Bharatanatyam
History:
This dance is particularly seen in the
TAMILNADU state.its origins are traced back to Lord Shiva’s “NATARAJA” form or
posture. Lord Shiva was the main diety to whom the devadaasi dedicated herself. Earlier it was performed by only
devadaasis. These devadaasis used to worship god by their dance style. This
belongs to “LAASYA”type of dance.
“VACHIKA” and “ANGIKA”
abhinayas(expressions) are beautifully shown in this dance form. The items of
this dance focus on tales connected with the Lord Vishnu, Krishna etc..
deities.
Performance :
The key posture of
this dance form is “AYATAM” or “ARAMANDI”(half sitting position). This requires
the upper part of the body to be bent in half with the knees spread out and the
feet positioned like half-open fan. The hand gestures and mudras form an important part of dance. This dance is accompanied
by the south Indian music i.e. Carnatic music. The drum known as mridangam,flute, violin, and nattuvangam
support for the dancer’s performance.
Costume:
The costume of dancer is made of silk, and
draped in such a way that it opens out into a fan complementing the “aramandi”
posture. It is accompanied by some special pieces of jewellery.
Famous and important items:
Alrippu,Jatiswaram,Sabdam,Varnam,Padams,Tilanas
Javeli and the art which is an artistic yoga,
for revealing the spiritual through the corporeal.
Prominent exponents:
Leela Samson, Yamini Krishnamurthy ,Swapna
sundari,Sudhachandran
