Aramandi (Starting Position)

Aramandi

Before we actually start, we need to pay attention the Aramandi, the essential half sit position of Bharathanatyam, in which the dancer compresses her height to atleast 3/4 of her original height. This gives the typical triangular shape and stability to Bharathanatyam.Aramandi is a very important posture in Bharatanatyam. It becomes a comfortable posture with practice. “In this posture, the back should not jut out, the stomach should not protrude and the torso should not bend forward. The ‘Brahmasutra’ (the vertical imaginary line passing through the centre of the body) is in balance. This means that the aramandi (half sit posture) adjusts according to the height of the dancer. When the araimandi is beyond the threshold point, there is an invlountary urge to lift the heels, which will result in imbalance. Too much of sitting or standing is not aesthetically beautiful. ” Prof (Smt.)Sudharani Raghupaty (Chennai, India). Aramandi is also referred to as Ayatam and ardhamandalam.