Bharatanatyam is a classical Indian dance form that originated in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is a highly expressive and intricate style of dance that combines rhythm, melody, and storytelling. With a history spanning over 2,000 years, Bharatanatyam is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and spiritual traditions.
Bharatanatyam is a classical dance form that originated in Tamil Nadu, India. It is recognized as one of the eight classical dance forms of India and features South Indian religious and spiritual themes, particularly those related to Shaivism and Hinduism. The dance has a rich history, with references to its precursors found in the ancient Tamil epic Silappatikaram from the 2nd century AD. and temple sculptures from the 6th to 9th centuries AD. Originally known as Sadiraattam, it was renamed Bharatanatyam in 1932 and is considered the oldest classical dance tradition in India. The dance style features a fixed upper torso, legs bent in a pose called Araimandi, intricate footwork, and a vocabulary of hand gestures, eye movements, and facial expressions. It is accompanied by music, singing and the guidance of a guru or director. The performance repertoire includes pure dance, expressive solo dance, and dramatic group dance. Although initially confined to Hindu temples, Bharatanatyam gained popularity beyond religious settings in the 20th century, with modern productions exploring non-religious and fusion themes. The Thanjavur Quartet played an important role in formalizing the structure of modern Bharatanatyam.
History of Bharatanatyam Dance :
Bharatanatyam is a classical dance form that originated in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the oldest and most prominent classical dance forms in India and has a rich history spanning several centuries. The history of Bharatanatyam can be traced back to ancient texts, temple carvings, and inscriptions.
Ancient origins:
The roots of Bharatanatyam can be found in the ancient Sanskrit text called Natya Shastra, written by the sage Bharata Muni around the 2nd century BCE. This text served as a comprehensive guide to various performing arts, including dance, music, and theater. He established the theoretical framework, principles and aesthetics of the dance, which later influenced the development of Bharatanatyam.
Temple Dance:
Bharatanatyam was initially performed as a temple dance by devadasis (temple dancers) in the temples of Tamil Nadu. Dance was considered a sacred art form and was performed as a form of worship, storytelling, and entertainment. The devadasis were trained in music, dance and poetry and dedicated their lives to serving the deities through their performances.
Decline and revival:
During the colonial era, Bharatanatyam faced a decline due to social and cultural changes. The devadasi system came under scrutiny and the dance form was stigmatized. However, at the beginning of the 20th century, Bharatanatyam experienced a renaissance as a result of the efforts of various people who recognized its cultural and artistic importance. Rukmini Devi Arundale, an outstanding dancer and visionary, played a crucial role in revamping the Bharatanatyam and bringing it onto a public stage.
Modern era:
In the post-independence era, Bharatanatyam gained recognition as a classical dance form. It underwent further refinement and codification by dance gurus and academics. The Bharatanatyam repertoire expanded to include traditional items such as Alarippu, Jatiswaram, Shabdam, Varnam, Padam, and Tillana, each with their distinctive characteristics and themes.
Today’s Bharatanatyam performances feature intricate footwork, graceful movements, expressive gestures, and elaborate costumes. The dance form has gained popularity not only in India but also internationally, with dancers and dance schools promoting its practice and teaching all over the world. It has evolved and adapted to contemporary times while preserving its traditional essence.
The history of Bharatanatyam is a testament to its resilience, adaptability, and enduring artistic beauty. It remains a treasured art form, reflecting India’s cultural heritage and captivating audiences around the world.
Modern Era :
Bharatanatyam, a classical Indian dance style, experienced significant growth after India gained independence from British rule in 1947. Today, it is the most popular Indian classical dance form in the country and enjoys a strong support among Indian expatriate communities around the world. Unfortunately, many foreigners are unaware of the diversity of dance and performance arts in Indian culture, and often consider Bharatanatyam to be representative of Indian dance as a whole.
During British rule, attempts were made to ban Bharatanatyam, but the dance form managed to revive by reaching beyond Hindu temples and religious contexts. However, following independence, there has been a renewed interest in the history of the dance, ancient traditions and spiritual aspects, leading to a revival of invocation rituals and expressive elements within Bharatanatyam. Numerous schools offering Bharatanatyam lessons have sprung up in major Indian cities, which also host numerous dance performances annually.
Beyond India, Bharatanatyam is in great demand and is studied in academic institutes around the world, including the United States, Europe, Canada, Australia, the Gulf States, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, New Zealand, Bangladesh, and Singapore. For Indian and Tamil communities living abroad, Bharatanatyam serves as a means of social life and community bonding. In 2020, an unprecedented performance was held in Chennai where approximately 10,000 dancers gathered to surpass the previous record of 7,190 dancers set at Chidambaram in 2019. Contemporary Bharatanatyam choreographies now feature both male and female dancers.
