Bharatanatyam is a classical Indian dance form that originated in Tamil Nadu. It conveys South Indian religious themes and spiritual ideas, particularly from Shaivism, as well as Hinduism and Jainism. This dance integrates three key elements: Natya, Nritta, and Nritya.
The term "Bharatanatyam" comes from two Sanskrit words: 'Bharata' and 'Natyam'. 'Natyam' means dance, while 'Bharata' is a mnemonic: 'Bha' for Bhava (emotions), 'Ra' for Raga (melody), and 'Ta' for Tala (rhythm). Thus, Bharatanatyam is a dance that expresses Bhava, Raga, and Tala.
Bharatanatyam is characterized by a fixed upper torso, bent legs, and flexed knees (Aramandi), combined with intricate footwork and a rich vocabulary of gestures using hands, eyes, and facial expressions. This classical dance has a profound impact on Indian history and tradition, and mastering it requires proper guidance from an expert teacher.
