Bharatanatyam
Transcript: Mudra rhythm dance steps http://andreag2b03.tripod.com/Mudras.html - Earliest form of classical South Indian dance originating in the 10th century AD. Practiced in Tamil Nadu and other South Indian regions. - Performed by both men and women, and it holds reilgious connotations. - Represents detailed accounts of Hindu mythology, and it acts as a storytelling device. - The audience typically knows the stories being portrayed, and each gesture and facial expression holds specific meanings. 1) Ramayana: a Sanskrit epic poem about one of the most widely worshipped Hindu deities, Rama. 2) Mahabharata: An epic narrative of the Kurukshetra War and the fates of the Kaurava and the Pandava princes. Donia. "Bharatanatyam." Bharatanatyam. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Apr. 2016. Puri, Rajika. "Bharatanatyam Performed: A Typical Recital." (n.d.): n. pag. Illinois.edu. Web. 04 Apr. 2016. Mai, Madhavi Marcia. "About Bharatanatyam - Sadhana Dance Theater." About Bharatanatyam - Sadhana Dance Theater. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Apr. 2016. Argada, Martina. "Natya, Nritta and Nrittya." Martina Meenakshi Argada. N.p., 19 Feb. 2015. Web. 06 Apr. 2016. musical mood Holy Moly, it tells Holy Stories Second origin of the name: the sage, Bharata, who wrote the principles of the dance sometime between the 1st and 2nd century AD. 1) Nritta - the level of "pure movement". Composed of gestures and steps that holds specific meanings, yet do not convey any particular message. Primarily used to add aesthetic value to the dance. hand gestures Bharatanatyam tala expression of emotions 3 Levels of the Dance BHAva - expression RAga - melody TAla - rhythm NATYAM - dance Comparison to ballet Set vocabulary of movement Adavu raga when combine a series of dance steps, creates a korvais Anjali. "History of Bharatanatyam." Online Bharatanatyam RSS. N.p., 27 June 2007. Web. 05 Apr. 2016. What do these gestures convey? Gestures elaborate eye, neck and hand movements 1) Pataaka: flag, clouds, forest, bosom, nighttime, fierce heat or wind 2) Tripataaka: a tricolor flag 3) Ardhapataaka: half of a flag 4) Kartari-Mukha: scissors, arrow shaft 5) Mayura: peacock FUN FACT! 10) Shikhara: beak, armor, bow, saying no, the sound of bells, or drinking Costumes and Design Savitha Sastry Gloria Fortuna and Jasmine McCarty Still preserved today and is actively used in places like Tamil Nadu. Modern Day Transformation bheda How the dance works... 3) Natya: combines levels 1 and 2 and can be translated to "dramatic art." This level tells the full dramatic story and derives from the Sanskrit root nrt, which means "to dance". Thank You! What did you notice? Bhakti, Shakti. "Mudras of India: Kartari-Mukha." Mudras of India: Kartari-Mukha. N.p., 25 Oct. 2010. Web. 06 Apr. 2016. Typically performed on a blank stage with a live band. The dancer is often barefoot, and the hands and feet are covered in red henna to accentuate the gestures being performed. The eyes are covered in kohl to add definition to facial expressions during the performance. The costume includes a sari draped between the legs for a fanning effect with the dress allowing the dancers to move liberally. The costumes are elaborate with accents of gold and bright/contrasting colors. Bells hang around the ankles to emphasize specific parts of the story. Donia. "Bharatanatyam." Bharatanatyam. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Apr. 2016. Quick activity! Exploring the meaning behind the gestures: Similar to learning a new language! 2) Nrittya: the level of "interpretative dance", which adds emotions and vivid descriptions to the basic gestures. It is an interpretation of a poem or work of literature expressed as song. Sometimes incorporates speech! 1:50-2:50 religious dance women given to the temple Philip, Thomas. "Bharatanatyam and the Art of Storytelling." Thomas Philips Weblog. N.p., 15 Oct. 2010. Web. 06 Apr. 2016. A Brief History... bhava Devadasis All conscious decisions that the dancers spend years perfecting. Professional dancers begin learning these terms and movements at a young age. BHARATANATYam