Bharati Vidyapeeth

School of Performing Arts, Pune (India)

Dance (Bharatnatyam) Syllabus

Foundation

Total Marks: 50 Duration of Examination – 15 Min

Minimum Marks - 18
Total No. of Periods: 50

Course Design:

Theory: Total Marks - 15

There will not be any written examination for this Foundation Course. Theory part will be asked at the time
of practical examination.

1. Naman Shloka with meaning and Hastakriya

2. Paada Bheda
3. Shiro Bheda
4. Naatyakrama
5. Asamyukta Hasta
6. Sanyukta Hasta
7. Saying Chatushra and Tishra Jaati in Laya
8. Hasta Prachara
9. Mandal Bhed

Practical: Total Marks - 35

1. Namaskriya
2. Vyayaama
3. Adavu- a) Tatta
b) Natta
c) Metta
d) Tatta Kudichi Metta
e) Ginatom
f) Kuditta Metta
g)Vishru
 Bharati Vidyapeeth
School of Performing Arts, Pune (India)

Dance (Bharatnatyam) Syllabus

Certificate - Level 1

Total Marks: 75 Duration of Examination – 20 Min

Minimum Marks - 27
Total No. of Periods: 60

Course Design:

Theory: Total Marks - 15

There will not be any written examination for this Certificate – level 1 Course. Theory part will be asked at
the time of practical examination.

1. Drishti Bheda
2. Griva Bheda
3. Shiro Bheda
4. Sthanaka Bheda.
5. Hasta Vinayog with Abhinaya- Pataak to Ardhachandra and Anjali to Dolahasta.
6. Reciting Chatushra Jaati and Tishra Jaati in three speeds.
7. Names of four major classical dance styles –Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Manipuri, Kathakali and their sister
styles- Odissi, Mohiniattam, Kuchipudi along with the names of the region from which these dance
styles have originated.

Practical: Total Marks - 60

1. Adavu:

a) Shikhara
b) Sarakka
c) Mandi
d) Peri
e) Jati

2. Alaripu – Tishra Ekam or Chatushra Ekam

 Bharati Vidyapeeth
School of Performing Arts, Pune (India)
Dance (Bharatnatyam) Syllabus
Certificate - Level 2
Total Marks: 125
Total No. of Periods: 65
Course Design:
Theory:
Total Marks – 50 Minimum Marks – 18 Duration of Examination – 2 Hours

Written examination will be there for this Certificate – level 2 Course.

1. Bharatnatyam - meaning of the term, place of origin, special features and name of 5 famous
Bharatnatyam dancers.
2. Explain: Asanyukta Hasta, Sanyukta Hasta, Hastaprachara and Padabheda , Bhramari,Utplavan,Sthanak.
3. Definitions: Adavu, Nritta, Nritya, Natya, Abhinaya, Taal, Matra, Laya ,Avartan,.
4. Names of classical dance styles along with the names of the regions from which these dance styles have
originated.
5. Write in short about-name of the Guru and the school (Bani) of Bharatnatyam that the Guru follows
6. Patrapran ,Patralakshan Shlokas

Practical:
Total Marks – 75 Minimum Marks – 27 Duration of Examination – 20 Min
1. Adavu –
a. Tattimetti
b. Tarikitatom
2. Pushpanjali -
3. Kautukam
4. Reciting Khanda, Mishra and Sankirna Jaati in three speeds.
5. Hasta Viniyog- Aral to Sarpashirsha and Pushpaputa to Shakata.
6. Explaining the following in short- Adavu, Laya, Nritta, Nritya, Natya, Tiramanam,
Koravai and Jati.
7. Revision of earlier year’s syllabus is compulsory and can be examined.(Marks 10 out of total marks of
Practical examination)
 Bharati Vidyapeeth
School of Performing Arts, Pune (India)
Dance (Bharatnatyam) Syllabus
Higher Certificate - Level 1
Total Marks: 200
Total No. of Periods: 70

Course Design:
Theory Written:
Total Marks – 75 Minimum Marks – 27 Duration of Examination – 3 Hours

Written examination will be there for this Higher Certificate – level 1 Course.
1. Bharatnatyam- meaning of the term, place of origin, special features and name of 5 famous
Bharatnatyam dancers
2. Explain: Shirobheda, Grivabhed, Drushtibheda, Hastaprachara and Chari in A.D.
3. Definitions: Tandav, Lasya, Ang, Upang, Pratyang..
4. Note on Abhinay
5.Notes on- Chari, Bhramari, Utplavan, Sthanak according to AbhinayDarpan
6. Ability to write Jatis in three speeds- Chatushra and Tishra.
7. Write in short about any two famous Classical dancers
8.Writing and explaining shlokas of Patrapran and Patrlakshan, Natyakram

