Aramandi
Tamil
The half-sitting stance that defines Bharatanatyam's line.
TechniqueBharatanatyam
Meaning
Aramandi is the half-sit: heels together, knees turned fully out to the sides, the body lowered roughly halfway to a squat with the back upright. Nearly all Bharatanatyam movement happens in or through it, and holding it is the first physical discipline a student builds. Muzhumandi is the full sit, with the body lowered onto the heels.
Also written: ardhamandali, araimandi, arai mandi