incorporate Technology for Better Learning

Technology can significantly enhance your Bharatanatyam practice. Here’s how:

• Record your practice sessions: Use your phone or camera to record yourself while practicing. Watching your movements helps you pinpoint areas for improvement, such as posture, foot alignment, or expressions.

• Dance apps: Apps that teach basic Bharatanatyam techniques can supplement your learning. Apps like Bharatanatyam Dance or Sadhana provide tutorials on basic steps and postures.

• Join online communities: Participate in online forums or social media groups dedicated to Bharatanatyam. Sharing experiences with fellow dancers can help you stay motivated and get helpful tips.
  

8. Incorporate Music and Rhythm Practice

Music is an integral part of Bharatanatyam, and practicing with rhythm is essential for perfecting your footwork and expressions. Here's how you can use music to enhance your learning:

• Listen to classical Bharatanatyam music: Familiarize yourself with the traditional music that accompanies Bharatanatyam. Understanding the rhythm and timing will make it easier to synchronize your movements with the music.

• Practice with rhythm instruments: Bharatanatyam is often performed with mridangam or tabla. If possible, practice with live rhythms or use recordings of these instruments to sync your movements.
  

9. Focus on Flexibility and Strength

Bharatanatyam requires flexibility, especially in your ankles, hips, and wrists. To improve your dance performance, here are some tips:

• Stretch regularly: Incorporate regular stretches to increase your flexibility. Focus on your legs, ankles, and hips to achieve the graceful postures that Bharatanatyam demands.

• Strengthen your core and legs: Bharatanatyam requires a strong core and legs for balance and control. Include strength training exercises like squats and lunges to build muscle and stability.

• Yoga practice: Many Bharatanatyam dancers practice yoga to improve their flexibility and posture. Incorporating yoga can help with both your physical strength and your mental focus.
  

10. Embrace Mindfulness in Your Practice

Bharatanatyam is not only a physical practice but also a form of meditation. Integrating mindfulness into your learning journey will deepen your connection to the dance form.

• Be present: When practicing Bharatanatyam, immerse yourself fully in the experience. Focus on the movements, breath, and expressions. This mindfulness helps enhance the fluidity and authenticity of your performance.

• Breathing exercises: Controlled breathing is essential in Bharatanatyam. Practice pranayama or deep breathing exercises to improve breath control and reduce tension during your practice.

• Stay relaxed: Tension in your body can hinder movement. Keep your body relaxed and fluid to make your dance more graceful and expressive.
  

Conclusion

Practicing Bharatanatyam at home can be both a rewarding and fulfilling experience, especially with the help of online resources and consistency. Whether you’re learning footwork, facial expressions, or rhythmic patterns, it’s important to stay committed to your practice and immerse yourself in the beauty of this ancient dance form. With patience, discipline, and the right tools, you can successfully master Bharatanatyam and unlock the full potential of your artistic expression.