Introduction to the basics of Bharatanatyam (South Indian classical dance) technique. Includes primary postures and basic steps, or adavus. Class also covers the theory of Bharatanatyam including hand gestures, head, neck and eye movements, as delineated in Nandikeswara's Abhinaya Darpana. Students will gain a well-rounded knowledge of the dance by studying Bharatanatyam's form, content, basic history, music, and repertoire. By the end of the class, students will learn and present short dance pieces including a Jathi (string for adavus) and a Shlokam (poem).