Bharatanatyam is one of the oldest classical dances in India. Bharatanatyam had its origin in Thanjavoor district of Tamil Nadu in south India. Bhava, Raga and Thaala are the three concepts that formed the base of this classical dance form. Bharatanatyam derived its theories from Abhinaya Darpanam and Natyasaasthram. Bharatanatyam dance form follows a preset sequence.
Bharatanatyam is regarded as one of the oldest popular classical dance forms. At first the dance form was only practiced by the devdasis but gradually it spread outside its traditional environs and became extremely popular among the masses.
About Bharatanatyam
Bharatanatyam had its origin in Thanjavoor district of Tamil Nadu in South India. This dance form was mainly practiced by devdasis in the temples and was thus also known as 'Daasiyattam’. Bhava, Raga and Thaala are the three concepts that formed the base of this classical dance form. The dance performances of Chinnayya, Ponnayya, Vativelu and Sivanandam catalysed the dance form to the status of popular performing arts.
Techniques
Nritham, Natyam and Nrithyam are the three stages on which the dance is performed. Bharatanatyam derives its theories from Abhinaya Darpanam and Natyasaasthram. Hasthamudra and Adavu are used to portray this popular Chennai dance. Adavus are taught first and then theHasthamudra and Bhavabhinaya are progressively taught.
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Hasthamudras and the Bhavabhinayas are used to show the facial expression or to communicate through the dance form.
Items
Bharatanatyam dance form follows a preset sequence. The performance of the items varies approximately between 10 minutes to 15 minutes. The dance form starts with:
- Alarippu
- Jathiswaram
- Sabdam
- Varnam
- Padam
- Thillana
- Mangal Slokam
Presentation
The costume of the dance is a jacket and a pajama. Generally the costume is made of silk
sari specially Benarasi silk or Kanchipuram silk. Besides, the performer has to wear heavy ornaments. The dance is presented with classical Carnatic music. Veena, Mridangam, violin and flute are the instruments used to present the dance.
Notable Bharatanatyam Dancers
This performing art has further developed by notable performers like Bala Saraswathi, Adayar Laxman, Mrinalini Sarabhai, Meenakshi Sundaram Pillai, Vazhoor Ramayyan Pilla, Chokkalingam Pilla, Rukmini Devi Arundale, Padma Subhramaniam and Chithra Viswesaran.
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