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.