Bharatnatyam, one of the outstanding Indian classical dances, has its roots in Indian legends. Originating in the state of Tamil Nadu, this form of dance is also referred to as artistic yoga and natya yoga. Although the style of Bharatnatyam is over two thousand years old, the freshness and richness of its essence has been retained even today. In fact this classical dance form is based on Bharat Muni`s `Natya Sastra.` This classical dance has a mesmerizing effect as it uplifts the dancer and the beholder to a higher level of spiritual consciousness. It is a dancing style that comprises of Bhava, Raga, Tala, and Natya which reflect the real meaning of the Bharatnatyam. The dance form has been fascinating since its origin through its traditional movements, aesthetic appeal and variety of abhinaya. The term Bharatnatyam was introduced in the mid thirties by S. Krishna Iyer in Tamil Nadu and later spread by Rukminidevi Arundale.

The origin and tradition of Bharatnatyam is appealing and enlightening. It began in the temples in Tamil Nadu, South India. This dance form was nurtured in the temple premises as Dasi Attam by the Devadasis, servants of the God. The dance achieved a status of distinguishing performing art form, after the 10th century AD. It was taken to the princely courts and the Chola and the Pallava kings were believed to be the great patrons of this art.

The advent of a new era and the continuous experiment in the performing art form acted as a foundation for the recent development in Bharatnatyam. The dance form went through various assessments to gain the present shape. Bharatnatyam Dance has a rich legend to share that acted as a sustaining cause for its prominence. The dance form was codified and documented as a performing art in the 19th century by four brothers who were called the Tanjore Quartet. Chinnayya, Ponniah, Sivanandam and Vadivelu of the Tanjore Court during King Sarabojis time (1798-1824) introduced Bharatnatyam with its various forms such as the Alarippu, Jathiswaram, Sabdham, Varnam, Tillana. The four brothers completed revising the Bharatnatyam programme into its present shape with the introducing various forms like the Alarippu, Jathiswaram, Sabdham, Varnam, Tillana. The dance form was carried from one generation to another and the direct descendants of these four brothers formed the original group of Nattuvanars or dance teachers of Bharatnatyam in Tanjore. Besides the rich history of Bharatnatyam, another mythological lore is also attached with the origin of this classical dance form. It is believed that Goddess Parvati taught this dance form to Usha, daughter of Banasura, a demon. Usha taught the same to the Gopikas of the city of Dwaraka, Lord Krishna`s birth place. Thus, the spiritual dance form Bharatnatyam was introduced to the mankind.

Bharatnatyam is a solo, lasya (feminine) type of a dance, which is tender and erotic. Here, the basic theme is love, where the female dancers usually perform the devotional dance; devotion to the Supreme Being; or love of a mother for child. The dance form also epitomizes the adoration of lovers separated and reunited. Bharatnatyam is considered to be a fire-dance, where there is a mysterious display of the abstract element of fire in the human body.

Bharatnatyam is a dance form that is also identified with various styles amongst which the Pandanallur and the Vazhuvoor (Vizhuvur) are more significant. The distinctive characteristics of the Pandanallur style is its deep sitting positions; its lasya padams, which are rather slow and difficult to perform and its performance in different positions like the deep sitting positions, on the ground, in standing positions and while moving or jumping. Vazhuvoor (Vizhuvur) includes the wide range of dancing pace. This style is a static posture that is inserted to break the monotony and to add the variety of rhythms.

The technique of Bharatnatyam consists of the three aspects of the dance form that include Ntya, Nritta and Nritya. Natya is the dramatic art which is the language of gestures, poses and mimes (Abhinaya). Nritta which is the rhythmic and repetitive elements is the proper dance. The Nritya is a combination of Nritta and Natya. Abhinaya is another important aspect of the dance form. It is subtle with more natyadharmi (spontaneous expressions) and the expression is never overdone.

Role of dancers in Bharatnatyam is entirely to provide the dance the real meaning. The theme of the dance comes alive through the zealous performances of the dancers. Bharatnatyam is the combination of Abhinaya, technique and styles. Performance begins with a Thodaya mangalam in praise of Lord Gnana Sabesar of Vazhuvoor. The dancer starts the performance while entering the stage at the beginning. Bharatnatyam Classical Dancers personalise the theme through the instinctive attributes. The dancers are supposed to possess the attributes mentioned in Abhinaya Darpana. The ten essential attributes of the dancer include Javaha (Agility), Sthirathvam (Steadiness), Rekha (graceful lines), Bhramari(balance in pirouettes), Drishti (glance), Shramaha (hard work), Medha (intelligence), Shraddha(devotion), Vacho (good speech), and Geetam (singing ability).

This age-old tradition is adorned with cadent music in Bharatnatyam. The musical accompaniment of the Carnatic School with the tala or timing predominates over the raga or melody in the nritta passages. The chief musical instruments in Bharata Natyam are the mridangam and a pair of cymbals. The cymbals provide the timing, while the mridangam supplies fractional measures of the broad beats. The dancer follows the mridangam and cymbals. A tambura is often incorporated in the orchestra to provide the swara or scale for the refrain. The musical instruments used are Mridangam, Manjira (Thalam), Vina, Violin, Kanjira, Surpeti, Venu and Tanpura. This elegant dance style is provided a spiritual essence by gorgeous Costumes in Bharatnatyam Dance. The costume consists of a dhoti for both male and female dancers. It is usually of richly embroidered needlework or shimmering silk or satin. Over the dhoti, in the middle, is a pleated or frilled cloth hanging from the waist to the knees.

The most intriguing aspect of this dance is that its roots deep into the religious and rich mythological heritage of India. Bharatnatyam, though underwent through a lot of changes has still retained its ancient quintessence. The technique, costume, style and theme of the dance tell apart it from the other classical dances of India. Thus, Bharatnatyam dance is renowned for its grace, purity, tenderness and sculpturesque poses.