Dances of India - Bharata Natyam Arangetram Songs album brings you the traditional Bharata Natyam music used during the formal performances. It also has all the songs used during Arangetram (solo graduation recital) which is done after many years of intense dance training from the guru. Bharata Natyam is perhaps the oldest among the dance styles of India and considered as a form of worship. The word Bharata is believed to be derived from three essential aspects of the art: "Bha" from Bhavam (expression), "ra" from Ragam (melody/musical mode) and the "ta" from Talam (time measure). Following are the songs from this CD:
1.Guru Brahma slokam is a prayer to God Ganesha who is the God of knowledge and remover of obstacles. Set in Raga Hamsadvani.
2.Manikya Veena slokam is a prayer to Goddess Saraswathi, Goddess of wisdom and arts. Set in Raga Kalyani.
3.Pushpanjali is a prayer dance to God Ganesha where the dancer offers flowers. During the dance, the dancer pays respects to God Ganesha, the Guru and the audience. Set in Ragam Nattai and Talam Adi.
4.Alarippu dance is accompanied by the beautiful sollukattu (rhythmic syllables) in the pure dance technique. The steps are so formed that it appears like a bud (the dancer) blooming into a flower. Set in Ragam Hindolam and Talam Rupaka.
5.Jatiswaram is a pure dance sequence. It is a dance expression of the ideas and impressions evoked by musical sounds. The performer displays the swarams (delicate nuances) and jathis (rhythmic syllables), which are pronouncedly beautiful in the Bharata Natyam technique. Set in Ragam Kalyani and Talam Rupaka.
6.Varnam song displays a great combination of both pure technique and facial expressions. This song is a prayer to Goddess Parvati. Set in Ragam Kamas and Talam Adi.
7.Padam is a song in praise of God Vishnu and his golden hand which blesses all his devotees. The song portrays the ten incarnations of God Vishnu. Set in Ragam Jenjuriti and Talam Adi.
8.Tillana is a pure dance with complicated rhythms and playful choreography. In this dance, the dancer hears the flute music of God Krishna. As she hears this beautiful music, her face blooms and her soul fills with joy. Set in Ragam Kadana Kutuhalam and Talam Adi.
9.Sabdam song is a prayer to Lord Muruga who is praised as "Dhivya Swarooban" born for Deva and Devi (Shiva and Parvathi). Set in Ragam Ragamalika and Talam Misra Chapu.
10.Mangalam is a salutation to the universe, the elements, the guru and the audiences. Set in Ragam Revati and Talam Adi.
