Bharata Natyam

Tamditham tei ta thei ... A hush falls over the audience as silk-clad dancer, adorned with fresh flowers and jewelry step onto the stage. In perfect harmony with the recitation of the dancer makes it powerful yet graceful feminine movements.

As the audience is transported into a world of rhythm and joy, some of them realize that years of rigorous training and enormous mental and emotional discipline has gone into the growth of Bharat Natyam dancer. 

Many wonder what the name of Bharata Natyam really means. Most of us know that it is the name of one of India's ancient classical dance styles, but few are aware that the concept of BHA-ra-ta involves triple components Bhava (expressional dance), raga (melody) and tala (rhythm) all of which are judiciously combined in this beautiful dance style. Bharat Natyam was originally a ritual dance where young women occupied the hallowed position in a temple dancer and performed to the accompaniment of a series of devotional songs, while live facial expressions conveyed by the accompanying text. The name Bharata Natyam was given to this dance much later when it was formally introduced on stage to the delight of connoisseurs and the general public. It was formerly known as Sadir. Bharata Natyam from Tamil Nadu. Earlier rigid provincial borders do not exist, and all the great dynasty which reigned in an area spread their powerful empires far and wide. During the time of the Vijayanagar dynasty of Bharata Natyam absorbed a number of influences of the neighboring state, Andhra Pradesh. 

Thus Telegu language in Andhra Pradesh. Constitute a substantial part of the background music for Bharata Natyam, in addition to the original songs in the Tamil language. Later, in the early 18 century Maratha rulers of Tanjore also visited this dance form by employing female dancers to entertain the royal collections. There were many great composers who were employed by the court in Sarabhoji, a remarkable Maratha ruler, and most prominent among them were four brothers named Ponnaiah, Chinnaiah,

Sadasivam and Vadivelu. 

These researchers gave proper shape to Sadir. Today Bharata Natyam owes mucgs stylized structure of these four brothers who became known as "Tanjore Quartet,. Thereafter Bharata Natyam essentially remained in the format that the quartet had given, but individual variations may exist in the presentations of some contemporary Bharata Natyam dancers. 

A recital of Bharata Natyam dance begins with an invocation. This song offers prayers to a particular god or goddess associated with knowledge, wisdom and promising omens. So dance presents the first item, often from the old temple repertoire as a formal offering of flowers on the altar, followed by an introductory dance sequence shows the basic positions of Bharata Natyam. This sequence is called pushpanjali (floral offering) and alarippu (first sequence). 

The second sequence is a melody and rhythm combination (jathi swaram), which complicated techniques (footwork, body movements, gestures all together) is performed with a calm expression, that a series of musical tones. These include no story to tell or facial expression in this sequence. 

The third piece is usually presented a sabdam. This is a kind of song where one popular legend or myth is told in a simple meter. Therefore dancer communicate through facial expressions, the contents of the text. 

The fourth point is one which occupies the central location of the concert, where the dancer's concentration, stamina and artistic competence are all put to test. This is a dance called varname. Varname is a complicated structure that starts with an impressive rhythmic crossing that leads to mimetic scenes and engage in a faster pace. 

The dancer is expected to change technique and facial expressions effectively while maintaining the emotional intensity of the song. Varname is danced for duration of 40 minutes to one hour out dancers. After a short break for a few minutes, resumed the Bharata Natyam performance quietly and slowly walked love songs and devotional songs, dances provide appropriate expressional interpretation. This part of the dance called abhinaya and songs - known as Padam and javalis. That should not be misled into believing that these are in all ways, easy to perform. For connoisseurs of dance, abhinaya represent the true essence of Bharata Natyam dancer and has been recognized only after she has mastered this aspect. More mature dancers are expected to freely improvise their words and give an unusual and different interpretations even to common songs. Thus abhinaya test the authority of an artist. It meets the highest aesthetic demands of connoisseurs, dancer performance ends with a quick and sparkling thillana where once again fast footwork, pleasing body posture and other techniques Bharata Natyam presentation. In this way the modern artist of the old classical dance and depict all aspects of the dance style. The question always arises as to how the individual contributions from various teachers and dancers can find in a rigidly stylized form. 

A sensitive audience usually welcome any innovation that falls within the standards of a classical style, but rejects the forms to destroy the familiar beauty of this style. So innovative dancers have a great challenge to meet and always try to work within the scope of their chosen style of dance. 

A Bharata Natyam dancer requires a specially made costume of embroidered silk,

bordered by gold thread work. In the old days, running a silk sari of 8 or 9 yards artfully danced around the body, and stabbed in several places. Now, the same outfit, sewn by special tailors, are easier to wear and drapes better. The dancer also take less time to change into different costumes. Each part of the dancer is adorned with traditional jewelry made of semi precious stones set in gold leaf. Her hair is made of a single long braid and decorated with flowers. The ankle bells worn by the dancer (numbering 30 to 50 on each ankle) make musical sounds to emphasize her foot beats, (but a good dancer should never be caught on the wrong foot!). 

The accompanying singer may be female or male and one or more drummers to be employed. They play mridangam (a cylindrical drum placed in horizontal position); ghatam (earthen oven stove in the pot is placed in an inverted position and held that kanjira (a leather bound tambourine) and other drums. A flutist ad also a violinist in the orchestra. A of India's oldest stringed instruments is Veena. Two dried gourds are associated with long hollow wooden stem cells in different ends. Four strings are stretched over frets and placed in the tree stem. By tapping the strings with one hand and strumming them with others, each note that the singer sings out sonorously by Veena player. Veena is a part of the orchestra in Bharata Natyam. But pride of place as conductor of the orchestra. He or she is usually guru (teacher) who has coached a dancer, but a professional orchestra leaders are also engaged from time to time senior dancers who have graduated to work independently. Dirigenten practice a couple of brass cymbal, which he folded and simultaneously emits rhythmic sound syllables match with foot strike dancer. 

This continuous stream of strong and often quickly pronounced syllables have no language translation other than dance terms. This technique is known as nattuvangam and conductor called nattuvanar. 

Modern dancers can continue their practice with taped music, and even a live orchestra is always preferable. But the professional level concerts gives results when a live orchestra playing, as is usual practice in India. 

A Bharata Natyam dancer also learn different ways to apply facial make up, selection and

adaptation of jewelry and costumes, etc., as well as a wardrobe manager or makeup man can. The dancer will learn methods for the selection of relevant topics for a particular concert, the pace suited to each item, with his knowledge and experience. 

Bharata Natyam in India has gone a long way since the time of its days in the temples. Today is a complex performing art learned over a period of at least six years, which also serves social purposes to knit together the cultural identity of the young and older generations. It is famous both at home and abroad. A number of academies have come up to the individual lessons are also given. Many young women and men from different parts of India and the world flock to Tamil Nadu to acquire training in Bharata Natyam.