Bharathanatyam – Portrays the Divine to the Devil

There’s something for which we all long for – it’s nothing but the pursuit for a sound health with a lusty and shapely figure, not to mention a contented and stressless mind and soul. These faculties are precisely the ones that are bestowed through the continuous practice of the ancient dance form, Bharathanatyam.  Well, here’s what it’s all about. Crawl through to find its evolution, style and benefits.

History

Bharathanatyam is the oldest Indian classical dance form which originated in Tanjore district of Tamil Nadu (a State located at the south of India) and is regarded as the mother of many other Classical dance forms. In the early ages, it was initiated in the Hindu temples of Tamil Nadu and eventually flourished in South India.

Spirituality

The subtle movements of the feet along with the hand – eye coordination assist in having a sharp mind. 

“Dance is the hidden language of the soul”, says Martha Graham, a magnificent dancer who hails from the USA.

Martha’s statement best fits Bharathanatyam. It is an art that consecrates the body and soul of the dancer who dissolves her identity in Rhythm and Music, makes her body an instrument, at least for the duration of the dance, for the experience and expression of the spirit. This traditional art form is performed with excellent footwork and impressive gestures which are professionally called Nrita, Nritya and Natya. It is considered as an intricate art form incorporating the Mudras and Adavus.

Fundamental Aspects

Mudra is a symbolic and ritualistic gesture and Adavus are the basic components in Bharathanatyam. It has two levels of progress comprising of the two stage performances – Salangai Pooja and Arangetram. The former is the first performance in which the dancers are blessed and presented their Salangai aka professional Bharathanatyam anklet by their Gurus aka Teachers whereas, the latter performance marks a student’s stage of excellency in the noble art form followed by several years of tireless training.

Physical Benefits

Bharathanatyam is not merely a dance form; it is also a kind of exercise that helps us to ooze out the fatty acids deposited in the body. Learning Bharathanatyam will profoundly help to keep the body impeccably fit and flexible. Being a dance form that blends dance, music and theatre, Bharathanatyam is an activity that instills self-improvisation in oneself.

Mental Benefits

By learning this art form, one enters a life of discipline. Bharathanatyam helps us shed all shyness and inhibitions. Dancing with other students and in front of the audience will boost our morale. It will help in bringing out the extrovert in us. Learning Bharathanatyam helps in improving one’s mental faculties.

Bottom Line

Bharathanatyam is a wholesome art form encompassing innumerable physical and mental benefits to those who practice it frequently. This art assists you in leading a successful spiritual life. It is in fact, one of the best ways to achieve the aforesaid benefits with fun, zeal and contentment.

So, what’s next!!! Feed your pursuit for Bharathanatyam by learning and mastering it and find yourself super fit and tranquil!!!