Tattadavu

Tattaadavu is one of the many groups of adavus in Bharatnatyam. The word `tattu` means `to strike.` Adopting the basic stance (Araimandi) the feet are struck flat on the floor in time with various rhythmic syllables. The entire foot touches the ground. The weight of the body is equally distributed. The Tattadavus are eight in number. The rhythmic syllables are `TAIYA-TAI.` Each of these adavus is practised in three speeds.

In the first speed only one syllable is recited for each finger count. In the second speed two syllables are recited for each finger count and thus continued. In the 3rd speed four syllables are recited for each finger con, i.e, Taiya Tai Taiya Tai and then continued. Generally for practice, first speed is executed for one Avartanam (complete cycle of Tala), second speed for two Avaratanams and third speed for four Avartanams. First seven Tattadavus are set to Aadhi Taalam (8 beats). The 8th Tattadavu is set to Rupaka Taalam (6 beats).

For practicing Tattadavus the following steps should be maintained:
* Look in front while keeping the body erect.
* Araimandi stance is maintained throughout.
* While striking or lifting foot, araimandi should not be disturbed.
* Weight of the body is evenly distributed on both feet. The weight should not be shifted while striking from one side to the other.
* While striking, the foot must be lifted till the heel touches the seat and then brought down hard on the floor.
* Hands are kept on the waist with fingers kept stretched together facing down at an angle.

This article is a stub. You can enrich by adding more inform ation to it. Send your Write Up to content@indianetzone.com