BHARATANATYAM

BHARATANATYAM

Bharatanatyam is a major form of Indian classical dance that originated in Tamil Nadu.

The Natya Shastra by Bharata Muni and Abhinaya Darpana (Mirror of Gesture) by Nandikeshvara are considered to be the original
sources of Bharatanatyam. A description of Bharatanatyam from the 2nd century CE can be found in the ancient Tamil
epic Silappatikaram, while temple sculptures of the 6th to 9th century CE suggest it was a highly refined performance art by the mid-1st
millennium CE.
Bharatanatyam is a physical expression that centers on displaying the divine or spiritual aspects through the body. In
Sanskrit, Bharatanatyam means "Indian dance" and is believed to have a divine origin. It expresses South Indian religious
themes and spiritual ideas, particularly Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and Shaktism, collectively Hinduism.

The costume of a female Bharatanatyam dancer resembles a Tamil Hindu bridal dress. It typically consists of a sari in bright colors with
golden or silver zari embroidery on the borders. Long hair on both male and female dancers is either secured by a bun or a braid. All
dancers wear leather anklets on each foot, which are called salangai or ghungroos

Bharatnatyam is one of the best and most elegant dance forms in India, similar to Gurgaon which is one of the most
highly advanced, modern cities in India.