.png&w=1920&q=75)
M-F-A in Bharathanatyam at Alagappa University
Sivaganga, Tamil Nadu
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is Bharathanatyam at Alagappa University Sivaganga?
This Bharathanatyam program at Alagappa University focuses on providing a comprehensive academic and practical understanding of this revered classical Indian dance form. It delves deep into the theoretical underpinnings, historical evolution, and rigorous practical training, equipping students for diverse roles in India''''s vibrant cultural landscape. The curriculum emphasizes both traditional purity and contemporary relevance within the performing arts sector.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for passionate fresh graduates holding a B.F.A., B.A., or B.P.A. in Bharathanatyam or a related performing art, seeking to elevate their expertise to a Master''''s level. It also caters to experienced dancers, teachers, or choreographers looking to formalize their knowledge, enhance their pedagogical skills, and undertake scholarly research in dance.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue fulfilling career paths as accomplished performing artists, dedicated dance teachers and gurus, innovative choreographers, insightful art critics, and researchers. In India, opportunities exist in cultural institutions, private dance academies, and media. Salary ranges vary widely, from an entry-level Rs. 2-4 LPA for teachers to Rs. 5-10+ LPA for established artists and academics.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Foundational Techniques and Repertoire- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate consistent practice to perfecting basic adavus, ensuring precision in rhythm, posture, and movement. Focus on mastering the initial repertoire items like Alarippu and Jathiswaram, and seek regular feedback from instructors to build a strong technical base.
Tools & Resources
Access to university dance studios, Metronome apps for rhythmic accuracy, Recordings of exemplary performances, Peer practice sessions
Career Connection
A robust foundation is essential for advanced training, confident stage performances, and effective teaching, forming the bedrock of a professional dance career.
Deepen Theoretical and Historical Understanding- (Semester 1-2)
Go beyond classroom lectures by independently exploring classical texts on Natyashastra, Sangeetha Rathnakara, and Abhinaya Darpana. Actively participate in discussions, write critical essays, and research the evolution and various forms of Indian classical and folk dances.
Tools & Resources
University library resources, Online academic databases, Historical dance archives, Documentaries on classical Indian arts, Guest lectures
Career Connection
Cultivates a profound knowledge of dance traditions, crucial for becoming an informed artist, researcher, or dance educator.
Cultivate Expressive and Performance Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Pay close attention to Bhava (expression) and Rasa (emotions) in practical sessions, experimenting with subtle facial and body movements. Participate in university cultural events, workshops, and informal performances to develop stage presence and overcome performance anxiety.
Tools & Resources
Mirror practice, Video recording and self-assessment, Peer feedback, Attending live dance performances, Short-term workshops on abhinaya
Career Connection
Enhances stage confidence and emotive delivery, vital for captivating audiences and achieving artistic impact as a performing artist.
Intermediate Stage
Advanced Stage
Undertake Advanced Choreography and Research- (Semester 3-4)
Engage in creating original choreographic pieces, either solo or group, for your practical assessments and project work. Systematically plan and execute your research project, focusing on an unexplored aspect of Bharathanatyam, ensuring scholarly rigor in data collection and analysis.
Tools & Resources
Mentorship from faculty for choreography and research, Access to research databases, Statistical software (if applicable), University research grants and library resources
Career Connection
Develops creative leadership, independent research capabilities, and the ability to contribute new knowledge to the field, positioning for academic or directorial roles.
Gain Industry Exposure and Professional Networking- (Semester 3-4)
Actively seek opportunities to attend major dance festivals (e.g., Chennai Music & Dance Festival, Khajuraho Dance Festival), workshops by eminent gurus, and cultural conferences. Network with established artists, cultural administrators, and event organizers to explore career avenues and collaborations.
Tools & Resources
Professional dance associations (e.g., ABHAI), Cultural directories, Alumni networks, Social media for professional connections, Industry seminars
Career Connection
Builds a valuable professional network, leads to potential performance engagements, teaching positions, or roles in cultural management, and provides insights into industry trends.
Focus on Pedagogy and Career Preparation- (Semester 4)
Apply the principles of pedagogy learned in theory to practical teaching scenarios, perhaps by assisting in junior classes or conducting small workshops. Prepare a strong portfolio of your performances, choreographies, and research work, and practice interview skills for academic or performing roles.
Tools & Resources
Teaching practice opportunities within the university or local dance schools, Portfolio building platforms, Resume/CV workshops, Mock interviews, Career counselling
Career Connection
Equips graduates with the skills to effectively teach Bharathanatyam, manage a dance institution, or secure placements in performing arts organizations, ensuring career readiness.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Candidates must possess B.F.A. (Bharathanatyam) or B.A. (Bharathanatyam) Degree from Alagappa University or any recognized University, OR B.P.A. (Bachelor of Performing Arts) from a recognized University, OR a B.A./B.Sc./B.Com. Degree with a Diploma in Bharathanatyam from a recognized Institution, OR an equivalent examination pass.
