An ancient traditional art form with its origins steeped in divinity, Bharata Natyam reflects the culture of India at its best.
Also its is a classical Indian dance form that is popular and nurtured in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.This dance form denotes various 19th- and 20th-century reconstructions of Sadir, the art of temple dancers called Devadasis. Sadir in turn, is derived from ancient dance in the treatise Natya Shastra byBharata of fourth or third century BC
A possible origin of the name is from Bharata Muni, who wrote the Natya Shastra to which Bharatanatyam owes many of its ideas. This etymology also holds up to scrutiny better since Bharatanatyam is pronounced with short forms of "bha", "ra" and "ta" where bha means Bhava (Expressions), ra means Raaga(Music), ta means Taala(Rhythm) and natyam means Dance.
Bharatanatyam is a reworked dance-form from the traditional "sadir" known for its grace, purity, tenderness, and sculpturesque poses. Today, it is one of the most popular and widely performed dance styles and is practiced by male and female dancers all over the world.
The performer is usually a soloist accompanied by a minimum of two musicians and usually four for a full-scale concert. The dancer uses the space as her own sacred temple and brings the audience into her magical circle as she performs and acts out stories with Gods and Goddesses from Indian mythology, folk tales and stories with emotional content. Being a living art form it has continued to enrich itself changing with the times yet keeping its pristine beauty and nature intact. Linear geometrical patterns, a perfect balance of the body, eloquents of expression, and precision of footwork to intricate mathematical rhythms are the hallmarks of this dance.
The dance is sculpturesque and the art of iconography comes to life as one witnesses in the hands of a proficient performer the limitless dimensions of this highly venerated art form. The dance is flourishing in its country of origin and has a large following amongst those initiated to its intricacies and cultural concepts. These Days Performers have become virtual cultural ambassadors of India representing its cultural heritage beautifully.
