Bharata natyam is one of India’s most cherished classical dance styles. Rhythmic and vigorous, yet graceful and deeply spiritual, bharata natyam was originally performed in temples by devadasis, or servants of gods, and has its roots in prayer. Like other classical Indian dance forms, bharata natyam has foundations in the sage Bharata Muni's written text, Natya Shastra. Although no more than 200 years old in its present form, literary and architectural evidence suggests that bharata natyam has existed for much longer. A form that has survived abolition and near extinction, bharata natyam was brought to the stage some 90 years ago. The revival of bharata natyam was contagious, and gave birth to several generations of illustrious masters, dancers and musicians.
With their focus on fresh and polished interpretations, today's bharata natyam practitioners bring a new dimension to the traditional repertoire. Bharata natyam is performed and taught around the globe by artists from diverse backgrounds, and is a source of inspiration to many contemporary choreographers and visual artists.
ARANGETRAM
After years of training, a bharata natyam teacher may present his or her student to the public in the presence of peers and art lovers. Such an event is called arangetram or ranga pravesh, meaning “entering the stage”. Arangetram marks the beginning of a dancer's life, when he or she may cross the threshold from student to professional artist. The dancer presents a two-hour solo performance based on a traditional repertoire much resembling the one established by the Thanjavur brothers at the end of the 19th century. The brothers’ selection of dance pieces, from Alarippu to Thillana, became the repertoire of choice during the renaissance of bharata natyam at the beginning of the 20th century, and remains a legacy to this day. The arangetram celebrates the years of dedication of both student and teacher to the bharata natyam form.
Video: Dancing for the Gods
Director jamie griffiths brings viewers into the sacred world of the Indian classical dance style bharata natyam. Featuring excerpts of traditional dance repertoire performed by Jai Govinda and Anusha Fernando, Dancing for the Gods explores the roots of bharata natyam, linking this sacred art form to mythology, music, poetry, iconography, and the fine arts.
Length 51 minutes; Original concept and narrative Jai Govinda; Director jamie griffiths; Producer Mandala Arts and Culture Society. The Society wishes to thank the Canada Council for the Arts for their support of this project.
The cost of each video is $25 (GST included). To order your copy, please
contact Mandala Arts and Culture Society
To view excerpts of the video, visit www.jamiegriffiths.com
(click on Gallery, then Video, then Dancing for the Gods)
Other resources on bharata natyam
BOOKS
The Performing Arts of India: Development and Spread Across the Globe by Sharon Lowen, Shubi Publications, 2005Bharata Natyam by Dr. Sunil Kothari, Bombay, Marg Publications (2000)
A Dictionary of Bharata Natyam by U.S. Krishna Rao, New Delhi, Orient Longman (1980)
Indian Classical Dance: Tradition in Transition by Leela Venkataraman and Avinash Pasricha, New Delhi, Roli Books (2002)
A Panorama of Indian Dances by U.S Krishna Rao and U.K. Chandrabhaga Devi, Delhi, Sri Satguru Publications (1993)
Speaking of Dance: The Indian Critique by Mandakranta Bose, New Delhi, New Vistas in Indian Dance Performing Arts No. 3 (2001)
LINKS
www.narthaki.comwww.vedamsbooks.com
www.artindia.net