BHARATA NATYAM

Varnam:A varnam is the centre piece in the Bharatanatyam repertoire.A varnam is relatively long piece , ranging from 30 minutes to one hour. It is usually set to Ata or Aadi taala.Though the lyrics are simple , it usually has long syllables and swara phrases of various lenghts which bring out the essential features of the raaga.In Carnatic music there are two types of varnams. They are Taana varnam and Pada varnam.Taana varnams are usually sung as vocal exercises in a particular raaga , whereas Padavarnams are usually sung for Bharatanatyam .

BHARATA NATYAM

Shabdam:It is with "Shabdam" that a dancer first introduces "Abhinaya" in the repertoire.The abhinaya usually composed in simple sahithyam is separated by simple korvais.Generally a synopsis is given in the first line which is followed by a description in the following repetitions.After each stanza only very simple footsteps follow.The number of stanzas vary fron 2-4 or 5.The stories are usually about one deity or theme usually composed in ragamalika and misrachapu(thakita thakadhimi).The movements are leisurely and abhinaya is unfolded in a controlled manner.