Vazhuvoor

Vazhuvoor (or Vizhuvur) is one of the original styles of Bharatanatyam, a major form of Indian classical dance.

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, Pandanallur style ''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 Pandanallur, and while this did not deviate from the rules of the performing arts treatise '' Natya Shastra'', 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. This style of Bharatanatyam was made famous and was introduced by Vazhuvoor B. Ramiah Pillai and his ancestors.

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 ''jatis''{{Definition needed, date=November 2021 have more '' korvais'' (intervals), which creates a suspense effect
*the dancer's torso from the waist up is slightly bent forward
*the '' adavus'' 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"
*'' lasya'' dominates ''tandava''

External links

Internet Archive video clips of predominantly Vazhuvoor style of Bharatanatyam

Dances of India