Sri Lanka Grade 6 Curriculum - Aesthetic Subjects: Dancing

This syllabus for Dancing is designed for students entering the pre-secondary level in Grade 6 after completing primary education. It incorporates new educational plans and concepts. Prior to 2007, aesthetic arts like Bharatha Natyam, Carnatic music, Art, and Drama & Theatre were taught as a combined subject. Since then, each art form is taught separately, focusing on appreciation, performance, practical application, and traditional background. This curriculum is student-centered, encouraging teachers and students to engage in activities that promote exploration and discovery. It aims to cultivate skills essential for a successful life, including thinking skills, social skills, and personal skills. The curriculum emphasizes searching, innovating, and adapting to change.

Aims of Bharatha Natyam

• Develop knowledge, skills, and attitudes through co-curricular activities.
• Develop qualities of personality conducive to becoming a good dancer.
• Develop creativity.
• Learn and respect national and international art forms.
• Cultivate aesthetic desires.
• Develop an attitude of respect towards artists.
• Develop an appreciation for cultural aspects and traditions.
• Identify and develop talents in various art forms.
• Develop a balanced personality and leadership qualities.
• Develop socialization skills through understanding the world.
• Develop conflict management skills.
• Develop humane qualities by understanding individual habits.
• Develop skills to face challenges successfully.
• Develop communication skills.
• Develop dedication and initiative.
• Appreciate and express the beauty of nature.
• Develop skills in handling modern technical apparatuses.
• Acquire basic life skills.
• Create handicrafts using various techniques.
• Develop teamwork qualities.
• Maintain good relationships with multicultural societies.
• Achieve physical and mental well-being.
• Gain social recognition.
• Identify and change negative qualities.
• Develop abilities to describe and critique art techniques.
• Explore new presentations through artistic exploration.

Grade 6 Syllabus (Implemented from 2015)

The syllabus outlines competencies, competency levels, subject content, learning outcomes, and the number of periods allocated for each topic. It covers various aspects of Bharatha Natyam, including:

• Appreciating Natural Beauty: Depicting and describing the natural beauty of surroundings, including the movements of trees, plants, and creepers. Differentiating folk dances like Kavadi and Kummi from Bharatha Natyam. Identifying folk musical instruments.
• Abhinaya: Depicting scenes through Abhinaya, expressing the meaning of songs through Mudras, and performing Abhinaya for different categories of songs.
• Physical Training and Basic Movements: Practicing appropriate physical exercises for Bharatha Natyam, including Namaskaram and Thyana Slogas. Distinguishing and demonstrating different Anga pethas (body positions) and Adavus (basic dance steps). Learning and applying single-hand Mudras (Asamyutha Hastas) and double-hand Mudras (Samyutha Hastas). Practicing basic dance based on Thisram and Sathusram.
• Understanding Bharatha Natyam: Identifying the benefits of learning Bharatha Natyam, understanding the significance of the Guru, and appreciating the divine connection of art. Learning about divine dances and the objectives of Namaskaram. Understanding the basic and deeper aspects of Bharatha Natyam and Kandyan dance. Learning Thala notation and Sollukattu for Adavus. Understanding Naatya Lakshana (dance features) and Naatya Krama (dance procedures).
• Cultural and Historical Context: Tracing the origins of dance, exploring the history of folk dances like Kummi and Kollattam, and understanding the historical background of dance. Learning about religious festivals and their connection to dance.

This detailed syllabus provides a comprehensive framework for learning Bharatha Natyam in Grade 6, encompassing both practical skills and theoretical understanding.