Academy of Bharata Natyam

| Nrttaavasaanay Nataraajaraajo nanaada

Dhakkam navapancha vaaram

Uddhartukaamah Sanakaadi Siddhan

THE ART

Indian classical dances are a synthesis of literature, sculpture, music and religion.

Bharata Natyam is perhaps the most ancient form of classical dance of South India.

Legends say that Bharata Natyam was created by God Brahma, the creator of the Universe.

Its antiquity can be traced to the Vedas, the oldest and sacred scripture of the Hindus.

Bharata, the great sage, spread the art of Bharata Natyam and wrote the treatise Natya Shastra. This book, the oldest in the world on theatrical art, is believed to have been written two centuries before the birth of Christ.

 The three importantand distinct features of Bharata Natyam are:

• Nritta-- projecting the aspect of visual beauty through complicated footwork, bodyline and movements

• Natya--the dramatic aspect conveyed through facial expression and hand gestures

• Nritya--a combination of body movement and dramatic expression.