12/06/2019
Aramandi or Ardhamandala position in Bharatanatyam.
All dancers want to have perfect half sitting position! Some get it naturally and without pain, some have to work hard for it, some keep pushing despite discomfort, some give up dance because of constant struggle, some are scared even to start learning Bharatanatyam because of this ‘peculiarity’ of the dance style.The truth is - we are all different and our bodies are different! External hip rotation depends on many factors (including bone structure that you will probably not be able to change). We cannot skip aramandi position in Bharatanatyam, but we can make it safe and pain free and thus naturally improve through regular enjoyable practice. Following proper alignment and listening to your body. quality over quantity during practice preparing and strengthening your body through exercise. These are absolutely necessary steps for happy and healthy dance experience. We don’t have to dance through pain to get better!
Illustration Courtesy : Cosmic Dance, Edinburgh
