Bharatanatyam

Bharatanatyam is one of India's most revered classical dance forms, celebrated for its expressive storytelling, intricate rhythms, and rich spiritual heritage. The dance form is rooted in the principles from the Natyashastra, a treatise on the performing arts written by Sage Bharata (circa 200 BCE - 500 CE). Bharatanatyam integrates nrtta (rhythmic body movements), nrtya (expressive dance) and natya (dramatic storytelling).

Originating in the temples of South India and practiced by the devadasis (women dedicated to serving in temples) as Dasi Attam and Sadir, the tradition was passed down through generations. These forms were performed primarily in temples and later in royal courts, largely serving religious, ritualistic and artistic functions.

The dance form that we know today as Bharatanatyam began to take shape in the nineteenth century when the Tanjore Quartet transformed the art form by codifying its structure and expanding its repertoire with their rich compositional legacy. In the twentieth century, a major revival—prompted by colonial-era stigmatization and the decline of temple traditions—brought Bharatanatyam from temples to the public stage. It was refined and reimagined into the rich classical tradition we celebrate today, now practiced and enjoyed by people of all backgrounds.

The Art Form

Chola bronze, Tamil Nadu, India,

10th or 11th Century

Shiva is considered the "Lord of Dance". In the Natyashastra, the first verse of the traditional invocation before a performance includes a tribute to Shiva - "I bow my head with reverence to the two divine Lords — Pitamaha (Brahma, the grand creator of the Nāṭyaśāstra) and Maheshvara (Lord Shiva, the lord of dance)".