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About
Bharatanatyam, also previously called Sadir Attam, is a major form of Indian classical dance that originated in the Tamil Nadu state of India. It was mainly performed in the courts and temples of Southern India in the antient times and mainly explains the religious themes and spiritual ideas.
History
The theoretical foundations of Bharatanatyam are found in Natya Shastra, the text on performance arts which is attributed to the ancient scholar Bharata Muni (Sage Bharatha). Another text which can be attributed to is the Abhinaya Darpana. Other historical references are seen in the Tamil epics Silappatikaram and Manimegalai.
Geographical Location
Originated in the State of Tamil Nadu, Southern India
Repertoire
The repertoire of Bharatanatyam, follows the three categories of performance in the Natya Shastra. These are Nritta (fast and rhythmic aspect), Nritya (slower and expressive aspect) and Natya (the play). The sequence or order of the performance is called Margam which is divided into : Alarippu, Jatiswaram, Shabdam, Varnam, Padam, Thillana and a Slokam or Mangalam.
Attire
The attire of a Bharatanatyam dancer consists of a fitted, brilliantly colored Saree which is mainly of warm colors. The specially stitched pleated cloth falls in front and opens like a hand fan when the dancer flexes her knees or performs footwork. The Bharathanatyam dancer is adorned with golden jewellery. The face will have makeup with special emphasis on her eyes so that the expressions and eye movements are clearly visible to the audience. The hair is tied up in the traditional way, often braided in with fragrant flowers and the dancer wear anklets. The outlines of the dancer’s fingers and feet may be partially colored red so that the audience easily view her hand and foot gestures.
Music and Musical Instruments
The accompanying style of music is the Karnatic style of Southern India. The Nattuvanar, typically also the conductor of the entire performance, who may be the guru of the dancer and will be playing the cymbals. There will be a vocalist also. In certain cases, the Nattuvanar will act as the vocalist. The instruments used include the Mridangam, Nattuvangam, Flute, Violin and Veena.
Renowned Practitioners
Balasaraswathi, Rukmini Devi Arundale, KP Kittappa Pillai, CV Chandrasekhar, Adayar K Lakshman, Mallika Sarabhai, Padma Subramanyam, Alarmel Valli, Yamini Krishnamoorthy, Mrinalini Sarabhai, Chitra Visweswaran, Rama Vaidyanathan, Leela Samson, Malavika Sarukkai, Narthaki Nataraj, Geetha Chandran, etc.
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