Of these forms, Bharatanatyam is the most widely known within India and abroad. It is the classical dance style native to southern India, particularly the state of Tamil Nadu. Like other Indian classical forms, it exhibits two main components: nritta, or pure dance technique, featuring rhythmic footwork patterns and beautiful abstract movements of the body, and abhinaya, or expressional dance, featuring a vocabulary of hand gestures and facial expressions used to mime the words of the song. The pure dance technique of Bharatanatyam is marked by symmetrical lines of the body, exuberant leaps and bends contrasting with subtle neck and eye movements, and crisp, intricate footwork. The lyrical content of the songs used for the expressional dance of Bharatanatyam is primarily devotional or mythological. Its purpose is not merely to entertain but to inspire, uplift, transform, and ultimately to carry both the dancer and viewer closer to knowledge of the Divine.
With ancient roots more than 2000 years old, Bharatanatyam evolved over the centuries taking its present form some 250 years ago. It was traditionally a solo dance form performed by women within the temple precincts as part of the daily worship ritual. In the 20th century, Bharatanatyam emerged from the temple to take its place as one of India's premier theater art forms. Despite its secular setting, the devotional lyrics of this dance form ensure its deep spiritual connection to Hindu tradition. Today, Bharatanatyam is learned and performed by men and women of all classes in India and abroad.Web Resource from: http://home.comcast.net/
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