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.
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.
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.
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.
