Graded Examination in South Asian Dance: Bharatanatyam: Grade 2 — Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing Performing Arts Graded Examination Dance & Performing Arts Revision

    This subtopic assesses candidates at Grade 2 level in Bharatanatyam, requiring them to perform simple movement sequences that integrate foundational techni

    Topic Synopsis

    This subtopic assesses candidates at Grade 2 level in Bharatanatyam, requiring them to perform simple movement sequences that integrate foundational techniques (adavus, stances, hand gestures, eye and neck movements) with an understanding of Carnatic music rhythm (tala) and performance expression. The examination evaluates basic competence in executing set exercises and a choreographed item with technical clarity, rhythmic accuracy, and an emerging sense of abhinaya (expression) appropriate to the level.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

    Examiner Marking Points

    Graded Examination in South Asian Dance: Bharatanatyam: Grade 2

    IMPERIAL SOCIETY OF TEACHERS OF DANCING
    vocational

    This subtopic assesses candidates at Grade 2 level in Bharatanatyam, requiring them to perform simple movement sequences that integrate foundational techniques (adavus, stances, hand gestures, eye and neck movements) with an understanding of Carnatic music rhythm (tala) and performance expression. The examination evaluates basic competence in executing set exercises and a choreographed item with technical clarity, rhythmic accuracy, and an emerging sense of abhinaya (expression) appropriate to the level.

    1
    Learning Outcomes
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    Assessment Guidance
    6
    Key Skills
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    Key Terms
    6
    Assessment Criteria

    Assessment criteria

    ISTD Level 1 Award in Graded Examination in Dance: Grade 2

    Topic Overview

    The ISTD Level 1 Award in Graded Examination in Dance: Grade 2 is a foundational qualification in the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) Performing Arts Graded Examination system. This grade builds on the skills developed in Grade 1, introducing more complex movements, coordination, and musicality. Students will study a set syllabus that includes ballet, tap, or modern theatre dance, depending on their chosen genre. The examination assesses technical proficiency, performance quality, and the ability to execute sequences with accuracy and expression.

    This grade is crucial for developing a strong technical base and performance confidence. It introduces key concepts such as turnout, elevation, and dynamic variation in ballet; rhythm, syncopation, and clarity in tap; or isolation, contraction, and release in modern. Mastery of Grade 2 prepares students for the more demanding requirements of Grade 3 and beyond, and it contributes to a well-rounded dance education recognized by the ISTD.

    In the wider context of Performing Arts, Grade 2 helps students understand the discipline of structured practice, the importance of posture and alignment, and the value of artistic expression. It is often a stepping stone for those considering further study or a career in dance, as it instills the habits and knowledge necessary for advanced training.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Turnout and Alignment: Maintaining correct rotation from the hips and proper spinal alignment in all movements, especially in ballet.
    • →Rhythm and Timing: Accurately counting music and executing steps in time, including understanding of simple time signatures like 4/4 and 3/4.
    • →Coordination and Control: Combining arm, leg, and head movements smoothly, with controlled transitions and balance.
    • →Performance Quality: Demonstrating expression, focus, and energy throughout the dance, engaging the audience and examiner.
    • →Syllabus Accuracy: Learning and reproducing the set exercises and dances exactly as prescribed by the ISTD syllabus.

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Be able to perform simple movement sequences showing an awareness of basic techniques in South Asian Dance: Bharatanatyam, Be able to perform simple movement sequences showing an awareness of musicality in South Asian Dance: Bharatanatyam, Be able to show an awareness of performance in South Asian Dance: Bharatanatyam

    Assessment Criteria

    Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

    • Award credit for maintaining a consistent and correct araimandi (half-sitting posture) throughout the performance, with heels firmly grounded and back straight.
    • Award credit for accurate execution of basic adavu sequences, including precise footwork, clear geometric lines, and correct hand gestures (hastas) as per the ISTD Grade 2 syllabus.
    • Award credit for demonstrating consistent rhythmic accuracy (talapramanam) by synchronizing movements with the given tala cycles, showing clear understanding of the musical structure.
    • Award credit for appropriate use of eye movements (drishti) and neck movements (greeva bhedas) that align with the direction of the limbs and the narrative intent.
    • Award credit for an emerging performance quality that includes sustained focus, energy, and a developing sense of abhinaya through facial expression and body language appropriate to the mood of the piece.
    • Award credit for smooth transitions between movements, demonstrating control and clarity in the execution of each distinct unit of the sequence.

