The Alarippu (Tamil: அலரிப்பூ; meaning flowering bud) is traditionally the first dance piece that Bharatanatyam dancers learn and perform. It is an invocation piece, symbolising the offering of respects to both god and the audience. It is a dance ritual accompanied by a nattuvanar (verbal percussionist) and a drummer. The act is entirely based on rhythm and is focused on relaxing the body of the dancer, thereby relaxing her mind and symbolizes her awakening.