2017-02-23 Thu

Dance is an expression of our inner emotions. It’s the means to connect with nature (Prakriti) for every dancer. Dance is an emotion, Dance is an Expression, Dance is freedom and Dance is a way of life. All over the globe, there are different dance styles and techniques, but the passion and emotion behind every dance form is the same. India is home to many different dance styles. One can also say the bits of Indian tradition dances on the rhythm of her classical dances and the most prominent among them is ‘Bharatnatyam’.

The tradition of Classical dance in India can be traced back to the Indus Valley civilization. The continuations of this magnificent manifestation differ in various states. These innumerable dance forms gave birth to the major Indian classical dance forms like Bharatnatyam.

The evidence of these dance forms can be seen in iconography and literature, but the most of these styles are drawn from the ‘Natyashastra’ (2nd century BC) written By “Bharata Muni”. Bharatnayam got its name derived from Bharata Muni. But all these dances are the division of two pure dance form called ‘Tandeva’ and ‘Lasya’.

Bharatnatyam is the traditional classical dance form originated from the state of Tamil Nadu. It has been the richest and oldest dance form of India. The uniqueness and antiquity of Bharatnatyam is approximately 3000 year old. Eons ago, Bharanatyam once was called ‘Sadri-attam’ (Court dance) and also ‘Dasiattam’ (performed by the servants of Gods).

To learn and perform this dance form, one requires dedication, practice and concentration. This dance form is a mastery of grace, balance, endurance and sense of rhythm. For a dancer Bharatnatyam is an icon of beauty and perfection; as a philosophy, it is the search of human soul; as a religion it is the quest of Nivarana and as poetry a rhythmic lyricism.

To celebrate this Diamond of Indian Classical Dance India Post has Issued a Commemorative stamp in 1975 to encourage this traditional art form.

To know more about Classical dances Click here