2021-10-16

Bharatanatyam

For years India has been known for its vibrant culture and variety of traditions. However, since the growth of technology, it has been getting the popularity and exposure it deserves even more. One such aspect that has gained popularity among the people non-native to India is its dance forms. Be it Kuchipudi, Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Manipuri, Odissi or any other Indian Classical Dances. They have been watched and loved across the globe. 

Today we are here to speak a little more about one of the dance forms close to our hearts at Antara, and that is Bharatanatyam! 

Bharatanatyam is one of India's oldest classical dance forms, which dates back to the era 200 BC) where the foundations of the dance form are found in Sage Bharata’s ‘Natya Shastra’. Also, references are found in Tamil epics like Silappatikaram and Manimegalai. It is associated with the state of Tamil Nadu in South India. It prospered in the courts and temples of South India. The word Bharatanatyam had been derived by joining two words - Bha (bhava) ra (raga) ta (tala) and Natyam - dance. 
Bharatanatyam has been used for centuries to narrate mythological legends and spiritual ideas from various Hindu texts. A Bharatanatyam performance includes nritta (pure dance), nritya (solo expressive dance) and natya which is abhinaya or act and is combination of bhava, rasa and abhinaya. 

Bharatanatyam ideally includes fixed upper torso, bent legs and knees flexed (Aramandi) steps combined with spectacular footwork, and a sophisticated vocabulary of mudras or gestures of hands, eyes, and face muscles. 

The dance is incomplete without music and a singer. Mridangam and Cymbals are essential instruments in Bharatanatyam. The other instruments used are veena, flute, violin, tabla, sitar. 

One of the most interesting features of this dance form would be that the guru is present as the director, conductor and Nattuvanar of the performance. 

Bharatanatyam is also one of the dance forms associated with Devadasis or servants of the Lord who performed this dance in the temples. However, during the British rule in India, this system of performing in temples by Devadasis was banned. It was only during the 20th century as the Indian Freedom Struggle progressed, the locals revived Bharatanatyam and used it to spread not just cultural stories but also added it as a mean to extend the freedom struggle to the masses.

 

Now that we have high-level information about Bharatanatyam let us consider the benefits of learning Bharatanatyam. Apart from being an addition to the curriculum vitae as a hobby, below are some of the advantages of learning Bharatanatyam: 

1. Bharatanatyam has complex movements and postures, and at times they need to be held for a few seconds. This ensures that the muscle strength and overall stamina improves. 
2. Bharatanatyam uses every muscle in the body for an elegant performance. The use of every body part like hands, legs, upper torso or eyes and other facial muscles during the performance tones our body and improve flexibility. 
3. While performing on stage a Bharatanatyam dancer must be very alert and avoid missing any movements or beats. This requires focus and concentration. It ensures that the body moves in sync and they maintain their balance. 
4. The movements and steps followed in the Bharatanatyam boosts blood circulation and pumps blood faster, taking us closer to a healthy and strong heart. 
5. Bharatanatyam uses the stories from the Indian mythology. This not only connects the performer with the audiences but also with the divine. Even dancing gives a sense of peace and calm amidst the chaos to truly connect with oneself. 
   
   The world of Bharatanatyam is exciting, isn't it? So what are you waiting for? Connect with us at Antara and enroll for a fantastic journey of self-discovery and connecting to the Indian culture.