Vazhuvoor (or Vizhuvur) is one of the original styles of Bharatanatyam. A Bharathanatyam Dancer Bharatanatyam (also spelled Bharathanatyam, Bharatnatyam or Bharata Natyam) is a classical dance form originating in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. ...
The main distinctive features include:
rich sringar elements
wide range of dancing pace
softer facial abhinaya
extremely elaborate movements
deep sitting positions
variety of positions on the floor
In the older, Pandanalur pani, abhinaya is more ritualistic (i.e. in conformity with the rules as set by the ancient texts) than realistic, so the spectators are supposed know the rules to appreciate it. The Vazhuvur pani evolved later than the Pandanalur, and while this did not deviate from the rules of Natyashastra, it adopted the Abhinayas that were relatively more realistic. However, some contemporary Bharatanatyam dancers, such as seen in the external link below, have created several transitional sub-styles.
More distinct characteristics
performance begins with a Thodaya mangalam in praise of Lord Gnana Sabesar of Vazhuvoor
the dancer starts the performance while entering the stage from the wings
static postures are performed, most often in the tillana, to break the monotony and to add the variety of rhythms
the jati's have more korvais (intervals), which creates a suspense effect
the dancer's torso from the waist up is stlightly bent forward
the adavu's flow smoothly, with rare abrupt movements
beautiful leaps are introduced into every jati
abhinaya is subtle with more natyadharmi (spontaneous expressions), so the presentation is not "overdone"
Tarana is a vocal style in Indian music in which meaningless syllables are used in a very fast rendition. ... This page meets Wikipedias criteria for speedy deletion. ...
External link
Internet Archive video clips of predominantly Vazhuvoor style of Bharatanatyam
On Vazhuvoor Ramiah Pillai's twelfth death anniversary, he will be remembered with affection and gratitude, by many of his students, all over the world and by a large circle of his admirers.
Vazhuvoor Ramiah Pillai was born into a Isai Vellalar family, the traditional breeding ground of dancers and musicians, Ramiah Pillai was a dance master cast in the traditional mould.
The temple at Vazhuvoor village is dedicated to Lord Siva, under the name of Gannasabeshan, and to this day, the students of Vazhuvoor school, pay obeisance to the deity Gannasabeshan in the form of Thodayamangalam at the beginning of each dance recital.
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