Kaisiki School of Bharathanatyam

THEME contd.

According to Smt. Balasaraswathi, “Bharatanatyam is a variety of Natya yoga which reveals the spiritual union using the physical and emotional body.” “In a state of highest ecstacy, Bharatanatyam is the embodiment of music in a visual form”.

THEME contd.

The theme of Bharatnatyam comes alive through the zealous performances of the dancers. It is the combination of technique, styles and Abhinaya.

Bharatnatyam is a sacred art filled with the richness of mythological heritage of India. The technique, costume, style and theme of the dance distinguish it from other forms of Indian classical dance. Bharatnatyam is known for its grace, purity, tenderness and sculpturesque posses.

THEME contd.

It epitomizes the adoration of lovers separated and reunited. This dance is considered to be a fire dance, where there is a mysterious display of the abstract element of fire in the human body.

Theme of Bharatnatyam

Bharatanatyam is an Ekaharya (solo), feminine, tender form of a dance, i.e. a single dancer presenting various characters, regardless of their gender. The basic theme is the outpouring of Love expressed towards the Divine Supreme Being. It also depicts the love of a Mother for her siblings.

The Revival Contd.

The present form of Bharatanatyam as we are aware of in the present time, has been codified, documented and systematically regularized by the four brothers from Thanjavore – Chinnayya, Ponnayya, Vadivelu and Sivanandam in the early 19th century.

They are also famously known as the Tanjore Quartret. Their dance compositions form the bulk of the Bharatanatyam practiced today.

However, Bharatanatyam still retains its essentially devotional character.

Tanjore Quartet

The Revival

Somewhere around the 1930’s, some surviving Devadasis who had safeguarded the spirit of enthusiasm like the legendary Smt. Balasaraswati, were called upon for stage performances by the elite educated class with the intentions of restoring and preserving India’s cultural heritage, back to its originality.

Rukmini Devi was the first ever educated elite to learn this dance form under the guidance of Smt. Balasaraswati.

Pics of Smt. BalaSaraswati

BRIEF HISTORY contd.

The responsibility and credit of preserving this sacred art with all its sanctity for many centuries goes to the Hindu temples. The British colonization effect played a pivotal role in degrading this sacred art.

The decline of the temple support and change in the hereditary nature of this profession saw the dance form moving from the temples to the courts of kings. The outlook of the dance had changed from purity to mere entertainment leading to its downfall, further.

BRIEF HISTORY

Bharatanatyam, one of the oldest classical dance forms in the world, is believed to have originated in south India in the district of Thanjavore in Tamil Nadu.

It was also known as "Daasiyattam", a form of traditional dance performed by Devadasis (community of temple dancers) in the ancient temples.

The Devadasis were women who had dedicated their lives in serving the temple deity as dancers and musicians. Their performances played an integral and important role during the elaborate temple rituals.

KAISIKI is one of the ancient style or techniques in Bharathanatyam which is based on the foundation of Sringara (sentiment of Love). It consists of elaborate, subtle & delicate gestures of body parts adorned with graceful ornaments & charming beautiful dress. Rasaas, Bhaavas (Vibhava, Anubhava & Sancharibhava) & Kriyas form its soul. Hence, it can be practiced and performed only by women.

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Kaisiki School of Bharathanatyam School for realizing potential, improvising skills to perfection, mastering the art with beauty & elegance to understand and experience the value of dance.

Our Guru - Sri RLV Anand