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LyricsWords from the songsFigureDeities and who they areRepertoireThe items in a recitalConceptIdeas and traditionsMusicInstruments, ragas, notesCostumeWhat a dancer wears
- Alarippu
The opening item — the body unfolding, like a flower.
- Cholkettu
The invocatory opening item of Mohiniyattam.
- Jathiswaram
Pure dance set to musical notes, with no words.
- Javali
A lighter, faster love song — playful where padam is grave.
- Mangalacharan
The invocatory opening of an Odissi recital.
- Mangalam
The closing benediction that ends a performance.
- Margam
The traditional order of a Bharatanatyam recital.
- Moksha
The concluding Odissi item, dance as release.
- Padam
A slow expressional piece, usually of love or devotion.
- Pallavi
Odissi's item of pure dance, blossoming from stillness.
- Shabdam
The first item with lyrics, where expression enters.
- Tarangam
The Kuchipudi item danced on the rim of a brass plate.
- Tillana
The brilliant closing item of pure dance.
- Varnam
The centrepiece — the longest and most demanding item.
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