Artform

Bharatanatyam, one of the most ancient and revered classical dance forms of India, originates from the temples of Tamil Nadu. With its roots deeply embedded in the Natya Shastra, an ancient Indian treatise on performing arts written by Bharata Muni, Bharatanatyam has evolved over centuries to become a sophisticated and expressive art form that embodies the essence of Indian culture and spirituality.

Elements and Structure
Nritta (Pure Dance):
Nritta emphasizes rhythmic footwork, intricate patterns, and geometric movements. It is purely technical and focuses on the beauty of form and movement, devoid of any expressive meaning.

Nritya (Expressive Dance):
Nritya combines rhythm with expression. Through facial expressions, hand gestures (mudras), and body language, the dancer conveys a narrative, often illustrating stories from Hindu mythology, epics, and classical literature.

Natya (Dramatic Dance):
Natya is the dramatic element of Bharatanatyam, involving the portrayal of characters and enactment of stories. It integrates both nritta and nritya to create a theatrical performance.

Key Components

Adavus (Basic Steps):
Adavus are the fundamental units of movement in Bharatanatyam. They are a series of steps and movements that form the building blocks of the dance.

Mudras (Hand Gestures):
Mudras are symbolic hand gestures used to convey specific meanings, emotions, and stories. There are 28 single-hand mudras (Asamyuta Hastas) and 24 double-hand mudras (Samyuta Hastas).

Abhinaya (Expression):
Abhinaya is the art of expression in Bharatanatyam, involving facial expressions, eye movements, and body language to communicate emotions and narratives. It is divided into four types: Angika (physical gestures), Vachika (spoken words), Aharya (costume and makeup), and Satvika (spiritual and emotional expressions).

Costume and Makeup:
The costume of a Bharatanatyam dancer is elaborate and colorful, typically consisting of a silk sari draped in a distinctive style, adorned with jewelry, and complemented by intricate makeup to enhance the dancer's expressions and features.

Music and Accompaniment:
Bharatanatyam is performed to Carnatic music, a classical music system of South India. The dance is usually accompanied by a live orchestra, including instruments like the mridangam (a percussion instrument), violin, flute, and nattuvangam (cymbals), with vocal support.

Cultural and Spiritual Significance
Bharatanatyam is not just a dance form but a spiritual practice and a means of devotion. It was traditionally performed in temples by Devadasis, who dedicated their lives to the service of the divine through dance. The dance form embodies the principles of Bhakti (devotion), Shringara (love), and Vatsalya (affection), aiming to transcend the physical realm and connect with the divine.

Modern Context
Today, Bharatanatyam is performed worldwide and has gained international acclaim. It is taught and practiced as a rigorous discipline, requiring years of dedicated training. Dance schools and academies around the globe continue to preserve and propagate this ancient art form, ensuring its relevance and vibrancy in contemporary times.
In essence, Bharatanatyam is a timeless art that blends technical mastery, expressive storytelling, and spiritual depth, offering a profound and enriching experience for both the dancer and the audience.