What is Bharatanatyam?
Bharatanatyam is one of the main ancient forms of Indian Classical Dance and the oldest classical dance tradition in India. It can be taught to students of all ages and is used in many different formats as a form of expression, story telling and celebration.
Bharatanatyam can be performed by solo dancers and also in groups with one or more main performers. It can be performed anywhere but mainly on stages accompanied by music, lights and costumes. Many stories have been told or themes explored through the form of Bharatanatyam, such as Creation, the Earth and different Hindu Gods and Goddesses. When done in this form, this can create a unique and immersive experience to an audience, increasing their appreciation and understanding of the dance and what the dance is depicting.
There are 3 main categories of performance of Bharatanatyam with each performance consisting of a 10-part sequence called ‘Natya-Margam’. These three categories are:
Nritta/Nirutham - The pure movement in dance which while reflecting the mood of musical compositions does not convey any expression. These are non-interpretive in nature, not meant to convey any messages or thought but instead to add beauty to the dance form.
Examples of a Nritta are Alaripu and Jatiswaram
Nritya/Niruthiyam - has sahityam (a sentence which means something). It has emotions, expressions and has a meaning shown by the hastas. Niruthiyam invoves all four types of Abinayam In an another word it is called Nrittya which on the other hand is an interpretative dance and involves a lot of sentiments, emotions and description. Ex – Shabdam, Padam, Keerthanam...etc
Natyam/Nattiyam - is when a Nirutham and Niruthiyam are combined together with music in the background. This type of dance requires the dancer's imagination and initiative to tell a story through dancing and music. There are 4 types of abhinaya in dance. They are :
Anghika - Physical or body movements.
Vachika - the song being played, poetry
Aaharya - Ornamentation of a character/dancer e.g. jewellery, costume
Satvika - Involuntary movements e.g. trembling, break of voice, tears.
It involves acting out a story for the audience using expressions. Also the actors may dress like the character. Natya is usually performed with a mythologial theme, like on the stories of Ramayana or Krishnaleela, etc.