| 'Bharatnatyam' is an ancient and classical yet | | | | approach. The typical characteristics of the styles |
| famous dance of India even to this day. It is one | | | | include the sitting positions on the ground and the |
| of the oldest traditional dances that has been | | | | standing positions while moving and jumping. |
| perfected and practiced for over a thousand | | | | There is also wide range of dancing pace to break |
| years. Despite which, the richness and freshness | | | | the monotonous flow and add variety to the |
| of this dance is still retained. This dance has a rich | | | | dance form. The prominent aspects of the dance |
| legend that has sustained it for its prominence. | | | | are mainly of three types: languages of gestures |
| Also attached to this dance is the mythological | | | | mimes and poses, rhythmic and repetitive |
| lore that has been passed on from one | | | | elements and the last one being subtle and |
| generation to another, going through various | | | | spontaneous expressions. |
| assessments to attain the present shape. | | | | 'Bharatnatyam' has the musical accompaniment of |
| The dance is mostly solo and feminine which | | | | 'Carnatic' style with timing over the melody using |
| carries the grace and tenderness. There are | | | | two instruments. One of them called the |
| common themes that are displayed during the | | | | 'mridangam' (drum) which contributes to the |
| dance. Themes mostly are of love in form of | | | | fractional broad beats and the other; cymbals that |
| devotional dance or that of a mother to her child | | | | adds to the timing thus enhancing the dance all |
| or the adoration of lovers separated and then | | | | the more. The most fascinating aspect of |
| united. 'Bharatnatyam' is usually called the fire | | | | 'Bharatnatyam' is its roots deep into mythological |
| dance, where the dance imitates the dance of the | | | | heritage of India. Hence, the reason behind the |
| god of destruction that exhibits the wrath. | | | | illustriousness of 'Bharatnatyam' is what lies in its |
| The two main dance styles, 'Pallandur' and | | | | grace, purity, status, tenderness and |
| 'Vazhuvoor' provide the dance a magnificent | | | | 'sculpturesque' poses. |