Duration: 2 years / 4 semesters
Credits: 90 Credits
Assessment: Internal: Variable based on subject type (Theory: 25%, Practical/Project: 50%), External: Variable based on subject type (Theory: 75%, Practical/Project: 50%)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18FABC11 | History of Dance - I | Core | 4 | Origin of Dance in India, Natyashastra and its Principles, Sangeetha Rathnakara, Abhinaya Darpana, Margi and Desi Traditions, Folk Dances of Tamil Nadu |
| 18FABC12 | Theory of Bharathanatyam - I | Core | 4 | Nritta and Nritya Concepts, Lasya and Tandava, Angas, Pratyangas, Upangas, Tala System and Basic Talas, Adi Tala and Rupaka Tala, Sapta Talas |
| 18FABC13 | Practicals - I (A) Adavus | Core (Practical) | 6 | Tatta Adavus, Natta Adavus, Pakhada Adavus, Theermanam Adavus, Kudichittu Adavus, Thirumana Adavus |
| 18FABC14 | Practicals - I (B) Items | Core (Practical) | 6 | Alarippu (Tisra, Chatusra), Pushpanjali (Traditional), Kautuvam (Any one), Jathiswaram (Rupaka Talam), Thodaya Mangalam |
| 18FABE11 | Elective - I (History of Music) | Elective | 4 | Origin and Evolution of Music, Ancient Tamil Music, Carnatic Music Tradition, Musical Instruments in Indian Culture, Contribution of Great Composers, Melakarta System |
| 18FABE11 | Elective - I (Stage Craft) | Elective | 4 | Principles of Stage Design, Lighting Techniques for Performance, Sound System Management, Costume Design and Fabrication, Make-up Techniques for Dancers, Props and Set Management |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18FABC21 | History of Dance - II | Core | 4 | Classical Dances of India (Kuchipudi, Odissi), Kathakali and Mohiniyattam, Manipuri Dance, Kathak Dance, Sattriya Dance, Folk Dances of India |
| 18FABC22 | Theory of Bharathanatyam - II | Core | 4 | Navarasas (Nine Emotions), Bhava and Anubhava, Sthayibhava and Sancharibhava, Hasta Mudras (Asamyuta, Samyuta), Usage of Mudras in Bharathanatyam, Nattuvangam Techniques |
| 18FABC23 | Practicals - II (A) Adavus | Core (Practical) | 6 | Mandi Adavus, Bhramari Adavus, Sarikkal Adavus, Thatumettu Adavus, Nadai Adavus, Karaigal |
| 18FABC24 | Practicals - II (B) Items | Core (Practical) | 6 | Shabdam, Varnam (Any one), Padam (Any two), Thillana (Any one) |
| 18FABE21 | Elective - II (Aesthetics) | Elective | 4 | Introduction to Indian Aesthetics, Western Aesthetic Theories, Theory of Rasa, Theory of Dhvani, Concept of Beauty in Art, Art Criticism Principles |
| 18FABE21 | Elective - II (Yoga) | Elective | 4 | History and Philosophy of Yoga, Various Asanas (Postures), Pranayama (Breathing Techniques), Meditation and its Benefits, Mudras and Bandhas, Benefits of Yoga for Dancers |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18FABC31 | Art Criticism | Core | 4 | Principles of Criticism, Art Review Methodologies, Dance Criticism and Evaluation, Appreciation of Performing Arts, Role of a Critic in Society, Aesthetics in Art Analysis |
| 18FABC32 | Aesthetics of Dance | Core | 4 | Natya Rasa and its Manifestations, Bhava and Abhinaya in Dance, Concept of Sahrudaya, Aesthetics specific to Bharathanatyam, Interpretation of Dance Forms, Symbolic Meanings in Dance |
| 18FABC33 | Practicals - III (A) Choreography & Performance Skills | Core (Practical) | 6 | Group Choreography Techniques, Solo Choreography Principles, Developing Stage Presence, Expressive Movement and Emotion, Improvisation in Dance, Advanced Performance Techniques |
| 18FABC34 | Practicals - III (B) Items | Core (Practical) | 6 | Keerthanam, Ashtapathi, Javalis, Tarangam, Slokam |
| 18FABE31 | Elective - III (Folk Lore and Folk Dances) | Elective | 4 | Origin and Significance of Folk Lore, Folk Tales and Myths of India, Rituals and Traditions in Folk Arts, Various Folk Dances of India, Cultural Significance of Folk Arts, Traditional Storytelling through Dance |
| 18FABE31 | Elective - III (Dance Therapy) | Elective | 4 | Principles of Dance Therapy, Dance for Mental Health, Physical Health and Well-being through Dance, Stress Reduction Techniques, Expressive Movement for Healing, Therapeutic Techniques in Dance |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18FABC41 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Research Design and Planning, Data Collection Methods (Qualitative, Quantitative), Data Analysis Techniques, Report Writing and Documentation, Ethics in Research, Developing a Research Proposal |
| 18FABC42 | Pedagogy | Core | 4 | Effective Teaching Methods for Dance, Curriculum Development for Dance Education, Lesson Planning and Delivery, Assessment Strategies in Performing Arts, Classroom Management Techniques, Teacher-Student Relationship in Gurukula System |
| 18FABC43 | Project & Viva - Voce | Core (Project) | 10 | Independent Research Project, Dissertation Writing, Presentation Skills, Viva Voce Examination, Practical Dance Demonstration, Artistic Expression in Research |
| 18FABE41 | Elective - IV (Temple Architecture and Sculpture) | Elective | 4 | Indian Temple Architecture Styles, Dravidian Architecture Characteristics, North Indian Temple Forms, Sculptural Art and Motifs, Iconography in Temples, Dance Depictions in Temple Sculpture |
| 18FABE41 | Elective - IV (Stage Management) | Elective | 4 | Event Planning and Coordination, Logistics in Performance Production, Technical Aspects of Stage (Sound, Lights), Backstage Management, Budgeting for Productions, Safety Protocols in Performing Arts |
