Bharata Natyam or Bharatanatyam is a classical dance form originating in Tamil Nadu a Southern state of India.
Bharatanatyam is usually accompanied by the classical music. It has its inspirations from the sculptures of the ancient temple of Chidambaram.
Bharata Natyam comes from the words Bhava (Expression), Raga (Music), Tala (Rhythm) and Natya (Classic Indian Musical Theatre). Today, it is one of the most popular and widely performed dance styles and is practiced by many dancers all over the world.[6][7] The Encyclopædia Britannica states that Bharata Natyam is Sanskrit for Bharata’s dancing.[2]
In ancient times it was performed as "dasiattam" by mandir (Hindu temple) Devadasis. Many of the ancient sculptures in Hindu temples are based on Bharata Natyam dance postureskaranas. In fact, it is the celestial dancers, apsara's, who are depicted in many scriptures dancing the heavenly version of what is known on earth as Bharata Natyam.
In Hindu mythology the whole universe is the dance of the Supreme Dancer, Nataraja, a name for Lord Shiva, the Hindu ascetic yogi and divine purveyor of destruction of evil. Lord Shiva is the Lord of Dance and the belief is that Bharatanatyam was handed over to the humans from the Lord himself!
Bharata Natyam or Bharatanatyam is a classical dance form originating in Tamil Nadu a Southern state of India.
Bharatanatyam is usually accompanied by the classical music. It has its inspirations from the sculptures of the ancient temple of Chidambaram.
Bharata Natyam comes from the words Bhava (Expression), Raga (Music), Tala (Rhythm) and Natya (Classic Indian Musical Theatre). Today, it is one of the most popular and widely performed dance styles and is practiced by many dancers all over the world. The Encyclopædia Britannica states that Bharata Natyam is Sanskrit for Bharata’s dancing.
In ancient times it was performed as "dasiattam" by mandir (Hindu temple) Devadasis. Many of the ancient sculptures in Hindu temples are based on Bharata Natyam dance postures or karanas. In fact, it is the celestial dancers, apsaras, who are depicted in many scriptures dancing the heavenly version of what is known on earth as Bharata Natyam.
In Hindu mythology the whole universe is the dance of the Supreme Dancer, Nataraja, a name for Lord Shiva, the Hindu ascetic yogi and divine purveyor of destruction of evil. Lord Shiva is the Lord of Dance and the belief is that Bharatanatyam was handed over to the humans from the Lord himself!
