21st Century Bharatanatyam

Bharatanatyam was once a way of life, originating with devadasis or temple dancers who were revered and entertained in royal courts. Its earliest records are wall drawings and the Natyasastra text, detailing the art's nuances. Practitioners were versed in poetry and music, deeply immersing themselves in the art.

Today, the challenge is transmitting these nuances to younger dancers, especially those disconnected from India's dance-rich regions like Tanjavur and Chidambaram. Many learners don't understand Tamil, the language of its origin. However, foreign dancers have successfully embraced this ancient art. The key is connecting with the emotions and music, allowing dancers to express and share these feelings with their audience. Music and art transcend language, universally conveying emotion.

As a first-generation immigrant, I found personal meaning in dance, harnessing emotions for artistic expression. This fosters artistic freedom and inspires unique interpretations. Young dancers grow through self-realization, incorporating their flavor into performances.

I encourage young dancers to understand their repertoires, find personal resonance, and convey those emotions and thoughts to their audience.