Bharat Natayam

Bharatnatyam Dance

It is compounded from 'bha' the emotional projection, 'Ra' for raga or melody and 'ta' for tala or rhythm, Natyam means the art of dance. It is one of the oldest Indian Classical dance forms, in essence a dedicatory dance. It was basically originated in Kerala where Devdasis performed in temples and at a lesser extent in Andhra Pradesh. One can say as sangam age from 500 B.C. to 500 A.D. as it marks the evolution of this dance form.

The key postures of this dance form requires the upper part of the body to be erect, the legs bent halfway down with the knees spread out, and the feet positioned like a half-open fan. Practically every member of the body has it's distinct movement. The style is loved for the purity of its angular, energetic lines.