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Bharatha Natyam |
Bharatanatyam is a classical dance form originating from Tamil Nadu , a state in Southern India.
Bharatanatyam traces its origins to the Natya Shastra written by Bharata Muni, a Hindu sage. In ancient times it was performed as dasiattam by temple Devadasis. Many of the ancient sculptures in Hindu temples are based on Bharata Natyam dance postures karanas. In fact, it is the celestial dancers, apsaras, who are depicted in many scriptures dancing the heavenly version of what is known on earth as Bharatanatyam.
The philosophy behind the dance is to search the human soul and unite with the Supreme Being. In the dance form of Bharatnatyam, the artists make use of beautiful hand and eye movements to convey the message. It is more of a personification of the music in a visual form.
There are three main elements of Bharata Natyam, namely
- Nritta (rhythmic dance movements)
- Natya (dance combined with a dramatic aspect)
- Nritya (amalgamation of Nritta and Natya)
The major techniques of the classical dance form of Bharatnatyam include
- Abhinaya (The art of story-telling)
- Nritta (Pure dance movements, usually performed as an opening)
- Nritya (Combination of Abhinaya and Nritta)
A typical Bharatnatyam performance includes:
- Ganapati Vandana (Opening prayer to the Lord Ganesha)
- Alarippu (A presentation of the Tala with simple syllables by the dancer)
- Jatiswaram (An abstract dance with drumbeats)
- Shabdam (Dance accompanied by a devotional poem or song)
- Varnam (Main performance in which dance is punctuated with complex and difficult movements. - A story is told through movements)
- Padam (Lyrical section where the dancer speaks)
- Thillana (Pure dance with complex footwork and captivating poses) |
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