Natraj Dance Academy

Bharatanatyam is the oldest and the most popular of the classical dance forms in India. Like most art forms in India, Bharatanatyam has a deep spiritual base. Acknowledged as a form of yoga and of realizing Godhood, the dance originally blossomed within the temple walls, where the Devadasi’s (the servants of God or temple dancers) dedicated their lives to dance and to God. Passages of time saw this art form emerging from the temple confines and embrace the greater freedom of the stage. What distinguishes Bharatanatyam from all the other Indian Classical dance forms is it’s clear lines, almost geometric; its agility and lightness together with forceful footsteps, its strength, crispness and most importantly its majesty.

Siddendra Yogi, hailing from Kuchipudi village is said to be the father of this dance form. He gave a definite form to it and taught it to a group of brahmin boys who handed down the tradition from generation to generation. The dance has undergone many changes since then. Initially the dance was performed only in the temples by groups of boys of the Brahmin community called Bhagavatulus. Today, the Kuchipudi dance form is performed in open-air theatres and in auditoriums. Another striking change has been the inclusion of women. Further changes include the emergence of solo dance, which has widened the horizons of the art giving the artist the freedom to perform to his or her best.

Mohini Attam dance form has developed in Kerala. Performed by women it has graceful, gentle movements. Mohini means an enchantress and a dancer with enchanting movements, dressed in a typical white saree with gold border, hair gathered in a bun on one side and with golden jewellery epitomises the image of a beautiful maiden. Apparently it resembles the Bharatanatyam dance form but is quite distinct in its execution of movements, usage of hand gestures and its stark, simple costume.