Bharatanatyam: The Ancient Classical Dance Form of Tamil Nadu

The Divine Art of Bharatanatyam

Bharatanatyam is one of the eight classical dance forms of India, originating from the temples of Tamil Nadu over two thousand years ago. The name 'Bharatanatyam' is derived from the Sanskrit words 'Bhava' (expression), 'Raga' (melody), 'Tala' (rhythm), and 'Natyam' (dance). This ancient dance form was traditionally performed by devadasis, women who dedicated their lives to temple service, as a form of worship and storytelling. Today, Bharatanatyam is celebrated worldwide as one of the most sophisticated and expressive dance traditions, combining intricate footwork, graceful movements, and elaborate hand gestures known as mudras.

The Origins and History

The roots of Bharatanatyam can be traced to the Natya Shastra, the ancient Sanskrit treatise on performing arts written by the sage Bharata Muni, dating back to around 200 BCE to 200 CE. The dance form flourished under the patronage of the Chola, Pandya, and Vijayanagara empires, who built magnificent temples with dedicated dance halls. The bronze sculptures of the Chola period, particularly the iconic Nataraja image, capture the essence of Bharatanatyam's divine origins. During the British colonial period, Bharatanatyam faced decline and social stigma due to misconceptions about the devadasi tradition. The revival of this classical art form in the early twentieth century is largely credited to pioneers like E. Krishna Iyer and Rukmini Devi Arundale, who systematized the training and elevated Bharatanatyam as a respected classical art.

Bharatanatyam is often described as a form of yoga for the body and meditation for the mind. The dancer's body becomes an instrument of divine expression, with every gesture, every step, and every expression carrying spiritual significance.

A traditional Bharatanatyam performance, known as a 'margam' or path, follows a carefully structured sequence. It begins with 'Alarippu,' a pure dance piece that serves as an invocation. This is followed by 'Jatiswaram,' a combination of rhythmic patterns and melody. The main part of the performance is 'Varnam,' the most complex piece that combines pure dance with expressive storytelling. The performance concludes with 'Tillana,' a vibrant finale with intricate footwork, followed by a final 'Mangalam' or benediction.

The Elements of Bharatanatyam

Bharatanatyam is characterized by its distinct elements. The 'Nritta' or pure dance involves intricate footwork, rhythmic patterns, and graceful movements of the body, hands, and neck. 'Nritya' combines dance with expression, using mudras and facial expressions to convey stories and emotions. 'Natya' is the dramatic element, involving the enactment of narratives from Hindu mythology and epics. The dancer wears a distinctive costume consisting of a richly embroidered silk saree with pleats that fan out during movements. Heavy jewelry including a headpiece, earrings, necklaces, and anklets with bells known as 'ghungroo' complete the attire. The ghungroo enhances the rhythmic footwork and adds an auditory dimension to the performance.

• Bharatanatyam has over fifty fundamental movements known as 'adavus' that form the vocabulary of the dance
• The mudras or hand gestures number over fifty, each with specific meanings and applications
• The dance form requires years of rigorous training under a qualified guru
• Bharatanatyam has gained UNESCO recognition as an intangible cultural heritage

Bharatanatyam in the Modern Era

Contemporary Bharatanatyam has evolved while maintaining its classical foundations. Modern choreographers experiment with new themes, music, and presentation styles while preserving the traditional technique. The dance form has gained a global following, with schools and performance troupes established in countries around the world. Bharatanatyam continues to inspire audiences with its blend of technical precision, artistic expression, and spiritual depth, serving as a living connection to India's ancient cultural heritage.

The Training and Discipline of Bharatanatyam

The training regimen for Bharatanatyam is rigorous and demands exceptional discipline and dedication. Students typically begin training at a young age, spending years mastering the fundamental movements known as 'adavus.' The training includes exercises for body flexibility, footwork precision, hand gesture accuracy, and facial expression control. Students learn under the guidance of a guru in the traditional Gurukula system, where the relationship between teacher and student extends beyond mere technical instruction to encompass holistic development. The training includes theoretical study of the Natya Shastra, music theory, and the mythological stories that form the content of performances. Advanced students learn the art of improvisation within the structured framework of the dance. The training process is itself considered a form of spiritual discipline, purifying the body and mind for artistic expression. The dedication required to master Bharatanatyam develops qualities of perseverance, concentration, and artistic sensitivity that benefit practitioners in all aspects of life.

Bharatanatyam's Global Influence

In the contemporary global landscape, Bharatanatyam has transcended its origins to become a truly international art form. Dance schools and performance troupes have been established in Europe, North America, Australia, and Southeast Asia, with students from diverse cultural backgrounds embracing the art form. International collaborations have produced innovative fusion works that combine Bharatanatyam with ballet, contemporary dance, and other world dance traditions. The spiritual and meditative aspects of Bharatanatyam have attracted practitioners seeking holistic artistic experiences. The dance form has also influenced Western choreographers and theatre practitioners who have incorporated elements of Bharatanatyam's vocabulary into their work. Major international festivals regularly feature Bharatanatyam performances, introducing the art form to new audiences. The global spread of Bharatanatyam has not diminished its classical purity but has instead enriched it through cross-cultural dialogue and exchange.