Bharatanatyam Postures

Sampada or Samapada

The dancer is standing with feet joined, hands on the hips and face forward. The body is straight and at attention, not too relaxed but and not to stiff. 
 

Aramandi or Ardha Mandala 

Arai means half and Mandi means to sit. In Aramandi, the body is still perfect in its straightness and gracefulness. The knees and feet are pointed outward and joined at the heel. The Aramandi is a posture in which you are squatting; most steps will be done in this position.

Muhzu Mandi

In this position, the dancers are sitting on their toes. Their toes are pointing in opposite directions while their heels are joined. The dancer's knees should face the way their toes are pointing and should be as far apart as possible to maintain balance. The back in still straight and the body is at attention.