5/29/2012

Dancing For Fun With Bharatanatyam Classes

By Pamela Hardy


People take Bharatanatyam classes Los Angeles for many different reasons. The dance traditionally comes from South India, and some people enjoy it as part of their cultural heritage. However, it is a dance, which means that people also enjoy it for artistic value, exercise, and simply as a way to have fun.

Bharata Natyam is mostly practiced by women these days. It originated in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu, sometime around 1000 B. C. E. The dances consist of adavus, which are movements involving the entire body and when put together, make up the story of the dance. Adavus are sometimes referred to as the alphabet of Bharata Natyam.

When first starting out, most dancers learn the ten main adavus. These are involved in many different dances, although there are many more that can be learned. Professional dancers usually know approximately 60, but there are 108 to 150 or more adavus listed by some of the dance organizations that keep track of these things. Part of Bharata Natyam is the intense inclusion of eye and hand movement, which sets it apart from other dances which focus more on the body.

Adavus are put together in various sequences to form jathis. These are combined into more sequences to make up the elements. Dances consist of six to twelve elements, and include prayers, demonstrations of skill in footwork or other areas, as well as stories such as love tales.

The music that dancers use is done on traditional instruments in the Carnatic style. Dancers wear costumes, although what these are has changed in many ways during the life of the dance. Jewelery and ankle bells are worn while performing, as well. When the dances call for sung or spoken words, the dancers use Tamil, Telugu or Kannada as the languages of choice.

People take bharatanatyam classes los angeles for their own personal reasons. These reasons may relate to connecting with their culture or ancestors, to having fun in an interesting way, or many other things. Performers dance to share their talents with the world, and some people find it a good way to stay fit. There are many reasons people choose to pursue learning this dance.




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