Bharatnatyam does not only refer to performing but also involves storytelling, and conveying spiritual messages. The word Bharatnatyam means “expression through music,” which is indicated by the fact that it is made up of the combination of the words “Bhava” (expression), “Raga” (melody), and “Tala” (rhythm). This dance style covers many aspects of dance, such as mudras, abhinanya, adavus, hastas, navya, nritya, and rasas. Whichever of these elements appears in the last case, the task is not an easy one and involves the audience’s full attention.
- Mudras: Language is produced as Expressions through the Hands.
Bharatnatyam is an authentic traditional art of our country that has been practiced since ancient times. Its gestures prastha (which depended on the hands), known as mudras, are an integral part of it. These motions serve the purpose of illustrating myriads of meaning with a plethora of implications. Every mudra has a precise hand formation, and also it symbolizes the meaning. For example, the “Anji” mudra symbolizes respect and appreciation while the “Hamasy” mudra which is close to the swan means beauty and freepair. Know about Bharatnatyam, It is that profound knowledge of the different mudras that equips a dancer of Bharatha Natyam to give depth of meaning as well as the highest potential to their performance.
- Abhinaya: The Art of Expression
AOm (the power of expression/ artist) in Bharatnatyam is the basis of the art of expression. The face, along with the body language and the emotions, acts as a main tool for the artiste to give the audience the feeling or the message. By abhinaya, the dancers shape the whole vivid character and call the viewers to respond through his or her feelings. Eyes, eyebrows, mouth, and of course other facial features are used to portray different feelings – happiness, sadness, anger, love, to name but a few. The addition of body movements and gestures is supplemental to the facial expression effectively creating a meaningful, and compelling scene.
- Adavus: The Building Blocks of bharatnatyam
Adavus is the foundation of Bharatnatyam dance, As the base upon which the amazing dance complexes are erected, they make that base. Adavus are numerous types, the tempo and footwork being major factors of differences. Some of the primary items are the Tattadavu, Nattadavu, and Mandiadavu. Accordingly, the choreography of Adavus by a Bharatnatyam dancer is of great significance as it helps in achieving harmonious coordination between body and Brain.
- Hastas: The Gestures of the Hands
Hand gestures or hasthas are used throughout bharatnatyam. Dancers use dress codes well to express why this role exists in the dance. There are some basic gestures like Asamyukta Hasta (single hand gesture) and Samyukta Hasta (double hand gesture) which form the most basic challenging element. Every balance carries a meaning and features the grace and softness of movements.
- Natya: The Theatrical Aspect
Natya or Nritya focused on the theatrical aspect of Bharatnatyam. It uses the storytelling, imparting feeling and dramatic elements such as the use of sound effects. Nayi, the classical dance form, enables the artists to narrate legends and tales from mythology, epics, and literary works on the stage. They perform different roles and adopt distinct features such as movements, gestures, and expressions through which they transmit dialogues. Among the main aspects that Natya relates to Bharatnatyam is the narrative tendency that makes the art form complete thus, equally enjoyable as well as immersive for the audience.
-
Nritya: The Expressive Dance
Nritya represents the musicality and performing poise in Bharatnatyam. Here the walking, bodywork, and coordination occur in the rhythmic form. Natively, by means of nritya, dancers portray their technical capabilities as well as aestheticism. Through these, they enact facial expressions and body language as well through adavu, hasta, and abhinaya which compose a dance sequence. Know about Bharatnatyam Nritya needs grace, and liveliness along with nimble and smooth gestures which are the same time are technical and expressive parts of Bharatnatyam.
-
Rasa: The Essence of Emotions
Rasa in Bharatnatyam indicates the mood experienced. It involves the nine rasas or emotions – love, joy, anger, disgust, wonder, fearlessness, fear, grief, calm-collected, and peaceful. Every rasa conjures a different feeling which manifests through the dancer’s facial features, hand gestures, and movement. Rasa interpretation is one of the most important aspects of Bharatnatyam, as it makes the audience comprehend and interact with the emotions being communicated, and they develop high aesthetic pleasure or, in other words, they get spiritually uplifted.
