Bharata Natyam

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Bharata Natyam

These are some of various dance forms throughout the world today. Most individuals are familiar with these forms of dancing, since they are the most prominent and most widely used forms of dances in modern society. Throughout history, dance has been a main source of entertainment, from early tribes to modern day theaters. Interestingly though, somewhere between the transition from tribes to theater, dance has played a role from temple to theater as well. The one form of dance that has made a progression from temple to theater is familiar to India. This form of dance is known as "Bharata Natyam." (Pronounced: "Baaratha Naatyum").

Bharata Natyam, which originates in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu , is one of the oldest and most popular dance styles in India. It's traditions date back even earlier than the Rig Vedic period of the Aryans (1500 BC). It is now widely spread throughout the rest of India as well. A popular interpretation of the name of the style is:

Bhava (expression) + Raga (musical mode) + Tala (rhythm) Natyam (dance+acting) = BHARATA NATYAM (Chandra, 15).

Named after sage Bharata, the author of Natya Shastra (manual of dramatic art), originated in temples, used to enact religious themes. Principles of classical dance have their origins in the Vedas, which detail the forms of dance, drama worship and meditation (Medhuri, 2).

Upon looking up the definition of Bharata Natyam from a Webster's dictionary, one will read the following: " To move rhythmically to music using improvised or planned steps and gestures."

An interesting point to note about this definition is that the neither the term "acting" nor worship is included in the definition.. Therefore it is understandab...

... middle of paper ...

... event for audience and the dancer alike.

A final thought which I personally wrote on the experience of Bharata Natyam:

"We bow to Him the benevolent One

Whose limbs are the world,

Whose song and poetry are the essence of all language,

Whose costume is the moon and the stars..."

Works Cited

1. Bhagyalekshmy, Shanker. Approach to Bharata Natyam. Pennsylvania: Rodale Press, 1997.

2. Chandra, G.S. Sharat. Bharata Natyam Dancer. New York: Ind-US, 1976.

3. Koirala, Manisha. "Bharata Natyam." 3 Nov. 1995. Indian Cultural Association. 16 November 1998. *http://www.ibm.park.org/indiantro.html*

4. Medhuri, Avanthi. "Classical Bharata Natyam." India Worldwide 31 December 1995: 12-21.

5. Rai, Aishwaria. "Classical Dance From South India." 21 July 1996. Natyalya Dance Academy. 15 November 1998. *http://www.wesleyan.edu/~k.poursine/bharata.htm*

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