The initial training in the dance is to learn to take your posture and  Mandiya is the basic first dance position in Kandyan dance. To take this position, the dancer turns his feet outward, shoulder width apart and bends his knees. He keeps his back straight, chin up, shoulders squared and arms on either sides of his hips. 

In the past, dancers would learn this posture by using a long bamboo pole Dandiyama - which is cut and placed horizontally, waist high to the dancers - as aid. Holding the pole with both hands and knees bent, dancers would perfect their posture over time.