Bharatanatyam

From Wikivora
Jump to navigation Jump to search


Bharatanatyam
Genre Indian Classical Dance
Origin Tamil Nadu, India
Traditional Setting Hindu Temples
Ancient Basis Natyashastra
Primary Elements Nritta, Nritya, Natya
Recognized By Sangeet Natak Akademi
Associated Region South India
Cultural Significance Performing Arts and Religious Expression

Bharatanatyam is one of the oldest and most widely practiced classical dance forms of India. Originating in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, it is renowned for its intricate footwork, expressive gestures, storytelling traditions, and spiritual themes. Bharatanatyam is recognized as one of the major Indian classical dance traditions and is considered an important part of India's cultural heritage.

Historically performed in Hindu temples, Bharatanatyam evolved from a devotional art form into a globally recognized stage performance tradition. The dance combines rhythm, expression, music, and dramatic storytelling to convey religious, mythological, and cultural narratives.

Etymology

The name Bharatanatyam is often interpreted as a combination of:

  • Bha – Bhava (Expression)
  • Ra – Raga (Melody)
  • Ta – Tala (Rhythm)
  • Natyam – Dance

This interpretation reflects the essential components of the dance form, namely expression, music, rhythm, and performance.

History

Bharatanatyam traces its origins to ancient India and is closely associated with the principles described in the Natyashastra, an ancient Sanskrit treatise on performing arts attributed to Bharata Muni. The dance developed in the temples of Tamil Nadu, where it was traditionally performed as a form of devotion.

For centuries, the dance was performed by Devadasis attached to temples and was historically known as Sadir Attam. During the colonial period, the tradition experienced decline due to social and political changes. In the early twentieth century, cultural reformers and artists worked to revive and preserve Bharatanatyam as a respected classical art form.

Elements of Bharatanatyam

Bharatanatyam consists of three primary components:

Nritta

Pure dance movements emphasizing rhythm, technique, and body coordination without narrative content.

Nritya

Expressive dance involving facial expressions, gestures, and interpretation of themes and emotions.

Natya

Dramatic storytelling through dance, often depicting episodes from mythology, epics, and religious literature.

Technique

The dance form is characterized by:

  • Rhythmic Footwork
  • Codified Body Postures
  • Hand Gestures (Mudras)
  • Facial Expressions (Abhinaya)
  • Eye Movements
  • Complex Rhythmic Patterns

A distinctive feature of Bharatanatyam is the Araimandi posture, a half-sitting position that forms the basis of many movements.

Costume and Appearance

Traditional Bharatanatyam costumes typically include:

  • Silk Dance Costume
  • Temple Jewellery
  • Hair Adornments
  • Bells (Ghungroo) Worn Around the Ankles
  • Traditional Makeup

The costume is designed to highlight body movements and enhance visual presentation during performances.

Music

Bharatanatyam performances are generally accompanied by Carnatic music.

Musical accompaniment often includes:

  • Vocal Music
  • Mridangam
  • Violin
  • Flute
  • Nattuvangam (Cymbals)

The synchronization between dance movements and music forms a central aspect of the performance tradition.

Repertoire

A traditional Bharatanatyam recital may include:

  • Alarippu
  • Jatiswaram
  • Shabdam
  • Varnam
  • Padam
  • Tillana
  • Mangalam

These items are arranged to showcase technical skill, expression, and storytelling ability.

Revival and Modern Development

The twentieth century witnessed a revival of Bharatanatyam through the efforts of artists and cultural institutions. Notable figures such as Rukmini Devi Arundale, Balasaraswati, and E. Krishna Iyer contributed significantly to preserving and popularizing the dance form. The establishment of institutions such as Kalakshetra helped standardize training and performance practices.

Today, Bharatanatyam is performed globally and continues to evolve through contemporary interpretations while retaining its classical foundations.

Notable Exponents

Prominent Bharatanatyam dancers include:

  • Rukmini Devi Arundale
  • Balasaraswati
  • Yamini Krishnamurthy
  • Padma Subrahmanyam
  • Alarmel Valli
  • Malavika Sarukkai

These artists have contributed significantly to the preservation and international recognition of Bharatanatyam.

Cultural Significance

Bharatanatyam is regarded as an important symbol of Indian cultural heritage. It is taught and performed throughout India and internationally, serving as a medium for artistic expression, spiritual devotion, and cultural preservation.

See Also

References

Retrieved from "https://wikivora.org/index.php?title=Bharatanatyam&oldid=1439"