Bharatnatyam
Bharatnatyam Dance is regarded to be over 2000 years old. Several texts starting with Bharata Muni’s Natya Shastra (200 B.C.E. to 200 C.E.) provide information on this dance form. Abhinaya Darpana by Nandikesvara is one of the main sources of textual material, for the study of the technique and grammar of body movement in Bharatnatyam Dance.
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There is also a great deal of visual evidence of this dance form in paintings and stone and metal sculptures of ancient times. On the gopurams of the Chidambaram temple, one can see a series of Bharatnatyam poses, frozen in stone as it were, by the sculptor. In many other temples, the charis and karanas of the dance are represented in sculpture and one can make a study of the dance form.
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Bharatnatyam is the combination of three elements Nritta, Nritya and Natya.Nritta highlights body movements and rhythm. Nritya gives emphasis to dance postures and body movements. Natya gives importance to drama and poems. Done with complete concentration the dance form is as good as yoga.
Benefits of Bharatnatyam
- Improves balance: The different body movements called Karanas are beneficial to improve balance. While performing Karana a performer needs to stay in one posture for a few seconds.
- Improves flexibility: It is associated with facial expressions and non verbal communication. The Mudras work out various body parts and improve flexibility.
- Improves stamina: Bharatanatyam movements make use of various muscles tissues. Getting a single step to perfection can take time but it builds stamina. Increases aerobics fitness : Practicing Bharatanatyam can give you all the benefits that you get by doing aerobics.
- Improves concentration: Bharatanatyam makes the body and even the mind agile. For any dancer it is very important to remember the Mudras, Hastas and Karnas to perform the dance well. This hones the mental skills and builds mental alertness.
- Builds endurance: Every student of Bharatanatyam understands the value of practice. It helps a student to rise to a higher degree of performance.
- Controls weight: Bharatanatyam makes muscles active. The complex movements, jumps and taut hand gestures use energy, burn calories and control weight.
- Healthy and glowing skin: A performer uses his eyebrows, eyes, neck and lips to convey an expression. Regular performers have glowing and healthy skin.
Bharatnatyam Dance is regarded to be over 2000 years old. Several texts starting with Bharata Muni’s Natya Shastra (200 B.C.E. to 200 C.E.) provide information on this dance form. Abhinaya Darpana by Nandikesvara is one of the main sources of textual material, for the study of the technique and grammar of body movement in Bharatnatyam Dance.
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There is also a great deal of visual evidence of this dance form in paintings and stone and metal sculptures of ancient times. On the gopurams of the Chidambaram temple, one can see a series of Bharatnatyam poses, frozen in stone as it were, by the sculptor. In many other temples, the charis and karanas of the dance are represented in sculpture and one can make a study of the dance form.
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Bharatnatyam is the combination of three elements Nritta, Nritya and Natya.Nritta highlights body movements and rhythm. Nritya gives emphasis to dance postures and body movements. Natya gives importance to drama and poems. Done with complete concentration the dance form is as good as yoga.
Benefits of Bharatnatyam
- Improves balance: The different body movements called Karanas are beneficial to improve balance. While performing Karana a performer needs to stay in one posture for a few seconds.
- Improves flexibility: It is associated with facial expressions and non verbal communication. The Mudras work out various body parts and improve flexibility.
- Improves stamina: Bharatanatyam movements make use of various muscles tissues. Getting a single step to perfection can take time but it builds stamina. Increases aerobics fitness : Practicing Bharatanatyam can give you all the benefits that you get by doing aerobics.
- Improves concentration: Bharatanatyam makes the body and even the mind agile. For any dancer it is very important to remember the Mudras, Hastas and Karnas to perform the dance well. This hones the mental skills and builds mental alertness.
- Builds endurance: Every student of Bharatanatyam understands the value of practice. It helps a student to rise to a higher degree of performance.
- Controls weight: Bharatanatyam makes muscles active. The complex movements, jumps and taut hand gestures use energy, burn calories and control weight.
- Healthy and glowing skin: A performer uses his eyebrows, eyes, neck and lips to convey an expression. Regular performers have glowing and healthy skin.
