Bharata Natyam

Bharata Natyam is a South Indian classical dance form with a tradition of more than 2000 years old. Sage Sri Bharata Muni described Indian dance arts in a theatre handbook, called "Natya Shastra" (100 BC), in which Bharata Natyam is described amongst other art forms. Bharata Natyam knows three main characteristics, namely: Nrtta, Abhinaya en Nrtya.

There are different styles within Bharata Natyam. Every style has its own nuance. Smt. Geetha Kanhai and Shalinidevi Jitbahadoer are followers of the Guru Sri Kanjivaram Ellapa Pillai style. Guru Sri Kanjivaram Ellapa Pillai’s dance teacher was Sri Kandappa, whom provided the dance education of the famous Bharata Natyam dancer Smt. Balasaraswati.

In the past Bharata Natyam was only allowed to be performed by Devadasis (female temple servants) in the Indian temples. Nowadays the art has passed the ritual boundaries of the temples. Bharata Natyam is practised actively and brought onstage in theatres outside of India as well. The deep religious backgrounds and the spiritual aspects of Bharata Natyam are still honoured.