Learn every Bharatanatyam adavu, step by step
Adavus are the building blocks of every Bharatanatyam dance. Learn them group by group, from Thattadavu 1 to theermanam adavus, with each step broken down and practiced.
From Navatman, New York City’s school for Indian classical dance and music, teaching adults for 20+ years. Cancel anytime.
Adavus decide how clean your dancing looks.
- You learned adavus years ago but never cleaned them up.
- Your teacher moved fast and you never got the counts right.
- You're not sure your aramandi is low or safe enough.
- You want to practice between classes but don't remember the sequences.
Each course teaches the adavus in a group step by step, with the body prep that keeps your knees and hips safe in aramandi.
How it works
Start your free trial
All ten adavu groups unlock immediately.
Learn one group at a time
Start with Thattadavus and Nattadavus, then move through the groups in order.
Review and repeat
Come back to any adavu as often as you like until it feels clean.
The ten adavu groups
Each group is its own course:
Group 1: Thattadavus
Stamping adavus: sound, strength and rhythm.
Group 2: Nattadavus
Your first upper-body work, stretching the leg out to the side.
Group 3: Paraval adavus
Learn each paraval adavu, then string them together.
Group 4: Guddhitamettadavus
Footwork and hands for each guddhitamettu adavu.
Group 5: Sarukkal adavus
Sliding adavus.
Group 6: Kattadavus
Each kattadavu taught step by step.
Group 7: Jaati adavus
Each jaati adavu taught step by step.
Group 8: Mandi adavus
Deep-knee work, with prep to protect your knees.
Group 9: Sutral adavus
Turning adavus.
Group 10: Theermanam adavus
The closing patterns that end a sequence.
Who this is for
- Beginners who finished the basics
- Students who want to clean up their adavus
- Former dancers relearning the foundations
- Teachers looking for a clear practice reference
What students say
The best and largest community“Sahi really emphasizes techniques that are sustainable and prevent long term injury, while maintaining the intricacies of the art form.”
— Anisha, dancing with Navatman for 5 years
It's rare to find something like this“I've tried many different studios and Navatman is just unparalleled. The staff are attentive and rigorous in their teaching method. It's rare to find a dance school run in such thoughtful ways.”
— Sanjana
Choose how you learn
Every monthly plan starts with a free 14-day trial. Cancel anytime.
Library
Self-paced. Every recorded step-by-step course in bharatanatyam, kathak, vocal and body conditioning.
Try Library freeStudio
Everything in Library, plus weekly live classes on Zoom, feedback from Navatman teachers, and full item courses.
Try Studio freeStudio Annual
Everything in Studio for a year, about $37.50 a month (45% less than monthly Studio).
Choose AnnualQuestions
Which adavu should I learn first?
Start with Thattadavus, then Nattadavus. If you've never danced, begin with the Absolute Beginner Bharatanatyam Course first.
How many adavus are there?
Navatman teaches ten groups, from thattadavu to theermanam adavus, each with several numbered variations.
Will aramandi hurt my knees?
It shouldn't. Lessons teach alignment and include strength and mobility work so your knees track safely.
What do I need to start?
A clear patch of floor about the size of a yoga mat, comfortable clothes you can move in, and a laptop, tablet or phone. No ankle bells, costume or prior training needed.
Do I need a credit card for the free trial?
Yes, checkout asks for a card so your plan can continue after 14 days. You won't be charged during the trial, and you can cancel anytime from your account.
Clean adavus change everything
Start the free trial and learn Thattadavu 1 today.