Nattuvangam :

Nattuvangam is the art of conducting a classical Indian dance recital. Nattuvangam addresses the Laya or sense of rhythm which is a very important aspect of Indian classical dance.

The performance excels when the dancer and the person conducting the Nattuvangam (Nattuvanar) are in total harmony. While some dancers have the inherent sense of rhythm, others imbibe it and develop it over a period of time through performances and understanding the concepts.

To understand the art of nattuvangam one must have a thorough knowledge of the dance movements and the "Thala" or "Beat" structure of Indian classical music. Nattuvangam is normally learned under the guidance of an experienced Guru who has trained many dancers and conducted several performances. A Nattuvanar plays the cymbals as he recites the Solkattu.

Solkattu is a composition of Jatis (combination of adavus or movements in slow medium and fast speeds in different rhythmic patterns). An accomplished Nattuvanar may sing and also recite the Solkattus while playing the cymbals.