BHARATANATYAM
The general interpretation for the name Bharatnatyam is:
BhAva(expression)+ RAga (song) + TAla(rhythm) Bharat Natyam, the Indian Classical Dance from South Indian-Tamil Nadu, originated in district of Tanjore. It was initially known as Sadir-attam (court Dance) and Dasiattam (performed by the daasis-the servants of God). DEVDASI; The Devdasis popularized this dance form in the temples. They used to perform this dance during the AARTI performed in the evening before the gods and goddesses. The Devdasies believed the gods to be their husbands and spent their entire life dedicated to them, and remained unmarried.
Bharatanatyam or Dasiattam of South Indian is considered to be the most ancient and purest form of Classical Dance of India. It derives all its movemants from the principles laid down by Bharat Muni and other sages. Bharatanatyam developed in the temples of Southern India under the patronage or courts by the community of devdasis (temple dancers). The tech nique consists of a number of Adaus or phrases of coordinating and foot movements done to the accompaniment of various rhythmic syllables known as Bols, in the language of Dance. The bols must be uttered while practising the adaus, but not while performing an item. Bharatanatyam is basically women's dance.
BharatNatyam is a symbol of beauty and aesthetic perfection. As a philosophy, it is a search of human soul for ideal. As a religion, it is the man's quest for the Supreme and the desire to unite with the Ultimate. As a science, it is to attain the perfection of body technique and corporal movement and as poetry; it is the symbol of rythmic lyricism.
As in any classical dance form, BharatNatyam requires total dedication, vigorous practice and full concentration, It requires a mastery over the technipue of movements to achieve grace, balance, flexibility, physical endurance and a faultless sense of rhythm.
Costume Of Bharatnatyam
The costume of BharatNatyam has been developed from time to time. The costumes that were prevalent earlier have been improvised and designed according to the needs and aesthetics.
But the most commonly used styles include the Skirt/Saree style and the Pyjama Style. Some also use the normal sarree and stitch it temperoraily for the dance purpose. The most beautiful part of the costume is the knife-pleated fan which is either knee length or mid-calf length and links the two legs of the pyjamas.This fan opens up whenever the dancer takes the basic BharatNatyam posture of aramandi.
Jewelry of Bharatnatyam
The specific jewelry that is used for the dance is called as the Temple jwellery, which is made of semi precious stones and metal.
It consists of maattal and earbells for the ear, Kasumalai (coin necklace made of 'panchdhaatu'), Muthu maalai (long necklace), Necklace (small). Bangles, Talaisaamaan (head set, sun-surya prabha and moon-chandra prabha), Flowers (Jasmine ring and Kanakambaram (orange flowers), other hair decoration, Nose ring, Chalang (Ghungroos-ankle bells-of brass meat!) and Waist band (kamar patta). The raakodi is worn at the top of the head,
which provides as an anchor for the flowers worn by the dancer. The hair is mostly plaited and tied to a beautiful fringe called the kunjulam.
Accompanying Instrucment
Mridangam, Majeerą, Violin, Flute and male & female singer.
Exponents
Balasaraswati, Bhanumati, Rukmini Devi Arundale, Yamini Krishnamurthy and Mrinalini Sarabhai are the most known exponents of Bharatanatyam.
