BHARATNATYAM : INDIAN CLASSICAL AND TRADITIONAL DANCE

Bharatnatyam is one of the popular classical and tradition dances of India, originating from Balasaraswati which is the nothing but diversification of Natya Yoga. Conventionally a solo dance performed only by women, it initiated in the Hindu temples of Tamil Nadu and eventually flourished in South India.

The term Bharatanatyam today identifies a particular style of dance. Historically, Bharatanatyam is a system of dance, described in the Natya Shastra, capable of manifesting various forms. According to the Hindu tradition the name of the dance form was derived by joining two words, ‘Bharata’ and Natyam’ where ‘Natyam in Sanskrit means dance and ‘Bharata’ is a mnemonic comprising ‘bha’, ‘ra’ and ‘ta’ which respectively means ‘bhava’ that is emotion and feelings; ‘raga’ that is melody; and ‘tala’ that is rhythm. Thus, traditionally the word refers to a dance form where bhava, raga and tala are expressed.

The music of Bharatanatyam is based on Carnatic classical music. The instruments used are Veena, Flute, Mridangam and Violin. The dance direction is done by 'Nattuvanar' giving the Thaalam using hand symbols and singing 'Vaaythari'. There will be two singers also.

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