Bharatanatyam

Bharatnatyam originated in Tamil Nadu, name possibly derived from Bharat. In Natya Shastra, Bharatanatyam is described as ekaharya in which one dancer depicts many roles.

Siva as Nataraja, the Lord of Dance is depicted in various dance forms.

Bharatnatyam leans heavily on the abhinaya or mime aspect of dance – the nritya, where the dancer expresses the sahitya through movement and mime (gestures and facial expression).

Bharatanatyam is usually accompanied by the classical music.

It is practiced by male and female dancers.

Noted Exponents: Rukmini Devi Arundale, Mallika Sarabhai, Yamini Krishnamurthy