Bharatanatyam

Bharatanatyam is considered as the oldest classical dance form originated in South India. It is the combination of four most important sides of dance. They are Bhava means emotion, Raga means music, Tala means rhythm and Natya means dance. Mostly Bharatanatyam is performed as a solo dance in Hindu temples of Tamil Nadu. But in the end, it became popular in South India. The basic section or sequence of Bharatanatyam is Alarippu, Jathiswaram, Sabhdam, Varnam, Padam and Thillana. Bharatanatyam was known as Dasiyattam and it has three elements such as Nritta, Nritya and Natya. Nritta is based on Pure dance steps. The purpose is to create beauty by making various patterns, lines in space and time. Alarippu, Kauthuvam and Jathiswaram are the three sections that come under Nritta. Fusion of rhythm and expression creates Nritya. Swarajathi, Sabhdam and Varnam which come under Nritya. Natya contains dramatic elements or it corresponds to drama. Padam is the only one which comes under Natya. As a traditional dance form, Adavu and Hastha Mudra are the basics of Bharatanatyam. There are 64 basic Adavu and it is divided into 9 parts such as Thattadavu, Nattadavu, Kuthithu Mettadavu, Mandiadavu, Sarikkal and Thattu Muttu. Artists begin the performance with prayers to Lord Ganesh and Nataraj Moorthi. Kanchipuram Silk, Banaras silk Jacket and Pyjama are the dressing pattern of Bharatanatyam. Artists wear ornaments of shining coloured stones or white stones of earrings, bangles and ornaments to head, forehead etc. Carnatic classical music is the background voice of this dance form. Instruments such as veena, flute, mridangam and violin are also used for the stage performance. Artists communicate to the viewers through a verbal message are Abhinaya. It is divided into four types such as Angika Abhinaya, Vachika Abhinaya, Aharya Abhinaya and Satvika Abhinaya. Angika Abhinaya means dancers convey the meaning of the songs by moving the limbs of the body. Vachika Abhinaya denotes the viewers to understand the story through verbal storytelling. Aharya Abhinaya means the use of costumes, jewellery and makeup. Satvika Abhinaya is the direct communication of Bhavas to viewers. Eight primary moods as Rasas such as Sringara, Lasya, Veera, Roudram, Bhayanaka, Bheebatsa, Adbhuta, Karuna and Shanta corresponds with Sthayi bhavas. So most of the dances portray the bhava of Bhakti Sringara or Vatsalya. Moreover, dancers need some essential qualities to become a professional dancer. They are Agility, Steadiness, Graceful lines, Balance in Pirouettes, Glance, Hard Work, Intelligence, Devotion, Good speech and singing ability. Bharatanatyam concert begins with pushpanjali and ends with Mangalam.