Adavu
Bharatanatyam combines in it many basic units such as Adavu, Karna, Angahara, Mudra and many others .Adavu form the foundation stone on which the entire Nritta rests.It must have evolved from the Karana. In dance, especially in Nritta sequences, which are pure foot work, Adavu are woven artistically and beautifully forming the sequence of pure dance.
There are various patterns and combinations of Adavu based on execution, mode of performance and many other factors. It also involves various positions, gestures of the hand, movements of the body, limbs, feet etc. While performing Adavu the dancer stamps, rubs, touches, slides on the ground in different ways suitably to the accompaniment of the proper Cholkettus. Cholkettus are rhythmic syllables like tha, thi, thom, thalanku, kita taki etc. recited in accordance to the talam. All the Adavu are to be practiced in three degrees of speed.
- Vilambita,
- Madhya,
- Druta
As in singing. The rhythmic sequences are called Jathis. When Adavu are combined in specific sequences they become Kovais. The sequence of Korvais are a complicated and elaborate and are termed as Tirmanas. They are employed as a Makutam to mark the conclusion of a sequence or the end of the time cycle.Usually the tirmanas as performed thrice.
