Bharata Natyam South Indian Classical Dance

Bharata Natyam is the most popular of the classical dances of India. It was born in the inner most sanctums of the Hindu temples as part of the rituals and offerings to the deity of the temple. The art is indigenous to southern India. It is traditionally performed by a solo dancer. The art has two aspects. The first is the pure rhythmic abstract dance, which incorporates complex footwork and decorative hand gestures performed to spoken rhythmic syllables. The second is the expressive storytelling called Abhinaya, which uses hand gesture, facial expression, mime and body positions to create the mood and convey the idea set forth in the sung text.