Bharatanatyam
Bharatanatyam is considered the oldest classical dance of India. It is extremely popular to this date, particularly in Southern India. The roots of Bharatanatyam can be traced back for at least 3000 years. There are both historical and mythological accounts of its origin.
The name Bharatanatyam can be understood in two ways:
It is the dance (natyam), that blends the three elements - 'Bha' - Bhava (meaning emotions), 'Ra' - Raga (meaning musical melody) and 'Ta' - Taaala (meaning rhythm).
The name 'Bharata' is also said to derive from an a sage named “Bharata Muni”, who authored the "NATYA SHASTRA" - a treatise on the rules for dance and drama.
Bharatanatyam includes two aspects: - 'nritta' - the purely technical portions of the dance form (footwork and hand gestures) and 'abhinaya' (expressions). These two aspects nritta and abhinaya are showcased in 3 different styles of bharatanatyam:
'Nritta', this refers to a purely technical dance.
'Nritya', this is a dance that combines Nritta with expressions to convey emotions.
'Natya', this refers to a dramatic piece where the dancers portray specific characters and a story is enacted on the stage.
ADDITIONAL LINKS
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bharata_Natyam
http://bharatanatyam.co.uk/bharatanatyam.html
http://www.bharatanatyamclassic.com/
The name Bharatanatyam can be understood in two ways:
It is the dance (natyam), that blends the three elements - 'Bha' - Bhava (meaning emotions), 'Ra' - Raga (meaning musical melody) and 'Ta' - Taaala (meaning rhythm).
The name 'Bharata' is also said to derive from an a sage named “Bharata Muni”, who authored the "NATYA SHASTRA" - a treatise on the rules for dance and drama.
Bharatanatyam includes two aspects: - 'nritta' - the purely technical portions of the dance form (footwork and hand gestures) and 'abhinaya' (expressions). These two aspects nritta and abhinaya are showcased in 3 different styles of bharatanatyam:
'Nritta', this refers to a purely technical dance.
'Nritya', this is a dance that combines Nritta with expressions to convey emotions.
'Natya', this refers to a dramatic piece where the dancers portray specific characters and a story is enacted on the stage.
ADDITIONAL LINKS
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bharata_Natyam
http://bharatanatyam.co.uk/bharatanatyam.html
http://www.bharatanatyamclassic.com/