Insight into Bharatanatyam
This ancient Indian Classical dance form is believed to have originated in the South Indian temples. Previously recognised as Dassiattam, it was revived in the 20th century by some of the world renowned artists of India including Rukmini Devi Arundale & E. Krishna Iyer.
Bharatanatyam is a disciplined art that emphasizes on body posture, quick body movements to a rhythm and story-telling via Abhinaya or expressions.
Elements of Bharatanatyam
Nritta : Body movements to a Rhythm
This element of Bharatanatyam interprets the language of rhythm with the help of body movements. It constitutes Taal and laya- time measure and rhythm. In Nritta the emphasis is only on movements creating patterns according to rhythm & time.
Nritya : Combination of Rhythm with Facial Expression.
This element conveys poetic meaning with the help of expressions, rhythmic gaits and postures. Abhinaya (expression) is one of the most important aspects of Bharatanatyam, which conjures up a fascinating world of imagination.
Natya : Natya is a combination of Nritta, Nritya & drama.
This element of dance-drama most often portrays mythological stories with a common theme of the good winning over evil. The themes may also depict stories of Indian kings of different eras.
Insight into Carnatic Music
Indian classical music is believed to be a divine art form which originated from the Devas and Devis (Hindu Gods and Goddesses). Ancient treatises also describe the connection of the origin of the swaras, or notes, to the sounds of animals and birds and man’s effort to simulate these sounds through a keen sense of observation and perception.
Carnatic music is one of two main subgenres of Indian classical music that evolved from ancient Hindu traditions. The main emphasis in Carnatic music is on vocal music, most compositions are written to be sung, and even when played on instruments, they are meant to be performed in singing style.
Elements of Carnatic Music
The basic elements of shruti (the relative musical pitch), swara (the musical sound of a single note), raaga (the mode or melodic formulae), and taala (the rhythmic cycles) form the foundation of improvisation and composition in Carnatic music.