Author: Ram Krishnamani Date: January 8, 2025
Narrated by Shantha Lakshmi
Chapter 10: The Intricate Art of Bharatanatyam
Chapter 10 of Shall We Dance delves into the intricate and multidimensional art of Bharatanatyam, showcasing its synthesis of various fine arts such as music, poetry, drama, painting, and sculpture. This holistic integration highlights Bharatanatyam’s status as not just a dance form but a complete art that bridges aesthetic expression with spiritual and cultural depth.
Introduction: Dance as Expression
The chapter opens with a poignant quote by Constanze Mozart, “Dancing is like dreaming with your feet,” setting the tone for the expressive and transcendent nature of Bharatanatyam. It underscores the universality of dance as an instinctive human expression, yet elevates Bharatanatyam as an exemplar of technical mastery and spiritual resonance, rooted in the ancient Indian treatise, the Natya Shastra.
Fundamental Aspects of Indian Dance
The chapter delves into the foundational elements of Indian classical dance, particularly the triad of Nritta, Nritya, and Natya:
- Nritta: The pure, abstract dance that focuses on rhythmic movements and patterns, showcasing the dancer’s technical skill.
- Nritya: The expressive aspect that combines rhythm with emotion, using gestures and facial expressions to convey a narrative.
- Natya: The dramatic storytelling dimension, integrating elements of theater to bring mythological tales and cultural narratives to life.
It also explores the contrasting styles of Bharatanatyam:
- Tandavam: The vigorous, powerful, and masculine style representing Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance of creation and destruction.
- Lasya: The graceful, delicate, and feminine style symbolizing beauty, compassion, and nurturing energy, often associated with Parvati.
The Role of Abhinaya
Central to Bharatanatyam is Abhinaya, or the art of expression, which enables the dancer to convey the nuances of emotion and story. The chapter breaks down the four types of Abhinaya:
- Angika: Expressions through physical movements, including gestures, postures, and dance sequences.
- Vachika: Verbal expressions, often represented through accompanying music, lyrics, or spoken words in the narrative.
- Aharya: The visual appeal created through costumes, ornaments, and makeup, enhancing the character and theme.
- Satvika: The subtle and inner expressions of the dancer’s emotional and spiritual connection, bringing authenticity and depth to the performance.
This detailed examination highlights how Bharatanatyam’s strength lies in its ability to evoke emotions through a harmonious blend of physicality, aesthetics, and spirituality.
The Structure of a Bharatanatyam Performance
The chapter outlines the traditional sequence of a Bharatanatyam performance, each stage designed to engage and elevate the audience:
- Alarippu: The opening piece, combining simple rhythmic patterns with graceful movements to prepare the body and mind.
- Jatiswaram: A non-lyrical piece focused on pure dance and intricate footwork set to melodic patterns.
- Shabdam: The introduction of narrative expression, where lyrics and gestures begin to tell a story.
- Varnam: The central piece and the most elaborate segment, combining all elements of Bharatanatyam, including rhythm, expression, and storytelling.
- Padam: A lyrical piece focusing on Abhinaya, often exploring themes of devotion or love.
- Tillana: The concluding piece, characterized by vibrant rhythmic patterns and joyous movements, leaving the audience in a state of exhilaration.
Each segment is a meticulously crafted step in the dancer’s journey to connect with the audience, drawing them deeper into the aesthetic and spiritual experience.
Evoking Rasotpatti: The Goal of Bharatanatyam
The ultimate aim of Bharatanatyam, as emphasized in the chapter, is to evoke rasotpatti—the awakening of aesthetic emotion in the audience. This is achieved when the dancer is deeply connected to the character and emotions they portray, transcending mere performance to create a shared experience of joy, devotion, or awe. The dancer becomes a conduit for universal energy, enabling the audience to feel the essence of the narrative and its spiritual resonance.