Practical:
Total Marks – 125 Minimum Marks – 44 Duration of Examination – 25 Min

1. Jatiswaram - Rupak Taal

2. Shabdam or Keertanam
3. Ability to recite any of the five Jaatis in three speeds keeping Chatushra Ekam Taal
4. Viniyog- Mrugashirsha to Trishul and Shankha to Bherunda.
5. Saying Tirmanam and Jatiswaram Korvais in Taal with Hastakriya.
6. Revision of earlier year’s syllabus is compulsory and can be examined.(Marks 20 out of total marks of
Practical examination)
 Bharati Vidyapeeth
School of Performing Arts, Pune (India)

Dance (Bharatnatyam) Syllabus

Higher Certificate - Level 2
Total Marks: 250
Total No. of Periods: 70

Course Design:
Theory Written:
Total Marks – 100 Minimum Marks – 35 Duration of Examination – 3 Hours
Written examination will be there for this Higher Certificate – level 2 Course.
1. Detail information about Bharatnatyam.
2. Concept of Margam and information about all the types of compositions.
3. Knowledge of Devdasi Tradition
4. Definitions: Tirmanam, Korvai, Jati, Pallavi, Anupallavi.
5. Difference between Folk,,Classical and Bollywood dance
6. Ability to write Jatis in three speeds - Khanda, Mishra and Sankirna.
7. Write in short about Adavu, Nrutta, Nrutya and Natya

Practical:
Total Marks – 150 Minimum Marks – 53 Duration of Examination – 25 Min

1. Tillana
2. Padam
3. Saying Tillana Korvais in Taal with Hastakriya. –
4. Explaining Sancharis of Padam. -
5. Information about 7 classical dance styles –
6. Information about Carnatic Taal system. –
7. Sapta Taal - information about it, saying all Sapta Taal in Laya. –
8. Revision of earlier year’s syllabus is compulsory and can be examined.(Marks 20 out of total marks of
Practical examination)
 Bharati Vidyapeeth
School of Performing Arts, Pune (India)

Dance (Bharatnatyam) Syllabus

Diploma - Level 1
Total Marks: 400
Total No. of Periods: 70
Course Design:
Theory Written:
Total Marks – 150 Minimum Marks – 30 / Paper Duration of Examination – 3 Hours / paper
Two written papers will be there for this Diploma – level 1 Course.
Paper - 1 Total Marks – 75
1. Detailed knowledge of Bharatnatyam - Brief history of the tradition, Development of the style,
prominent individuals and institutes that have contributed to the development of the style.
2. Ashtnayika
3. “Bani” or schools of Bharatnatyam and their characteristics.
4. Taal pran
5. Basic information of Classical dance styles of India with special reference to – Place of origin, style of
dance (group / solo), silent features of the style, style of music used.
6.
Paper - 2 Total Marks – 75

1. Short Notes,
Tandav and Lasya, Ang, Pratyang, Upanga, Matra, Lay, Avartan, Karan , Angahar
2. Abhinaya- Definition of the term, Information of the four aspects of it- Aangika, Vaachika, Aaharya
and Saatvika.
3. Nayak Bhed
4. Write about Saatvika Bhav in Natyashastra.
5. Story of Natyotapatti in Abhinay Darpan

Practical:

Total Marks – 250 Minimum Marks – 100 Duration of Examination – 30 Min

a. Stage Performance (20 min) (should include compositions other than Practical) Total Marks - 75

b. Practical Examination Total Marks - 175

1. Varnam (Set to Adi Taal)

2. Shringar Padam
3. Ability to demonstrate Hasta kriya of 7 basic Taal of Carnatic music and recite in 3 speeds.
4. Saying all five Jaatis on beat and off beat.
5. Nattuvangam of Adavus in three speeds on Tattakali.
6. Revision of earlier year’s syllabus is compulsory and can be examined.(Marks 20 out of total marks of
Practical examination)
 Bharati Vidyapeeth
School of Performing Arts, Pune (India)

Dance (Bharatnatyam) Syllabus

Diploma - Level 2

Total Marks: 400

Total No. of Periods: 70

Course Design:
Theory
Total Marks – 150 Minimum Marks – 30 / Paper Duration of Examination – 3 Hours / paper

Two written papers will be there for this Diploma – level 2 Course.
Paper - 1 Total Marks – 75

1. History of Bharatnatyam in terms of- Period of revival from Dasiattam to Bharatnatyam, Pioneers of the
field and their contributions, Present day famous artists.
2. Vritti and Dharmi in Natyashastra
3. Knowledge of composers- 10 marks (Jaydev, Swati Tirunal, Papnasan Shivam, Tanjor Quatret )
4. Margam concept and study of compositions.
5. Explain the terms – Bhav,Vibhav, Anubhav,Sthayi bhav, Sanchari bhav.
6. Definition – Abhinay, Nrutta, Nrutya, Natya, Nartan
Paper - 2 Total Marks – 75

1. Definition and information of Patralakshan, Patrapran, Sabhalakshan from Abhinaydarpan.

2. Life history and contribution of prominent personalities-, Smt. Baalasaraswati, Smt. Rukminidevi
Arundale, Smt. Kamala Laxman.
3. Study of Taal system of Carnatic music with reference to Sapta Taal, five Jaati and how Jaati Bheda of
Sapta Taal gives 35 Taals.
4. Indian Mythalogy
5. Notation of the items.

