HasTA: Hasta Training Application Learning Theory Based Design of Bharatanatyam Hand Gestures Tutor

Hastas (Hand Gestures) are key elements in any of the Indian Classical dance forms. They have both functional aspects and an aesthetic appeal during Nritta (pure dance) performances. In this paper we report a pilot study conducted to understand what is the desired teaching-learning experience for teaching the Hastas as perceived by the students and the instructors. Based on these need analysis we propose a design for developing a mobile application "HasTA", as a Bharatanatyam gesture tutor. The design of the various elements in the tutor applies multimedia-learning principles to develop the learner interface. A proposed instructional strategy to use this application has essential 3 phases: demo - practice - perfect. An idea of a Blender Game Engine (BGE) based Demo, Practice and Perfect module in the application by integrating Kinect or web cam is discussed.