Interesting Facts About Bharatnatyam, The Traditional Dance Form Of South India

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Bharatanatyam is a South Indian dance belonging to the Tamil Nadu belt. It originated from the Natyashastra, written by the Bharata. Originally, a dance form which used to be performed in the temples, before 20th century. This ancient dance form was used as a vehicle to artistically portray the Hindu epic stories. It was not performed on the public stage until the 20th century. Half bent legs, rhythmic tapping of feet, artistic hand gestures, and facial expressions bring the entire mythological history alive and vibrant for the audience.

1. The Indian dance system is the oldest and dates back to 2000 years.

2. Bharata Natyam originally used to be performed by the temple dancers of South India.

3. Bhartanatyam is a part of the five dance forms of ancient India including Odissi, Kuchipudi, Mohiniattam and Kathakali.

4. In the South Indian temple, you can see female figures in dance postures sculpted on the walls. They are regarded as divine courtesans performing the dance that is dedicated to the deity.

5. The name 'Bharatanatyam' is derived from three basic concepts of Bhava, Raga and Thaala.

6. The performance starts with the prayers to God Ganapathi and worship of Nataraja. The dance performance starts with 'Alarippu', 'Jathiswaram', 'Sabdam', 'Varnam', 'Padam' and 'Thillana' and ends lastly with a Mangala sloka. The performance lasts for two to two and half hours.

7. The typical Bharatnatyam costume includes a customized sari, heavy jewelry, bangles, rings, nostril jewelry, and anklets.

8. Bharata Natyam is danced to the background of South Indian classical music along with instruments like Veena, Flute, Mridangam and Violin. The dance is directed by Nattuvana' giving the 'talam and singing 'Vaaythari'.

9. There are elements of both technical as well as hand and facial expressions in this dance form. Technical perfection is showed with the way the feet move to different rhythms whereas hands and eyes artistically express themselves. The other aspect of the dance form is where the hands and facial expression combine with the body movements to portray stories from epics.

10. Yoga schools use the modified Bharatnatyam dance moves which came to be known as a tradition for meditation.

11. This dance form has both masculine and feminine elements of Tandava and Lasya respecitively which basically originated from the Celestial couple Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

12. The guru usually decides when the first performance of his disciple should be given. At least 10-12 years of training is necessary to give an acceptably good performance.

13. Rukmini Devi Arundale, a pioneer, taught this form to both men and women.

14. No more is the Bharatnatyam performed inside the temples. It has crossed this barrier long back and has established itself as a performing art today.

15. People of all religions including Christians and Muslims are showing an inclination to learn this dance form. So it has crossed the barrier of religion as well.

16. The Bharatanatyam is the true symbol of Indian culture and it needs to be popularized and taught more and more so as to impart the knowledge about classical Indian dance forms among common people.