Bharatanatyam: An Ancient Dance Form

Author: Leela Sharma

Date: 01-18-23

Bharatnatyam is an ancient classical Indian dance form that originated in the sacred temples of Tamil Nadu, around 300 BCE. This intricate art form is deeply intertwined with cultural and spiritual significance, embodying centuries of tradition and storytelling. The foundational principles of Bharatnatyam can be attributed to the ancient Sanskrit text Natya Shastra by the sage Bharata Muni. Through this text, Bharata Muni outlined the fundamental tenets that govern Bharatnatyam, shaping its movements, expressions, and overall artistic expression.

Bharatnatyam is characterized by its graceful movements, intricate footwork, and expressive gestures to convey profound emotions and narratives. Each movement and gesture in Bharatnatyam is meticulously choreographed to communicate specific meanings, invoking a sense of divine connection.

Bharatanatyam has three aspects - Nritta, Nrithya, and Natya. The Nritta performance is the abstract, fast and rhythmic aspect of the dance. The Nritya is the slower and expressive aspect of the dance that attempts to communicate feelings and storyline particularly with spiritual themes in the dance traditions. The Natya is a play where the dancer uses certain standardized body movements to indicate a new character in the story.

Over the centuries, Bharatnatyam has evolved and adapted.  However, it has retained its essence and traditional elements, making it an art form that even today continues to captivate audiences. Bharatnatyam engages both mind and soul and is known for its grace, purity of form and beauty. It aims to uplift the dancer and the audience to a higher level of spiritual consciousness.