Bharatnatyam: One of the Classic Traditional Art Forms of India

The history of Indian classical dance styles originates from every region of the country. Various types of dance styles are performed in different parts of India, which are influenced by the regional peculiarities and characteristic traits of the people living in that region. Hence, tradition plays an important role in influencing the growth of dance styles. They are found to reflect the creativity of the region in which they have originated.

There are Seven Principal Classical dance forms in India and one of them is Bharatnatyam.

Many great visionaries and scholars have contributed to the development of these dance styles. Every Indian classical dance style has a unique technique, relevant attire, and requisite sets for the same. They also have a characteristic form of presentation. Music and musical instruments play an important role in increasing the impact of their performances.

Bharatnatyam is one of the oldest classical dance styles in India. It originated in Tamil Nadu from the ritualistic song and dance recitals performed in the temples of ancient India for centuries. A combination of strong principles based on the framework of dance, as mandated by Bharatmuni in his Natyashastra and profound aesthetic perception helped the dance style grow extensively.

The roots of the rich culture of Bharatnatyam can be found in the ancient Devdasi tradition. A devadasi was a girl dedicated to God. In ancient times, Devdasis performed a song and dance as a part of their ritual offering to God.

As it was initially a dance performed by Devadasis, Bharatnatyam was formerly known as 'Dasiattam'. Several visionary teachers and Nattuvanars took tremendous efforts throughout history to revive this dance style from obscurity under the creative name of Bharatnatyam.

The Word 'Bharat' is a combination of the first syllables of 'Bhava', 'Raga', and 'Tala'. Natya is the expressive complement of dance. In Bharatnatyam performance, movements, expressions, and music are considered to be of principal importance.

Here, Nataraj- Lord Shiva is depicted as the God of Dance. Nataraj is shown with four hands rrepresentingthe cardinal directions. He is dancing, with his left foot elegantly raised and the right foot on a prostrate figure—'Apasmara Purusha', the personification of illusion and ignorance over whom Shiva triumphs. The upper representing holds lame, and the lower left-hand points down to the dwarf, who is shown holding a cobra. The upper left hand and right hand hold an hourglass drum or 'dumroo' that stands for the male-female vital principle, and the lower shows the gesture of assertion: "Be without fear."

Bharatanatyam is a classical dance form from India that is known for its graceful movements, intricate footwork, and beautiful hand gestures. It is a physically and mentally demanding dance form, but it also offers many benefits for those who practice it.

1. Improved Physical Fitness

2. Increased balance and coordination

3. Reduced stress and anxiety

4. Improved Focus and Concentration

5. Enhanced self- expression

6. Increased cultural awareness

7. Increased Self-confidence

8. Sense of Community

9. Helps to increase gratitude

10. Earns knowledge about Vedas and representing it in our dance forms.

-A Blog by Jitisha Shashi Hiremath

Source: Various books, From Basics of Bharatnatyam and self-learnings.