The Classical Dance of India: Bharatnatyam

Dance is the expression and communication of emotions. If you love to dance, India is the place to be. Distinct styles of dance have evolved in the different regions of India, each with its own specific nuances. The country is home to some of the world's oldest dance forms.

Folk dances like Lavani or Garba, and classic styles like Kathakali or Manipuri are a few of them. Each dance has unique steps with significant meanings. Oldest among all classical dances, Bharatnatyam derives its name from Bharat, meaning sage. 'Natyam' means dance in Tamil.

Bharatanatyam dance tells a story. It is a traditional Indian dance from the temples of Tamil Nadu in southern India and is one of the most respected dances. It is said that one of the gods in Indian mythology, Shiva (the destroyer) also known as the Lord of Dance, created it.

Dancers wear a pair of leg bells known as ghungroos, which create rhythmic sounds to go along with the dance. They wear make-up, accessories, winged eyeliner, and put a red dye called Alta on their hands because it is considered to be good luck in Indian culture.

This dance form has unique features which make the dancer and the performance look different from any other dance form. They are the Mudras, Adavus (basic moves), Body Posture, and the Costume.

Dancers use Mudras, or hand gestures to tell the story, which can represent anything from everyday objects and animals to emotions. Drishti bhedas, the eye movements, help to convey meaning. And, natya vardhini, or facial expressions, help to capture the audience's attention.

One of the principal mudras is 'Kataka Mukha Hasta' in which the three fingers are joined to symbolise 'Om'. In a Bharatnatyam recital, the knees are mostly bent and the weight is equally distributed across both feet. Below is a video on mudras.

Other than being an art form marked by beauty and finesse, it makes for a vigorous workout of the mind, body, and soul. The dance tones arms, legs, and core muscles, as well as strengthens facial muscles. The steps and eye movements improve concentration and coordination skills.

Bharatanatyam helps in the awareness of the body in relation to the rhythmic movement. While it may take years to master the dance style at the performance level, you can learn a few steps for a satisfying workout.

Final Note: Rukmini Devi Arundale, Malvaika Sarukkai are a few of the well-known Bharatnatyam dancers. If you want to learn something new, start with the mother of Indian Dance. Bharatnatyam will benefit you mentally and spiritually, and keep you healthy.