Bharatanatyam

Definition

Bharatanatyam is one of the oldest classical dance forms of India, originating from the Tamil Nadu region. This dance combines expressive hand gestures, intricate footwork, and storytelling through facial expressions, making it a highly emotive and visually captivating art form. Often performed in temples and later on stages, bharatanatyam embodies both spiritual devotion and cultural heritage.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Bharatanatyam has roots in ancient temple dances and was traditionally performed by Devadasis, women dedicated to temple worship.
2. The dance form is structured into specific segments known as Alarippu, Jatiswaram, Varnam, and Tillana, each with its unique purpose and style.
3. Bharatanatyam is characterized by its fixed upper torso, bent legs, intricate footwork, and expressive hand gestures known as mudras.
4. The dance is often accompanied by live music featuring traditional instruments such as the mridangam (drum), flute, and veena (string instrument).
5. In recent years, bharatanatyam has gained international recognition and has been adapted to include contemporary themes while still preserving its classical roots.

Review Questions

• How does bharatanatyam illustrate the concept of storytelling through its movements and expressions?
  • Bharatanatyam uses a combination of mudras (hand gestures), abhinaya (expressive techniques), and intricate footwork to tell stories, often derived from Hindu mythology. Each movement is choreographed to convey specific emotions or narrative elements, allowing the dancer to connect with the audience on an emotional level. This storytelling aspect is essential to bharatanatyam, making it not just a performance but a means of communicating deeper spiritual or cultural themes.
• Discuss the historical evolution of bharatanatyam and its transformation from temple performances to stage presentations.
  • Originally, bharatanatyam was performed exclusively in temples as a form of devotional worship by the Devadasis. However, during British colonial rule in the 19th century, the dance faced decline due to societal changes and moral judgments. In the early 20th century, bharatanatyam underwent a revival led by artists who redefined its presentation for stage performances. This transformation helped bring bharatanatyam into modern concert halls while maintaining its cultural significance and artistic integrity.
• Evaluate the impact of globalization on bharatanatyam and how it has adapted to contemporary audiences while preserving its traditional elements.
  • Globalization has significantly influenced bharatanatyam by introducing new themes and fusions with other art forms to appeal to diverse audiences. While maintaining traditional techniques and narratives, contemporary performances may incorporate modern music styles or address current social issues. This adaptation has allowed bharatanatyam to resonate with a wider audience around the world while still honoring its rich heritage. The challenge lies in balancing innovation with authenticity to ensure that the essence of bharatanatyam is preserved amidst changing cultural landscapes.

Related terms

Natya Shastra: An ancient Indian treatise on the performing arts, written by Bharata Muni, that serves as a foundational text for various Indian dance forms, including bharatanatyam.

Mudras: Symbolic hand gestures used in bharatanatyam and other Indian classical dances to convey specific meanings, emotions, or narratives.

Abhinaya: The art of expression in Indian classical dance that involves conveying emotions and storytelling through facial expressions and body movements.