    Assessment Guidance

    Guidance for achieving higher grades

    • 💡Practice each adavu sequence slowly with a metronome or tala app to build internal rhythm before increasing speed, ensuring accuracy is never sacrificed for tempo.
    • 💡Perform in front of a mirror daily to self-correct posture, hand positions, and facial expressions; also record practice sessions to review technical and expressive details.
    • 💡Learn to recite the spoken syllables (sollukattu) for each sequence along with the tala claps to strengthen the connection between movement and rhythm.
    • 💡Focus on transitions: isolate the linking steps between primary moves and practice them repeatedly to achieve seamless flow without losing balance or precision.
    • 💡Incorporate basic emotion practice (navarasa exercises) into daily warm-ups to develop a natural and responsive facial expressiveness, ensuring you convey joy or seriousness as required.
    • 💡During the exam, maintain a calm and confident stage presence; take a moment to establish your posture and internalize the first beat before starting, demonstrating a professional approach.
    • 💡Focus on transitions: Examiners pay close attention to how you move between steps. Ensure each movement flows smoothly into the next without hesitation or loss of balance.
    • 💡Use your head and eyes: In ballet and modern, direction of the gaze (head and eyes) should lead the movement. In tap, maintain a strong focus forward or in the direction of travel to enhance performance.
    • 💡Practice with music: Always practice with the exact examination music. Familiarity with the tempo, accents, and phrasing will help you stay in time and highlight musicality.

    Common Mistakes

    Common errors to avoid in your coursework

    • Collapsing the araimandi posture by raising the heel or leaning forward, leading to instability and compromised aesthetic lines.
    • Inconsistent or vague hand gestures (hastas) that lack definition, often with fingers not held correctly or mudras confused between similar forms.
    • Rushing or lagging behind the tala due to poor internalization of the beat, particularly during faster passages or transitions.
    • Limited facial expression or a static face, failing to convey the bhava or mood of the piece, which affects the overall performance quality.
    • Forgetting correct eye and neck coordination, resulting in disjointed head and gaze movements that detract from the expressiveness of the adavus.
    • Lack of clarity in footwork, such as dragging feet or insufficient stamping on accented beats, which reduces the rhythmic impact.
    • Mistake: Thinking that 'pointing the foot' only involves the toes. Correction: The entire foot should be stretched, with the ankle fully extended and the toes pointed, creating a straight line from the shin.
    • Mistake: Believing that faster music means faster, uncontrolled movements. Correction: Speed should be matched with precision; maintain control and clarity of each step, even at a quicker tempo.
    • Mistake: Assuming that performance is only about smiling. Correction: Performance involves conveying the mood of the dance through facial expression, body language, and energy, not just a fixed smile.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions students ask about this topic

    Before You Start

    Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

    • •ISTD Grade 1 in the same genre (ballet, tap, or modern) or equivalent foundational dance training.
    • •Basic understanding of dance terminology (e.g., plié, tendu, jeté for ballet; shuffle, flap, ball change for tap; contraction, release, isolation for modern).
    • •Ability to follow simple choreography and maintain rhythm.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    • Be able to perform simple movement sequences showing an awareness of basic techniques in South Asian Dance: Bharatanatyam, Be able to perform simple movement sequences showing an awareness of musicality in South Asian Dance: Bharatanatyam, Be able to show an awareness of performance in South Asian Dance: Bharatanatyam

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