Practical:
Total Marks – 250 Minimum Marks – 100 Duration of Examination – 30 Min
a. Stage performance (20 min) (should include compositions other than Practical) Total Marks - 75

b. Practical Examination Total Marks - 175

1. Mallari
2. Vastalya pad
3. Keertanam based on theme of any one of the following deities- Shiva, Murugan, Devi or Krishna.
4. Jaati and Gaati Bheda of Sapta Taals.
5. Shlokas of Devata Hasta and Dashavtar Hasta from A.D.
6. Revision of earlier year’s syllabus is compulsory and can be examined.(Marks 20 out of total marks of
Practical examination)
 Bharati Vidyapeeth
School of Performing Arts, Pune (India)

Dance (Bharatnatyam) Syllabus

Advance Diploma - Level 1

Total Marks: 500

Total No. of Periods: 80

Course Design:
Theory
Total Marks – 200 Minimum Marks – 40 / Paper Duration of Examination – 3 Hours / paper
Two written papers will be there for this Advance Diploma – level 1 Course.
Paper - 1 Total Marks – 100
1. Information about- Natya Shastra and Abhinaya Darpan (Author, Contents).
2. Bharatnatyam – Music, Make up, Costumes, Aaharya.
3. Aesthetics of Bharatnatyam , Indian aestheticians- Abhinav Gupt, Bhoj
4. Knowledge about the following folk dances of India- Santhal, Lambadi, Garba, Lavani, Kummi, Bihu
and Korathi in terms of Place/ Region of origin, Aharya, technique of presentation.

Paper - 2 Total Marks – 100

1. Nrutya Lekhan Paddhati (Writing of the learnt compositions) – Laghu, Druta, Anudruta.
2. Biographies- Smt. Leela Samson, Smt. Malavika Sarukkai, Smt. Alarmel Valli, Smt. Mrinalini Sarabhai.
3. Contribution of Chol,Nayak and Maratha Dynesty to Bharatnatyam
4. Information on Sangeet Ratnakar and Nritta Ratnavali
5. Relation between Shastra and Parampara.
6. Ras – definition and explanation of Navras.

Practical:
Total Marks – 300 Minimum Marks – 120 Duration of Examination – 40 Min
a) Stage Performance (30 Min) (should include compositions other than Practical) Total Marks – 100

b) Practical Examination Total Marks - 200

1. Alaripu set to Khanda or Mishra or Sankirna Chapu Taal.

2. Jatiswaram set to any other Taal than Rupak Taal.
3. Vatsalya Padam.
4. Nattuvangam (on Tattakali): Alaripu (Tishra or Chatushra) and Jatiswaram (Rupak Taal) - with singing.
5. Viniyog Shlokas of – Shir, Griva and Drishtibhed
6. Choreography and Presentation – Tirmanam / Korwai of Jatiswaram
7. Revision of earlier year’s syllabus is compulsory and can be examined.(Marks 20 out of total marks of
Practical examination)
 Bharati Vidyapeeth
School of Performing Arts, Pune (India)

Dance (Bharatnatyam) Syllabus

Advance Diploma - Level 2

Total Marks: 500

Total No. of Periods: 80

Course Design:
Theory
Total Marks – 200 Minimum Marks – 40 / Paper Duration of Examination – 3 Hours / paper
Two written papers will be there for this Advance Diploma – level 2 Course.

Paper - 1 Total Marks – 100

1. Concept of Ashtanayika based on Avastha Bheda.

2. Nayak Bheda.
3. Explanation of Taal Dashpran.
4. Short notes on
a. Four vrittis- Bharati, Satvati, Aarbhati and Kaishiki.
b. Dasharupak from Natyashastra.
c. Lasyanga
5. Dance Criticism – Principals of Criticism, types, ideal criticism, writing critic on dance program
6. Contribution of Pt.Udayshankar

Paper - 2 Total Marks – 100

1. Choreography
2. Concept of “Pindibandh” in Indian choreography
3. Western choreography – (Principals, Aims)
4. Short essay on,
Dance – Drama style, Western Ballet, Modern dance.
5.Importance of Guru-Shishya Parampara
6.Attributes of Ideail Shishya

Practical:
Total Marks – 300 Minimum Marks – 120 Duration of Examination – 40 Min

a) Stage Performance (30 Min) (should include compositions other than Practical) Total Marks – 100

b) Practical Oral Examination Total Marks – 200

1. Tillana in Mishra Chapu Taal.
2. Ashtapadi
3. Bhakti Padam or Bhajan in any Indian language set to Carnatic music.
4. Nattuvangam (on Tattakali): Varnam and Tillana (Adi Taal) with singing.
5. Choreography and presentation of the line of composition given by examiner (both Abhinaya and
Nritta). Time allotted for choreography 30 minutes for each.
6. Revision of earlier year’s syllabus is compulsory and can be examined.(Marks 50 out of total marks of
Practical examination)