Bharathanatyam
- Expression of Divine Love
There is a legend that Lord
Shiva, one of the Hindu trinity was the originator of the setup of the dance.
Bharatha Muni is said to have learned the basics of dance from Lord Shiva, and
codified the principles in his book Natyashastra, written in Sanskrit. The
original text is still preserved in the temple libraries of Tanjore, the home of
Bharathanatyam.
The name 'Bharatha' is made
up of the first three syllables of bhava the inner spiritual feelings;
raga' -the melody; and 'thala' - the rhythm. Bharathanatyam is normally practiced by
women. The dancer artistically tells stories and events from the epics through mudras
(movements of the hand and feet) and facial expressions. Training in Bharathanatyam starts
at a very early age. The dancer should have a strong and pliable body, good expressive
face and eyes and an in-born, natural sense of rhythm. Kalashetra has emerged as
the foremost training centre for Bharathanatyam.
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