Indian Classical Dance: Bharatanatyam

ByParichay Chakrabarti Posted on08/12/202114/07/2023

One of the important genres in Indian classical dance is Bharata Natyam or Bharatanatyam dance. This dance form originated in the temples and courts of Tamil Nadu (a state in southern India). Later it was documented as a performing art in the 19th century by four brothers known as the Tanjore Quartet (musicians). It was previously referred to as Sadir, Dasiattam, and Thanjavur Natyam. The dance form demands unconditional and complete dedication from the side of the performer.

Serving God

Their musical compositions are used for Bharata Natyam dance repertoire even today. The art form used to perform from generation to generation under the Devadasi system. Devadasi women were dedicated to temples to serve the GOD as dancers and musicians performing part of the elaborate rituals. These male gurus (Nattuvanars) were the most important part of this dance, because they teach the Devadasis in the temple. This dance form was only used to perform in the temple not on stage or outside of the temple.

Bharatanatyam dance form — Bharatanatyam – Indian Classical Dance

Migrating Temple dance to Society

E Krishna Iyer and Rukmini Devi Arundale brought this temple dance form to society and started performing on stage. The items of the performance were only devotional characters such as Rama, Krishna, etc.

It performs with a scientific choreographed and practice. Bharatanatyam is the combination of hand gestures, foot works, eye movements. It tells a story with the above combinations based on Hindu mythologies. All performances begin with a prayer and initial steps marking respect to Lord Nataraja or Shiva.

Present scenario of Bharatanatyam dance

Today Bharata Natyam is one of the most popular and widely performed dance styles and is practiced by male and female dancers all over India and abroad. Its variety of movements and postures and the balanced of the rhythmic aspects take this art form to a higher level and other aspects lend themselves well to experimental and fusion choreography.

Bharatanatyam follows Abhinaya Darpanam, Natya Sastra, and other Sanskrit texts for the theory part.