Bharatanatyam is one of the popular classical and traditional dances of India, originating from Balasaraswati which is nothing but diversification of Natya Yoga. Balasaraswati brings forth into the practice the spiritual semblance through synchronized physical and emotional body movements. Bharatnatyam has rich history of the style almost dating back to 2000 years. It is inspired from the sculptures of the ancient temple of Chidambaram. The origin of Bharatnatyam is in Thanjavoor of Tamil Nadu.
The alternative name of Bharatnatayam is Daasiyattam. Earlier, Devdasis performed the natya in the ancient temple. The Devdasis were women who lived their life as dancer and worship to god by paying obeisance through their dance. The traditional form passed from the one generation of Devdasis to another, generation by generation. As the dance form entered into the royal courts, the dancers were soon begin to be called as Rajanartakis, who had the expertise to perform the royal courts. Rajanartakis slowly became the royal concubines.
The name Bharatanatyam is explained two different ways. The first is that it is composed of related words:
- BHAva (expression)
- RAga (melodic mode)
- TAla (rhythm)
- NATYAM (dance)
The second is that the name comes from a combination of the name of the sage Bharata Muni who wrote the “Natya Shastra” the principles of this dance, and the word for dance “natyam”.
COSTUMING
Bharatanatyam is a very demanding art form especially recognized by it’s sculptural poses, rhythmic footwork, and intricate hand and eye movements. The costuming is also distinct. The dancers wear bells around their ankles to accent the footwork, jewelry around their waist and neck at a minimum), and makeup to enhance the eye and facial expressions.
The costumes are designed for freedom of movement and to showcase the signature half-seated posture (called aria mandi or ardhamandal) so characteristic of Bharatanatyam dance. The costumes can either be a sari (wrapped in various ways) or they can be stitched from sari fabric. The most common style of stitched costume consists of 3+ pieces for males, 4 pieces for children, and 5 pieces for females:
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