Dance of the Week: Bharatanatyam Dance

We have great news! We have partnered up with Tufts University's PULSE dance team! We are holding a free beginners Bharatanatyam dance lesson at the Tufts campus on Nov 12, 2016 (check calendar for location)

We have also partnered up with Juhi Chaudhari and Shruti Dumbre to host a Bharatanatyam dance lesson at the Tufuts campus on Feb 11, 2017 (check calendar for location)

We want to give information on the dance before these event take place, so here it goes!

Bharatanatyam Dance Description

Bharatanatyam dance was created in Tamil Nadu, South India.

The history of Bharatanatyam is as follows: A group of people known as The Celestials and Indra were fighting against Rakshasas. The fight was on the premise that evil must be eliminated so goodness can be brought to the people. Because the fight went for a long time, together they concluded to approach Bhrama (the creator) for a resolution. They told the creator to give them something they could admire and appreciate visually so they could feel happy. It is said, that with that request, Bhrama created Bharatanatyam dance. Each dance routine has unique lyrics, unique rhythm and contains all nine emotions. Those emotions are called "Navarasas". These Navarasas are:

Shringara (Love)

Hasya (Mirth/laughter)

Karuna (Compassion/pity)

Roudra (Anger)

Veera (Courage)

Bhayanaka(Fear)

Bhibatsa (Disgust),

Adbutha (Surprise/wonder)

Shantham (Peaceful)

The word "bharatanatyam" is made up of the following 4 indian words which summarize what the dance is:

Bhava (Expression) Raga (Melody) Tala (Rhythm) Natya (Classical Indian Musical Theatre)

Bharatanatyam Dance Costume

The costumes are made with silk with gold zari embroidery designs. The pleated skirt is made to allow the dancers to open their limbs easily while still looking aesthetic. Gem stones are attached to the costume to provide a larger range of colors to the costumes. Usually these stones are gold plated.

(Reference: http://btnydance.weebly.com/the-costume.html)

Bharatanatyam Dance Video

Check out this video of Tufts PULSE dance team performance!

Comment below your thoughts and questions!

For more information on Bharatanatyam check these links:

http://btnydance.weebly.com/the-dance.html

http://bharatanatyam.co.uk/bharatanatyam.html

http://www.lasyadance.com/bharatanatyam.html

https://www.facebook.com/Pulse-135607866512880/?fref=ts

*videos found on youtube.com

#Bharatanatyam #Bharatanatyamcostume #Bharatanatyamdance #Bharatanatyamorigin #tuftspulse #collegedancers #worlddance