Bharatnatyam, aptly called 'The dance of the body and soul' evolved in South India around 200BC. The roots of Bharatnatyam trace back to a 2400 year old book - 'The Natya Shastra'. Natya Shastra is a set of rules on the performance of dance, music and theatre. Natya Shastra laid the foundation of all fine arts in India.
Different Bharatnatyam styles evolved based on the Gurus and their cities. The most visible styles of Bharatnatyam are: Mysore Style, Kalakshetra Style, Pandanallur Style and Tanjore Style. The styles are classified based on variations in movement vocabulary and teaching methodologies. The Pandanallur style is especially renowned for its masterpieces in choreography.
The complex art of Bharatnatyam involves years of hardwork, discipline and dedication. Bharatnatyam combines three aspects of dance : Nritta, Nritya, and Natya.
Nritta is a combination of vigorous, complicated rythmic footwork in the traditional half squat position along with symmetrical hand movements to enhance the beauty of the dance. Nritta is something to be seen and heard. It is simply the beauty of the movement for the eye of the beholder.
Nritya is the combination of Nritta and expression. The art of expression is called 'Abhinaya'. The study and practice of 'Nava Rasa' is an important aspect of learning Abhinaya in Bharatnatyam.
Natya is a drama where the dancer portrays a story or a tale through mime and facial expressions. Natya uses spoken words, expressions and actions to articulate the elements of drama.
Another distinctive feature of Bharatnatyam Dance is the use of expressive hand gestures 'Hastha mudras', as a way of communication.
Bharatnatyam is a form of artistic yoga, which synchronizes the inner biorhythms with the movements of the body. Researchers have discovered that Bharatnatyam significantly improves one's ability to control the mind. Practicing Bharatnatyam achieves distinct positive effects on both mind and body.
Different Bharatnatyam styles evolved based on the Gurus and their cities. The most visible styles of Bharatnatyam are: Mysore Style, Kalakshetra Style, Pandanallur Style and Tanjore Style. The styles are classified based on variations in movement vocabulary and teaching methodologies. The Pandanallur style is especially renowned for its masterpieces in choreography.
The complex art of Bharatnatyam involves years of hardwork, discipline and dedication. Bharatnatyam combines three aspects of dance : Nritta, Nritya, and Natya.
Nritta is a combination of vigorous, complicated rythmic footwork in the traditional half squat position along with symmetrical hand movements to enhance the beauty of the dance. Nritta is something to be seen and heard. It is simply the beauty of the movement for the eye of the beholder.
Nritya is the combination of Nritta and expression. The art of expression is called 'Abhinaya'. The study and practice of 'Nava Rasa' is an important aspect of learning Abhinaya in Bharatnatyam.
Natya is a drama where the dancer portrays a story or a tale through mime and facial expressions. Natya uses spoken words, expressions and actions to articulate the elements of drama.
Another distinctive feature of Bharatnatyam Dance is the use of expressive hand gestures 'Hastha mudras', as a way of communication.
Bharatnatyam is a form of artistic yoga, which synchronizes the inner biorhythms with the movements of the body. Researchers have discovered that Bharatnatyam significantly improves one's ability to control the mind. Practicing Bharatnatyam achieves distinct positive effects on both mind and body.