Bharatanatyam

Bharatanatyam

1. Very specific with emotions. Makes use of every body part to express themselves

2. Facts

   • Originated from South India, Tamil Nada
   • Some of its movements were influenced by Bhakti Yoga
   • Inspirations are from sculptures in an ancient temple
   • Performed in temples as a spiritual ritual by the Devadasis
     • brings spiritual uplifting to the audience and performers

3. Characteristics

   • Solo dance form
   • Movements are conceived in space - along straight lines or triangles
   • Consist of foot rhythms and expressive hand gestures (Mudras)
   • Basic postures are 'Araimandi' or 'Ardhamandali'
     • half sitting position with knees turned out
   • 3 styles
     • Nritta - rhythmical and repetitive elements
     • Natya - dramatic expressions through gestures and poses
     • Nritya - combination of nritta and natya

4. Themes

   • Religious devotions
   • Romantic tales
   • Virtuosic, abstract movements

5. Music accompaniment

   • Reciting of dance syllables by a vocalist with a mridangam
   • South Indian Classical Carnatic Music
     • based on melody patterns called raga

6. Bharatanatyam Abhinaya

   • Angikabhinaya – physically communicates the meaning of the song
   • Vaachikabhinaya – communicates via verbal/accent/rhythm
   • Aharyabhinaya – makes use of costumes and make-up
   • Satvikabhinaya – temperamental, inner feelings of dancers are portrayed by mental contact or a glance
   • makes full use of subtle facial expressions and movements