About Bharatanatyam

Overview and history

Bharatanatyam is a major form of Indian Classical dance that originated many centuries ago in southern India.

Legends of Lord Brahma reveal him as the creator of Bharatanatyam, who performed the dance to sage Bharata, who in turn wrote the dance form into the Natya Shastra (foundational text on artistic expression).

The practice of the Bharatanatyam style got its start in South Indian temples, where Devadasi (dancers dedicated to serving the Lord as servants) performed this dance along with spoken services. Dated back to 300 BCE, this was the original performance syle of Bharatanatyam.

In medieval times the practice continued and grew in popularity getting integrated as sculptures and carvings of Bharatanatyam poses in many Shiva temples.

At the start of British colonial rule, the invaders viewed the Devadasis of South India as disgraceful, equating the long-studied and religiously poignant Bharatanatyam tradition to the activities of courtesans. They instituted a ban on numerous classical Indian art forms, thus ending the custom of temple Bharatanatyam performances.

It wasn't long before classical art revivalists began working together to resurrect the artform. Schools were founded and this revered classical dance style continued to grow in popularity as more and more students took up the study. Today, Bharatanatyam dance is performed and celebrated all over India, as well as abroad, and is known as one of the most prominent Indian dances.

Principles and techniques

Bharatanatyam dance is broken down into three very broad divisions: Nritta, Nritya and Natya.

Nritta:

The technical aspect of the performance in which the dancer performs pure Bharata Natyam movements with particular attention to speed, pattern, form, range and rhythm without the introduction of any interpretive elements.

Nritya:

The aspect of the dance in which the dancer incorporates spiritual themes, feelings, and expressive gestures. In order to convey the Nritya, the body movements and gestures are typically slower and harmonized with the musical notes of the musical piece.

Natya:

Conveyed with the dancers maintaining particular body movements for specific characters which are communicated through interpretive dance.

The Arangetram

The term Arangetram translates to "ascending the stage". This performance is typically done ten to twelve years after a dancer begins learning Bharatanatyam, but more importantly, it is done when the guru believes the student is ready for a solo performance. The Arangetram is a culmination of multiple years of hard work by the student and the guru, and it is an opportunity for the dancer to showcase his or her dedication and skills developed over the years. Throughout this debut, the dancer performs a series of dances that are learned over a course of time. The dancer must build up his or her concentration and stamina to perform solo dances for approximately three hours. Each dance performed symbolizes various aspects of Hindu religion that are valued in Indian culture and Indian classical dance.

The traditional Bharatanatyam Arangetram performance follows a seven to eight-part order of presentation (margam). See the description of each of the items in the Program section.