What is Aramandi in Bharatanatyam? The Science of Aramandi Explained

2nd Jul, 2022

Among the 8 classical dances of India, Bharatnatyam is the most popular and major one. The various unique elements of this impressive dance form not only add beauty but help the performer lead a healthy, happy life.

In order to become a professional Bharatnatyam dancer, an individual requires to get accustomed to the different postures of this dance form. Only proper knowledge and understanding of the posture can help the performer dance gracefully to the tala. Among the various postures lies “Aramandi'' or “Ardhamandala.” In this blog, we will understand the importance and science behind this basic yet important Bharatnatyam posture.

What is Aramandi in Online Bharatnatyam Classes?

Aramandi is a basic Bharatnatyam posture that is also referred to as Ukkaramandala, Araimandi, Ayatam and half-sitting posture. Nritta (pure dance) involves frequent use of this posture.

Bharatanatyam | The Science of Aramandi Explained

As per Aramandi, the performer at the online Bharatnatyam classes does a half-sitting position where the knees are turned sideways while keeping the spine erect. The performer can either keep the arms placed firmly on the waist or extend them sideways.

By coming into this position, the performer tries creating a series of triangles. The line that joins the shoulder is considered as the base, while the waist is considered as an imaginary apex, thus creating an inverted triangle.

From the apex, there is a secondary triangle created. The thighs form the two sides of the triangle, whereas the line joining the knees forms a base for this triangle.

Now, the space that is covered by the calves and the lines joining both the knees create a third triangle. If the arm is extended during Aramandi, they end up creating one side of the triangle, and the line that joins the hand to the knee creates a second side.

As per Natyashastra, performing Aramandi during your Bharatnatyam classes, the distance between the earth and the navel is equal to the distance between the head and the naval.

The spiritual symbolism of Aramandi

As mentioned above, Aramandi results in the creation of a series of triangles and eventually a Mandala – a symbol of the cosmos. This is a sacred space, and with a deep focus on the mandala, it is possible for one to dissolve the microcosm into the macro.

Your body not only acts as a mandala but also has an axis Mundi that connects both the earth and heaven.

Your body also resembles the damru that Lord Nataraja holds in his hands.

Since the navel holds power in this posture, perfecting the posture can result in a graceful and perfected outcome.

The Four Elements that can Help Fine-tune the Aramandi Posture in your Bharatnatyam Classes

1- Turnout

This is nothing but your leg’s ability to rotate outward at the joints of the hips. The perfect diamond shape of the legs can only be created from proper rotation at your hip joint and not the feet.

Since every individual’s hip joint anatomy is different, some individuals are able to achieve the turnout better than others during the online Bharatnatyam classes. Thereby, it is imperative to strengthen the hip rotators to ensure stable and strong turnout within one’s safe range.

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2- Core Stability

There are five parts to your core – the muscle along the spine, the diaphragm, deep abdominal muscles, the abdomen’s side muscles and the pelvic floor muscle. These parts of your core work like a centre pole that holds all the limbs together.

Without a strong core, everything is bound to collapse, isn’t it? Therefore, working on stabilising your core is imperative to fine-tune your Aramandi posture during your Indian classical dance classes.

3- Scapula Stability

Your shoulder joint is formed when the scapula (shoulder blade) and humerus bone’s head are joined together. They move in unison and have a rhythm. For instance, when you lift your arm above your head and towards the front, the shoulder blade ends up rotating and moving forward.

Unlike the hip joint, our shoulder joint isn’t sitting deeper on the socket but is purely held up by the muscles. Proper training of these muscles is imperative to stabilise your scapula and, eventually, your training during the Indian classical dance classes.

4- Ankle Range

While performing Aramandi during your online Bharatnatyam classes for adults, you will require taking a half-sitting position. To do so, your ankle needs to be flexible.

Even though every individual has a varying range of how much their knee can bend, stiffness here can result in injury. Stiff ankles are the reason for people rolling forwards.

It is best to work on some or other exercises to improve this issue for an effective outcome.

Contact the Kafqa Team to Enroll Today.

So, are you ready to learn this impressive posture through reliable Bharatnatyam classes? If yes, look no further than Kafqa. Our league of talented instructors will navigate you through the complex details of Bharatnatyam dance and its postures to help you learn this mesmerising dance form in the right manner.

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