Types of Bharatanatyam Dance Styles :
Bharatanatyam is a classical dance form that originated in the southern state of Tamil Nadu in India. Over the years, different styles and interpretations of Bharatanatyam have emerged. Here are some of the prominent Bharatanatyam dance styles:
Pandanallur Style: The Pandanallur style of Bharatanatyam is named after the village of Pandanallur in Tamil Nadu. He is known for his precision, grace, and emphasis on intricate footwork and geometric body movements.
Thanjavur Style: The Thanjavur style of Bharatanatyam originated from the city of Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu. It is characterized by its distinctive use of aramandi (half-sitting position), graceful movements, intricate hand gestures (mudras), and elaborate costumes and jewelry.
Vazhuvoor Style: The Vazhuvoor style of Bharatanatyam is named after the village of Vazhuvoor in Tamil Nadu. He is known for his emphasis on abhinaya (expressive aspect), delicate movements, and lyrical interpretation of dance. The Vazhuvoor style is often considered to be more feminine and elegant.
Kalakshetra Style: The Kalakshetra style of Bharatanatyam was developed by Rukmini Devi Arundale, founder of the Kalakshetra Foundation in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. This style focuses on clean lines, subtle facial expressions, and a blend of traditional elements with a modern approach.
Mysore Style: The Mysore style of Bharatanatyam originated from the city of Mysore in Karnataka. He is known for his unique combination of Bharatanatyam with elements of the local dance form, Kuchipudi. The Mysore style incorporates vigorous movement, dynamic footwork, and expressive abhinaya.
Melattur Style: The Melattur style of Bharatanatyam is named after the village of Melattur in Tamil Nadu. It is characterized by its emphasis on storytelling, dramatic expressions, and intricate rhythmic patterns. The style is known for its vibrant outfits and energetic movements.
Karana Style: The Karana style of Bharatanatyam is based on the ancient treatise called “Natya Shastra”. It focuses on recreating the karana, which are stylized and precise body postures mentioned in the text. This style aims to preserve the ancient dance techniques and movements described in the Natya Shastra.
These are some of the best known Bharatanatyam dance styles. Each style has its own unique characteristics and aesthetics, showcasing the richness and diversity of this classical Indian dance form.
Bharatanatyam Dance Artistry :
The art in Bharatanatyam encompasses various aspects including technique, expression, musicianship, and stage presence. Here are some key elements that contribute to the art of Bharatanatyam:
Technique: Bharatanatyam requires a solid foundation in technique, which includes mastering intricate footwork (adavus), body postures (araimandi), and hand gestures (mudras). The dancer must have precise control over his movements, making sure that every step, gesture and pose is executed with grace and precision.
Expression: Bharatanatyam is a highly expressive dance form that relies on the dancer’s ability to convey emotions and tell stories through their facial expressions, eye movements, and body language. A skilled Bharatanatyam dancer can evoke a wide range of emotions, from joy and love to anger and sadness, capturing the essence of the music and lyrics that accompany it.
Abhinaya (Dramatic Interpretation): Abhinaya is the art of telling stories through facial expressions and gestures. It is about the representation of different characters, their emotions and the narrative of the dance piece. A dancer’s ability to bring these characters to life and communicate their stories effectively is a crucial aspect of the art of Bharatanatyam.
Rhythm and Musicality: Bharatanatyam is closely related to Carnatic music, and dancers must have a thorough understanding of rhythm and musical nuances. They must be able to synchronize their movements with the rhythm of the music, accentuating intricate rhythmic patterns through footwork and body movements. Musicality is also expressed through the dancer’s ability to interpret and respond to the melodic and rhythmic aspects of the music.
Stage Presence and Charisma: A Bharatanatyam dancer should dominate the stage and captivate the audience with his presence. Stage presence involves a combination of confidence, charisma, and the ability to establish a connection with viewers. A dancer’s stage presence can enhance the overall impact of their performance and leave a lasting impression on an audience.
Creative Choreography – While Bharatanatyam has a traditional repertoire of dance compositions, a dancer’s artistry can also be displayed through their creative choreography. Some dancers incorporate innovative elements while maintaining the essence of the classical form, mixing traditional and contemporary elements to create unique performances.
Bharatanatyam is a lifelong journey of learning and refinement, and a dancer’s art evolves and deepens with years of dedicated practice, training, and experience. Through the combination of technique, expression, musicality and stage presence, Bharatanatyam dancers create a mesmerizing experience that celebrates the beauty and richness of this ancient dance form.