Beginners start with fundamental steps - adagulu - there are about 90 of them, divided into two parts. After steps come two parts of basic jatis (combinations of steps). At the same time students learn dance theory from Natya Shastra: hasta bheda - hand gestures, pada bheda - feet positions, bhoumi and akashiki charis - movements of the leg on earth and in the air, sthanakas - poses. Students also receive basic knowledge about tala and karnatic singing.

Regular practice (twice a week minimum) gives a chance to finish all fundamentals within a year. When student is confident with it, then only teacher will start an item.

Indian classical dance is not a mechanical movements. It's full of deep meaning, phylosophy, wisdom. It reflects religious traditions and rituals. So it's not just a body which must be prepared well for the dance, but the heart and mind too. So, I recommend to my students to explore India: reading, whatching documentary videos, attending cultural programmes will help you to understand little better Indian traditions, way of life and behavior of Indians. It will prepare you mentally before you start learning the dance itself!

The first item of Kuchipudi repertuar is Brahmanjali or Puja. Puja is worshiping God, and here the dancer surrenders at the feet of Nataraja - the Lord of the Dance - praises Him and prays for His blessings. The dancer also addresses her (his) thanks to the Teacher - Guru - to all musicians, all poets and all connoisseurs of dance. Very often dance performance starts with this item, because it is auspiciouse.

«Jatiswaram» is the second basic item, which helps dancers to improve their technical skills and gain good stamina. It is a pure dance - nrtta - an expression of pure joy of movement.

Perfecting of fundamental steps and jatis, singing and dance theory goes along with learning this items.

Your success and progress in dance depends much on your desire and ammount of time you dedicate to it! More practice - more success and improvement! If you perfect every step, every gesture, then you build a very strong ground for your further development and learning senior items will not be very difficult for you.