Vazhuvoor
Encyclopedia
Vazhuvoor is one of the original styles of Bharatanatyam
.
The main distinctive features include:
In the older, Pandanalur pani, abhinaya
is more ritualistic (i.e. in conformity with the rules as set by the ancient texts) than realistic, so the spectators are supposed know the rules to appreciate it. The Vazhuvur pani evolved later than the Pandanalur, and while this did not deviate from the rules of Natyashastra, it adopted the Abhinaya
s that were relatively more realistic. However, some contemporary Bharatanatyam dancers, such as seen in the external link below, have created several transitional sub-styles.This style of bharatanatyam was made famous and was introduced by Padmashri Vazhuvoor B.Ramaih Pillai and his ancestors.
Bharatanatyam
Bharata Natyam or Chadhir Attam, is a classical dance form from the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, practiced predominantly in modern times by women. The dance is usually accompanied by classical Carnatic music...
.
The main distinctive features include:
- rich sringar elements
- wide range of dancing pace
- softer facial abhinaya
- extremely elaborate movements
- deep sitting positions
- variety of positions on the floor
In the older, Pandanalur pani, abhinaya
Abhinaya
Abhinaya is a concept in Indian dance and drama derived from Bharata's Natya Shastra. Although now, the word has come to mean 'the art of expression', etymologically it derives from Sanskrit abhi- 'towards' + nii- 'leading/guide', so literally it means a 'leading towards' Aside from its clear...
is more ritualistic (i.e. in conformity with the rules as set by the ancient texts) than realistic, so the spectators are supposed know the rules to appreciate it. The Vazhuvur pani evolved later than the Pandanalur, and while this did not deviate from the rules of Natyashastra, it adopted the Abhinaya
Abhinaya
Abhinaya is a concept in Indian dance and drama derived from Bharata's Natya Shastra. Although now, the word has come to mean 'the art of expression', etymologically it derives from Sanskrit abhi- 'towards' + nii- 'leading/guide', so literally it means a 'leading towards' Aside from its clear...
s that were relatively more realistic. However, some contemporary Bharatanatyam dancers, such as seen in the external link below, have created several transitional sub-styles.This style of bharatanatyam was made famous and was introduced by Padmashri Vazhuvoor B.Ramaih Pillai and his ancestors.
More distinct characteristics
- performance begins with a Thodaya mangalam in praise of Lord Gnana Sabesar of Vazhuvoor
- the dancer starts the performance while entering the stage from the wings
- static postures are performed, most often in the tillana, to break the monotony and to add the variety of rhythms
- the jati's have more korvais (intervals), which creates a suspense effect
- the dancer's torso from the waist up is stlightly bent forward
- the adavu's flow smoothly, with rare abrupt movements
- beautiful leaps are introduced into every jati
- abhinayaAbhinayaAbhinaya is a concept in Indian dance and drama derived from Bharata's Natya Shastra. Although now, the word has come to mean 'the art of expression', etymologically it derives from Sanskrit abhi- 'towards' + nii- 'leading/guide', so literally it means a 'leading towards' Aside from its clear...
is subtle with more natyadharmi (spontaneous expressions), so the presentation is not "overdone" - lasyaLasyaLasya means beauty, happiness and grace. The term Lasya, in the context of Hindu mythology, describes the dance performed by Goddess Parvathi as it expresses happiness and is filled with grace and beauty...
dominates tandavaTandava' or ', the divine art form, is a dance performed by the god Shiva, who is revered by Hindus. According to Hindu mythology, Shiva’s Tandava is a vigorous dance that is the source of the cycle of creation, preservation and dissolution...