Salangai

Salangai students performance at Sydney Murugan Temple The Saiva Maram cultural Navarathiri event.

Salangai Bharathanatyam Students – Navarathiri Performance 2025 This video features the students of Salangai Bharathanatyam classes performing during the Navarathiri celebrations organised by The Saiva Manram at Sydney Mu...

🪔✨ Vijayadashami Special ✨🪔

I’ll be starting new Bharathanatyam classes this Vijayadashami in Constitution Hill.
These sessions are small and personal, for anyone who wishes to explore this beautiful art form. Whether children beginning fresh or adults taking up a long-time dream 🌟

This isn’t a big school, just me sharing what I love with our community. 💫

If you or someone you know is interested, feel free to DM me.

Salangai students are set to perform at Sydney Murugan Temple Navarathiri show. We invite you to attend and encourage the young talents 🙏🏼. Sydney Murugan Temple

Traditional Classical Dances of India – A Timeless Cultural Legacy 🌺

India’s classical dance forms are more than just art – they are a blend of devotion, discipline, storytelling, and spirituality. Rooted in ancient traditions and scriptures like the Natya Shastra, each dance form reflects the rich heritage of its region.

✨ Bharatanatyam (Tamil Nadu) – Graceful and powerful, it combines expression (bhava), music (raga), rhythm (tala), and dance (natyam).

✨ Kathak (North India) – Known for its intricate footwork and spins, it tells stories through gestures and rhythmic beats.

✨ Odissi (Odisha) – Fluid and lyrical, this dance often depicts divine love and temple rituals.

✨ Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh) – A dance-drama style blending classical dance with theatrical expression.

✨ Kathakali (Kerala) – A visual spectacle with dramatic facial makeup and vibrant costumes, portraying epic tales.

✨ Mohiniyattam (Kerala) – Feminine and graceful, often associated with the enchanting spirit of the mythological Mohini.

✨ Manipuri (Manipur) – Soft, spiritual, and flowing, often inspired by the Raasa Leela of Radha and Krishna.

✨ Sattriya (Assam) – A devotional dance that evolved from monastery rituals, combining music, drama, and dance.

These classical forms are more than performance—they’re a spiritual offering and a celebration of India’s cultural soul. 🌟

Learning Bharathanatyam is more than just learning to dance.

It’s a journey of discipline, respect, and deep rooted tradition.

We teach our students to honour not only the art, but also the tools that support their learning, be it a book, a piece of paper, the classroom, the practice space, or the stage itself.

In Bharathanatyam, every step is a lesson in grace, focus, and gratitude.

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/16PPhKhRcR/?mibextid=wwXIfr

🌺 Bharathanatyam Dance Classes 🌺

I’ve been teaching Bharathanatyam out of love for the art and the joy it brings. If you or your child have an interest in this beautiful classical dance form, I’m happy to share what I know.

Classes are relaxed, nurturing, and rooted in tradition. Perfect for anyone (Adults & Kids) who wants to learn for the love of it.

📍 Based in Constitution Hill, NSW
📞 Feel free to call me on 0422 905 572 if you’re curious or want to know more.

Let’s keep the rhythm of our culture alive, one step at a time. 💃

Bharatanatyam, one of the oldest and most revered classical dance forms of India, has evolved into several distinct styles (or banis) over the centuries. Each bani reflects the lineage, philosophy, aesthetic preferences, and training methods of a particular guru or school.

🔹 Main Bharatanatyam Styles (Banis)

1. Pandanallur Bani
• Origin: Pandanallur village, Tamil Nadu
• Key Gurus: Meenakshi Sundaram Pillai, Chokkalingam Pillai
• Characteristics:
• Linear and geometric movements
• Emphasis on precise adavus (basic steps)
• Subtle abhinaya (expression)
• Simplicity and dignity in presentation

2. Kalakshetra Bani
• Origin: Kalakshetra Foundation, Chennai (founded by Rukmini Devi Arundale)
• Key Guru: Rukmini Devi Arundale
• Characteristics:
• Structured and codified repertoire
• Emphasis on clean lines, form, and symmetry
• More spiritual and less sensual in abhinaya
• Use of group choreography and stagecraft

3. Vazhuvoor Bani
• Origin: Vazhuvoor village, Tamil Nadu
• Key Guru: Vazhuvoor Ramaiah Pillai
• Characteristics:
• Graceful, flowing movements
• Rich abhinaya and lasya (graceful, gentle expression)
• Intricate jatis and rhythm patterns
• Stylized and dramatic elements

4. Thanjavur Bani
• Origin: Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
• Key Gurus: Tanjore Quartet (Chinniah, Ponniah, Sivanandam, Vadivelu)
• Characteristics:
• Core structure for today’s Bharatanatyam repertoire (Alarippu, Varnam, Padam, Tillana)
• Strong rhythmic foundation
• Balanced approach to nritta (pure dance) and abhinaya

5. Melattur Bani
• Origin: Melattur village, Tamil Nadu
• Key Gurus: Melattur Bhagavathars
• Characteristics:
• Strong emphasis on Bhagavata Mela tradition (dance-drama)
• Greater use of expressive storytelling and theatrical elements
• Dramatic facial expressions and character portrayal

6. Devadasi Bani (Temple Style)
• Origin: Temple tradition, pre-modern Bharatanatyam
• Practiced by: Devadasis (women dedicated to temple service)
• Characteristics:
• Focus on bhakti (devotion)
• Organic, intuitive expression
• Often unstructured and passed down orally

⸻

⚠️ Note

Most contemporary dancers blend elements from multiple banis based on their training and artistic vision. The bani system is not rigid, and innovation within tradition is common.

If you’re learning or watching Bharatanatyam, understanding these banis adds a richer context to the movements, emotions, and storytelling you’re experiencing.