Alarippu

Tamil

The opening item — the body unfolding, like a flower.

RepertoireBharatanatyam

Meaning

Alarippu opens the traditional margam. It is pure nritta set to rhythmic syllables with no melody or lyrics, beginning with small movements of the eyes, neck and shoulders and gradually opening out into the full body. The name carries the sense of blossoming. It functions as both invocation and warm-up.

Related words

MargamThe traditional order of a Bharatanatyam recital.PadamA slow expressional piece, usually of love or devotion.JavaliA lighter, faster love song — playful where padam is grave.ShabdamThe first item with lyrics, where expression enters.MokshaThe concluding Odissi item, dance as release.MangalamThe closing benediction that ends a performance.

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