Bharata Natyam is probably the most famous and the favorite dance form of South India. It is known for the graceful movements, the bold steps and the emphasis on facial and hand expressions. It is believed that Bharata Natyam is so called due to its emphasis on Bha (Bhava), Ra (Raaga) and Ta (Taala). Also many believe that since Sage Bharata, author of Natya Shastra, a comprehensive treatise on the dance for, Bharata Natyam, learnt it from the celestial nymphs and taught it to the mortals, it is known as Bharata Natyam. Some say that this dance form is the 5th veda created by Brahma and passed down to Sage Bharata. It thus derives its pathya (words) form Rigveda, abhinaya (expression) from Yajurveda, geeta (music) from Samaveda and rasa (emotions) from Atharvaveda. There are many myths and legends about its origin. However history records that this dance form was reserved and handed down generation after generation by the Devadasis or the temple dancers. The performed the Bharata Natyam on all festivals and other occasions in the temple courtyards. With the decline in the Devdasi system, the interest in the dance started to wane. It was then that activists such as Krishna Iyer, Rukmini Devi Arundale, Balasaraswathi and Anne Besant resurrected the art and brought it to the spotlight. The art then slowly evolved to its present form and stage performances were applauded. Bharatanatyam was consistently regulated by the 'Thanjavoor Brothers', Ponnayya, Chinnayya, Sivanandam and Vativelu who compiled the songs and regularized the dance sequences.
'Natyasaasthram' and 'Abhinaya Darpanam' are the basic texts for any Bharata Natyam student. The three basic elements of this dance are Nritta (Rhythmic Movements), Nritya (Expression through Postures, Gestures, and Facial Expression) and Natya (Dramatic Element). The foot work is based on 64 basic 'Adavu's (steps) and the Hastamudras; 9 Rasas (emotions) define the facial expressions. Anga Lakshana is the code for body movement. It as follows:
- Shirobhedha - Head Movement
- Greevabhedha - Neck Movement
- Drishtibhedha - Eye Movement
- Paadabhedha - Feet Movement
- Gatibhedha - Gait; and
- Hasta Mudras - Hand Movements
The sequence of items in a Bharata Natyam is as follows-
- Invocation (To Lord Ganesha, Nataraja, Preceptor, Parents, Audience and Jingles)
- Alarippu,
- Jathiswaram,
- Sabdam,
- Varnam,
- Padam,
- Thillana, and
- Mangala Slokam
The entire performance lasts about 3 hours. The costume is a specially stitched two piece suit in colorful silks. The make up is light but the eyes are elongated with black paint and the lips reddened. The dancer decks in heavy stone and gold ornaments. These include chutti (forehead jewel), oddiyanam (worn around the waist), long necklaces, bangles, heavy earrings, bracelets, and anklets besides the jingles. The hair is tastefully tied to a chignon or a long braid and jasmine strings are worn. The singers sing the songs o which the dances are set.
The musical accompaniment is given by a small orchestra seated at the rear of the stage or on a side stage. This includes soft instruments like veena and flute and violin and mridangam provide the beats. The Nattuvanar guides the dance by providing the oral rendition of the beats.
The entire performance lasts about 3 hours. The costume is a specially stitched two piece suit in colorful silks. The make up is light but the eyes are elongated with black paint and the lips reddened. The dancer decks in heavy stone and gold ornaments. These include chutti (forehead jewel), oddiyanam (worn around the waist), long necklaces, bangles, heavy earrings, bracelets, and anklets besides the jingles. The hair is tastefully tied to a chignon or a long braid and jasmine strings are worn. The singers sing the songs on which the dances are set.
Bala Saraswathi, Mrinalini Sarabhai, Rukmini Arundala, Padma Subrahmaniam, Chithra Visweswaran, Yamini Krishnamurty and Alarmel Valli are noted exponents of this performing art.
