BHARATANATYAM / BHARATA NATYAM

36, Tingkat Berani 2, Jalan Mohd Saad, 12300 Butterworth, Pulau Pinang.

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Introduction and history

Bharatanatyam (also spelled Bharata Natyam) is one of the seven classical dance styles of India. In addition to Bharatanatyam, other classical dances include Odissi, Mohiniattam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, and Manipuri. This dance originated from the Tamil Nadu region in South India. Traditionally, Bharatanatyam is performed as a solo dance by female dancers. A complete performance includes six stages: Alarippu, Jatiswaram, Sabdam, Varnam, Padam, and Thillana. These stages combine elements of Nritta (pure dance) and Nritya (expressive dance).


Literally, the term “Bharatanatyam” itself comes from the combination of syllables “bha” (bhava, expression), “ra” (raga, music), “ta” (tala, rhythm), and “natyam” (the art of dramatic dance). Therefore, Bharatanatyam is a dance that incorporates the element of “storytelling,” based on the text Natyashastra, which is a compilation of texts that include the traditional arts of drama, dance, and music in Indian culture. This text was written by Bharata Muni thousands of years ago. Dancers perform (pure or traditional Indian dance) with movements that are capable of conveying, narrating, and expressing the stories contained in the Natyashastra without words, but must be strong in mukhabhinaya (facial expressions), hastabhinaya or mudra (hand expressions), netrabhinaya (eye expressions), and angikabhinaya (full-body movements). Storytelling, expression, and the immersion of all the senses in the movement are referred to as abhinaya, the movements of the Bharatanatyam dancer. This dance must also be performed with the mastery of nine emotional states, known as Navarasa. The nine emotions are love, joy, sorrow, anger, courage, fear, disgust, surprise, and peace.

Historically, Bharatanatyam was only performed by the devadasi, a group of girls who devoted themselves to the gods and temples, vowing never to marry. The devadasi girls performed Bharatanatyam in temples to show their love for the worshipped deities. Therefore, the origins of this dance are deeply connected to culture and religion, as everything danced expresses "devotion to the Hindu gods," as well as stories from the ancient Sanskrit writings of the Natyashastra. This dance is rich in tradition and must be respected, and mastering it requires years of practice, as every sense needs to be engaged. This is the uniqueness of this ancient and revered cultural performance.

Functions and Roles

-Religious and sacred elements

-Preserving a culture closely connected to ancient literary texts

-From a performance art perspective, showcasing the uniqueness of traditional Indian dance through the ages


Traditional Attire/ Accessories

-The basic set consists of dhoti pants, which are wide and pleated at the bottom, and a corset worn on the inside.

-A pleated fan-shaped skirt is worn, and the pleated tie is placed on top of the skirt, followed by a gold-colored metal belt.

-A decorative piece covering the shoulders and chest.

-A long necklace and a choker.

-Rings.

-Bracelets and anklets (with 40 bells on both sides).

-Nathu, which are nose rings, and long ear studs.

-Head ornaments, including surya (placed on the right) and chandra (placed on the left).


Equipment/ Ingredients

-The flower garland is an important adornment to complete not only the accessories of women (dancers) but also to signify devotion to God and a symbol of respect for others. The flowers that are typically worn include:

-Jasmine, champak, chrysanthemum, rose, and jasmine.


Method / Preparation Method / Presentation Method

It is performed solo by a female dancer. A complete performance includes six stages: Alarippu, Jatiswaram, Sabdam, Varnam, Padam, and Thillana. These stages combine elements of Nritta (pure dance) and Nritya (expressive dance). Bharatanatyam is a "storytelling art," originally an expression of "devotion to the Hindu gods," and is heavily influenced by Hindu religious elements as well as stories from the ancient Sanskrit text Natyashastra.


Figures and Achievements

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Reference Source

i. Bahan Bacaan: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yd2a5EODeW8

https://www.scribd.com/document/487859695/Kostum-Bharatanatyam


Location

Informant/Figure/Editor/Researcher
  • Encik Shangar (Kumpulan Natana Fine Arts)
  • 36, Tingkat Berani 2, Jalan Mohd Saad, 12300 Butterworth, Pulau Pinang.
  • +6012-486 7747
  • -
Get Directions

State JKKN Contact Information

Zurairi bin Hanip

Cultural Officer

Jabatan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Negara, Pulau Pinang
Kompleks Pustaka Warisan Seni, Lot No. 2180 Lintang P. Ramlee, Off Jalan P.Ramlee 10460 PULAU PINANG

04-281 7791 /7792

or

Use the form below to contact the Informant/Figure/Editor/Researcher directly. We will respond to your inquiry as soon as possible!

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