Bharatnatyam originated in southern India over 2000 years ago as a temple dance. It later evolved at royal courts and was performed by dancers called rajnartakis. The dance draws inspiration from Hindu mythology and sculptures at the Chidambaram temple, depicting the dance of Shiva. Bharatnatyam tells stories through precise hand gestures and facial expressions accompanied by Carnatic music. It is known for its graceful poses and is practiced by both male and female dancers.

2. Introduction
 Bharatnayam originated in Southern India in state of
Tamilnadu.
 2000 years ago it started as a temple dance tradition
called ‘DASIYATTAM’.(dance performed by Devdasi’s.)
 In ancient times local kings often invited devdasis in their
courts.This created a new category of dancers called
Rajnartaki’s.
 Devadasis had to surrendered themselves to the lord
while rajnartaki’s dance was meant to be an
entertainment.
 The Tamil country Tanjore, has always been the centre of
learning culture.
 The four brothers Chinnayya, Ponnian, Sivanandam &
Vadivelu made a rich contribution to Bharatnatyam.

3.  It has its inspiration from the sculptures of the ancient
temple of ‘CHINDAMBARAM’.
 It is considered to be a Fire Dance having two aspects :
1.Lasya(Graceful moments)
2.Tandava (The dance of Lord Shiva)
 In Hindu mythology the whole universe is the dance of the
supreme dancer NATARAJA(Name of Lord Shiva).
 Bharatnatyam is the act of devotion to Nataraja.
 It is the traditional dance form known for its grace, purity &
sculpture poses.
 It is one of the most popular & widely performed dance style
practiced by Female as well as Male dancers.(Male dancers
known as Natuvanars)

4. The Meaning Of the Bharatnayam:
 The name Bharatnatyam is a simple derivation from the
three most important aspects of dance.
 In Sanskrit these are
BHA from BHAVA,
RA from RAGA(music or melody),
TA from TALA(rhythm & natyam) meaning dance.
 Thus Bharatnatyam is the dance that encompasses
music,rhythm & expressional dance or Abhinaya.
 Bharatnatyam has three distinct elements:
1.Nritta(Rhythmic dance moments)
2.Nattya(mime or dance with dramatic aspect)
3.Nritya(combination of Nritta & Natty)

5. Techniques In Bharatnatyam:
HASTAS:
 The feature of Bharatnatyam is the use of expressive hand
gestures as a way of communication.
 It refers to the hand symbol that a dancer can use.
 There are two types of Hastas:
1.Samayukta Hastas (combination
of two hastas)
2.Asamayukta Hastas (Single hasta)

6. Asamayukta
Hastas Samayukta Hastas

7. Adavus:
Series of steps known as Adavus. In short Leg Moments.
The execution of adavus varies from style to style.
Bhedas & Eye Moments:
Bharatnatyam includes many other elements, such as Neck
moments & Eye moments. Which are used extensively
throughout the dance.
1.HEAD MOMENTS known as SHIROBHED.
2.NECK MOMENTS known as GRIVABHED.
3.EYE MOMENTS known as DRISHTIBHED.

8. Dance Items In Bharatnatyam:
 Alarippu: It is sort of invocation to the Gods to bless the
performance.
 Ganesh Vandana:A traditional opening prayer to the Hindu
God Ganesha.
 Jatiswaram:An abstract dance where the drums sets the
beats.
 Shabdam:It tells the story of Lord Krishna.
 Varnam:It is the most difficult & complex dance
form.Positionsm of the hands & body tells the story of love.
When a dancer has mastered all the elements of dance he or
she generally performs ‘ARANGETRAM’ i.e. debut to his or
her Guru.

9. Other Aspects
Jewellery:
 Bharatnatyam dancers wear a unique set of jewellery
known as ‘Temple Jewelry’ during the performance.
 It is made up of diamonds, pearls or combination of
diamonds & pearls.Ghungroos.

10. COSTUME:
 In ancient time from the sculptures, we can see that original
costume did not cover the dancers bodies.
 But after some decades devdasi’s used to wear a
special, heavy saris that severely restricted the dance
moments.
 Now a days the modern costumes are deeply symbolic.
Dancer’s used to wear Kanjiwarm Saris. It may be draped or
readymade.

11. Music:
It is the Karnataki style music of South India.
Instruments:
Instruments used are
Mridangam(drum),Nagaswaram(long pipe horn made
from a black wood),flute, violin & veena.
Languages:
Tamil,Telgu,Kannada & Sanskrit are traditionally used
in Bharatnatyam.

12. Institutes Of Bharatnatyam:
 Learning Bharatnatyam normally takes many years before the
Arangetram.
 There are academic & commercialized dance institutes in many
countries.
 NRITYAGYAN is a program of ‘Dance Education’ set up by the
Nrityagram for popularizing classical arts & to import dance
education to young people, for keeping our philosophy of
preserving Indian Classical Dance.
 At present not only the Hindus but also many Christians & Muslims
learn it, bringing it beyond the rigid forms of religious boundaries.
 Now a days Bharatnatyam recitals are not performed in temples
but outside it like in many festivals, in many events.
 Popular culture adapted or semi classical Bharatnatyam has been
exposed largely in popular movies & TV programs.

15. THANK YOU……!!!!!!!