INDIAN CLASSICAL DANCE STYLE:

“BHARATNATYAM….!!”

Introduction Bharatnayam originated in Southern India in state of

Tamilnadu. 2000 years ago it started as a temple dance tradition

called ‘DASIYATTAM’.(dance performed by Devdasi’s.) In ancient times local kings often invited devdasis in their

courts.This created a new category of dancers called Rajnartaki’s.

Devadasis had to surrendered themselves to the lord while rajnartaki’s dance was meant to be an entertainment.

The Tamil country Tanjore, has always been the centre of learning culture.

The four brothers Chinnayya, Ponnian, Sivanandam & Vadivelu made a rich contribution to Bharatnatyam.

It has its inspiration from the sculptures of the ancient temple of ‘CHINDAMBARAM’.

It is considered to be a Fire Dance having two aspects : 1.Lasya(Graceful moments)

2.Tandava (The dance of Lord Shiva)

In Hindu mythology the whole universe is the dance of the supreme dancer NATARAJA(Name of Lord Shiva).

Bharatnatyam is the act of devotion to Nataraja.

It is the traditional dance form known for its grace, purity & sculpture poses.

It is one of the most popular & widely performed dance style practiced by Female as well as Male dancers.(Male dancers known as Natuvanars)

The Meaning Of the Bharatnayam: The name Bharatnatyam is a simple derivation from the

three most important aspects of dance. In Sanskrit these are

BHA from BHAVA, RA from RAGA(music or melody),TA from TALA(rhythm & natyam) meaning dance.

Thus Bharatnatyam is the dance that encompasses music,rhythm & expressional dance or Abhinaya.

Bharatnatyam has three distinct elements:1.Nritta(Rhythmic dance moments)2.Nattya(mime or dance with dramatic aspect)3.Nritya(combination of Nritta & Natty)

Techniques In Bharatnatyam:HASTAS:

The feature of Bharatnatyam is the use of expressive hand gestures as a way of communication.

It refers to the hand symbol that a dancer can use. There are two types of Hastas:

1.Samayukta Hastas (combination of two hastas)

2.Asamayukta Hastas (Single hasta)

Asamayukta Hastas Samayukta Hastas

Adavus:Series of steps known as Adavus. In short Leg Moments.The execution of adavus varies from style to style.

Bhedas & Eye Moments:Bharatnatyam includes many other elements, such as Neck moments & Eye moments. Which are used extensively throughout the dance.

1.HEAD MOMENTS known as SHIROBHED.2.NECK MOMENTS known as GRIVABHED.3.EYE MOMENTS known as DRISHTIBHED.

Dance Items In Bharatnatyam: Alarippu: It is sort of invocation to the Gods to bless the

performance. Ganesh Vandana:A traditional opening prayer to the Hindu God

Ganesha. Jatiswaram:An abstract dance where the drums sets the beats. Shabdam:It tells the story of Lord Krishna. Varnam:It is the most difficult & complex dance form.Positionsm

of the hands & body tells the story of love.

When a dancer has mastered all the elements of dance he or she generally performs ‘ARANGETRAM’ i.e. debut to his or her Guru.

Other AspectsJewellery:

Bharatnatyam dancers wear a unique set of jewellery known as ‘Temple Jewelry’ during the performance.

It is made up of diamonds, pearls or combination of diamonds & pearls.Ghungroos.

COSTUME: In ancient time from the sculptures, we can see that original

costume did not cover the dancers bodies. But after some decades devdasi’s used to wear a special,

heavy saris that severely restricted the dance moments. Now a days the modern costumes are deeply symbolic.

Dancer’s used to wear Kanjiwarm Saris. It may be draped or readymade.

Music:It is the Karnataki style music of South India.

Instruments:Instruments used are Mridangam(drum),Nagaswaram(long pipe horn made from a black wood),flute, violin & veena.

Languages:Tamil,Telgu,Kannada & Sanskrit are traditionally used in Bharatnatyam.

Institutes Of Bharatnatyam:

Learning Bharatnatyam normally takes many years before the Arangetram.

There are academic & commercialized dance institutes in many countries.

NRITYAGYAN is a program of ‘Dance Education’ set up by the Nrityagram for popularizing classical arts & to import dance education to young people, for keeping our philosophy of preserving Indian Classical Dance.

At present not only the Hindus but also many Christians & Muslims learn it, bringing it beyond the rigid forms of religious boundaries.

Now a days Bharatnatyam recitals are not performed in temples but outside it like in many festivals, in many events.

Popular culture adapted or semi classical Bharatnatyam has been exposed largely in popular movies & TV programs.

THANK YOU……!!!!!!!