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Bharatnatyam is a temple dance. It is very ancient form of a classical dance form, Originated in state of tamilnadu in india. It is inspire form sculpture of the temples in tamilnadu. It has a vast history and a deep spiritual background. Bharatnatyam is considered to be a ‘fire dance ‘ –the manifestation of the metaphysical element of fire in human body. It is one of the five majore styles( one for each element) that inclued odissi( element of water ), Mohiniattam ( element of air) kuchipudi( element of earth ) , kathakali ( element of sky). The movements of an authentic bharatnatyam dancer resemble the movement of dancing flame. Bharatnatyam is the manifestation of an ancient idea of the celebration of the eternal univers through the celebration of the beauty of the material body. Bharatnatyam proper a solo dance with two aspects Lasya, the graceful feminine lines and movements and Tandav , masculine aspect . Bharatnatyam technique includes NATYA,dramatic art of story telling in bharatnatyam. NRITTA ,pure dance movements , as a medium of visual depict of rhythems. NRITYA, combination of abhinaya and nritta. In Nritta the basic steps units called Adavus. Like Tattadavu , nattadavu , sarikkal adavu , ect. The classification is based on the feet variationas . To striking the floor with the feet, to striking the floor with the heel, to move without lifting the foot, jumping with toes and then stamping with heels, whiriling , paiccal adavu is made up of leaps and jumps. The way of teaching , classifing and performing the adavus have been slightly different from school to school. Nritya is acombination of pure dance and abhinaya . Nritta and nritya followes technical terms that is Mandala ( different positions and movements of the feet), Sthanakas ( resting posture according to placing the feet), chaari ( combination with harmony and grace of the body resting in several movents), Bramari ( whirling) Utplavana ( typs of jumps) and Hand gestures which convy the meaning , supports the facial expressions for abhinaya. And for nritta it increases its asthatical values. This knowledge of these will be a basic necessity to form a strong foundation to grasp the dance technique not only Bharatnatyam but all typs of classical , semi-classical , contempory and modern style of dancing. Bharatnatyam is an art from temple. The sculptures in temples shows historical evidance of a style. The KARANA tradition of NATYASHASTRA is found in Tanjavur , Kumbhakonam , Chidambaram , Tiruvannamalai and Vrinddachalam. The technique of karanas has been traced in the bodily movement of pure dance and in some adavus found use in contemporary Bharatnatyam. In many dance iteams includes these karana poises which are more difficult to balance but has asthetical essence to elaborats the dance peice. In bharatnatyam, there are four types of abhinaya ANGIKA ,comprising bodily movement , VACHIKA , referring to the speeches and song by the actor, AHARYA , consisting of facial make –up , costums, jewellery and settings, SATVIKA ,the expressions of psychic sates intimately associated with emotional conditions i.e tear of a joy , change of colour , change of voice , trembling , fainting , motionlessness etc. Margam , the of presentation, is beautiful woven combination of Nritta and Abhinaya . Allaripu , jatiswaram, tillana are the pure nritta iteams . Shabdam, padams,varnams are Nritya a combination of pure dance and abhinaya. Iteams performed in different ragas and talas. Dancer has to copeup with three speeds 1st, 2 nd , 3rd i.e vilambit, madhya and druta laya. In Abhinaya Darpana (text of bhatanatyam) Nandikeshwara told ‘ Patraprana’, the chareceristics features of a dancer are the dancing girl ought to be lady of slender figure, charming , youthful , firm breasts , poised acumen , enchanting , knowledgeable about the start and end of the dance , ample-eyed, capable of performance in accomplishment of vocal and instrumental music , acquaintance with rhythm ,adorned with brilliant attire and having pleasant composure. In ‘ Ptrasya prana’ , fundamental quality of a dancer are a dancing girl should be nimbleness, firmness, harmonious lines of figure , expert in bhramari movement , expressive eyes, perseverance , retention, dedication towards art ,clarity of expression and melidous voice .one possessing these qualities is entiltled to dance. So to reach and gain these qualities its nessasary to being fit as a dancer. Bharatnatyam dancer needs fitness in two ways, firstly the movents of all indian classical dance forms are very complex. Second , dancers mental fitness and alertness- after all , a dancer has to process the lyrics and the rhythm while executing controlled movement and expressions. Bharatnatyam is a cardio exersices . It needs proper hold on mind as well as body. There are many speedy and complex moves which need strength, flexibility and stamina. Poor health can harm dancers body . It will cause serious health problems and injuries. Now one can know the importance of health, fitness and good valuable food to fulfilled body needs for a dancer.
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