Bharat Natyam

Originated from the pure dances of devotion that dates back to the tenth century, Bharat Natyam is one of the highly appreciated dance forms of Tamil Nadu. A rhythmic collage of Bhava, Raga and Tala, Bharat Natyam boasts of a gracious past that is scripted in the revered natya shastra. Once a ritualistic custom performed by the devdasis of the South Indian temples, today Bharat Natyam has a glorious range of dancers of global repute.

Known as the traditional form of dance drama, Bharat Natyam encompasses two unique creative features – nritta and nritya. Nritta represents the core style of the dance that has no subtle interpretations. However, nritta has adavaus which include three components such as primary standing pose, moving the legs and feet and various mudras with the hand. Nritya has visible aesthetic connotations that give the Dance a dramatic significance.

Well-known dancers of Indian and non-Indian origins perform the exotic Dance of Bharat natyam with élan. In the ancient scripts, there are evidences of the pre-requisites of the Dancers of this style of dancing. From being young, witty, slender, pretty to expressive-eyed, time alert, self-confident and pleasing, the Dancer, also known in Tamil Nadu as the patra ,is supposed to be of the possession of all these characteristic traits.

A perpetual blend of ancient saga and melodious rhythm, the Dance form not only captivates the imagination of the viewer but also offer an ethereal satisfaction and joy to the Dancer as well.

Believed to be the eternal medium of divine ecstasy, Bharat Natyam personifies the spiritual charm of the paradise on the materialistic earth.

Last Updated on 1/17/2011