Famous Bharatnatyam Dancers and Costumes

Rukmini Devi Arundale: Pioneered the revival of Bharatnatyam, integrating it with modern performance aesthetics.
Sonal Mansingh: Renowned for her expressive style and contributions to Indian classical dance.
Alarmel Valli: Acclaimed for her innovative interpretations while preserving traditional techniques.
Shovana Narayan: Noted for her focus on the narrative aspect of the dance and her extensive performances.
Padma Subrahmanyam: Recognized for her scholarly approach and choreography that combines classical and modern elements.

Sari: Traditional attire usually made of silk, adorned with intricate designs and embroidery.
Color: Bright, vibrant colors like red, green, and gold are commonly used to enhance visual appeal.
Jewelry: Dancers wear elaborate jewelry including necklaces, bangles, and earrings that complement the costume.
Makeup: Traditional makeup includes bold eye makeup and distinctive hairstyles, often adorned with flowers.
Footwear: Dancers typically wear ankle bells (ghungroo) and often go barefoot to connect with the floor.

Carnatic Music: Primary musical accompaniment, characterized by ragas (melodic frameworks) and talas (rhythmic cycles).
Instruments: Commonly used instruments include the mridangam (drum), violin, flute, and veena.
Nritta and Abhinaya: Nritta focuses on pure dance, while Abhinaya involves expressiveness and storytelling through gestures.
Rhythm Patterns: Complex rhythms are integral, with dancers often improvising within structured formats.

Origins: Dates back over 2000 years, originally performed in temples as part of religious rituals.
Sadir: The earlier name, often associated with Devadasis, who were temple dancers.
Revival: In the 20th century, Rukmini Devi Arundale led a renaissance, transforming it into a respected art form.
Global Recognition: Gained international acclaim and is now performed and taught worldwide, expanding beyond traditional contexts.

Adavus: Basic units of movement that form the foundation of the dance, consisting of footwork, hand gestures, and body posture.
Mudras: Hand gestures used to convey specific meanings and emotions, critical in storytelling.
Postures: Emphasis on flexible body movements and intricate poses, particularly the characteristic Aramandi (half-sitting position).
Expression: Strong focus on facial expressions, conveying emotions and narrative elements through Abhinaya.
Footwork: Precision in foot movements and rhythms, often highlighted through ankle bells (ghungroo) for auditory effect.

Rukmini Devi Arundale: Key figure in the revival of Bharatnatyam; blended traditional dance with modern performance aesthetics.
Sonal Mansingh: Celebrated for her expressive interpretation and significant contributions to Indian classical dance.
Alarmel Valli: Known for her innovative approaches while maintaining the integrity of traditional Bharatnatyam techniques.
Shovana Narayan: Emphasizes narrative-driven performances; recognized for her extensive career and artistic impact.
Padma Subrahmanyam: Distinguished for her academic perspective on dance; merges classical and contemporary choreography.

Sari: Traditional silk garment featuring elaborate designs and embroidery, essential for dancing.
Color Palette: Utilizes bright and vibrant colors such as red, green, and gold to enhance stage presence.
Jewelry: Dancers don intricate pieces including necklaces, bangles, and earrings, enriching the costume.
Makeup Technique: Includes bold eye makeup and specific hairstyles, often adorned with flowers for aesthetic appeal.
Footwear Choices: Use of ankle bells (ghungroo) and typically performing barefoot to maintain a connection with the stage.

Carnatic Music: The foundational musical genre that accompanies Bharatnatyam, featuring complex ragas and talas.
Instrumental Ensemble: Typical instruments include the mridangam (percussion), violin, flute, and veena, providing musical richness.
Nritta vs. Abhinaya: Nritta emphasizes pure dance forms; Abhinaya focuses on expressiveness and storytelling through gestures.
Rhythmic Complexity: Dancers engage in intricate rhythm patterns and often improvise within set structures during performance.

Ancient Roots: Originated over 2000 years ago, initially performed in temples as part of sacred rituals.
Sadir Era: Formerly known as Sadir, this term relates to the tradition of Devadasis, who were temple dancers.
Modern Revival: Significant revival in the 20th century led by Rukmini Devi Arundale, who elevated Bharatnatyam to a respected art form.
International Recognition: Expanded globally, Bharatnatyam is now taught and performed around the world, transcending traditional confines.

Adavus: Fundamental movement units serving as the building blocks for the dance; incorporate footwork, hand gestures, and stances.
Mudras: Specific hand gestures that convey rich meanings and emotions integral to the storytelling aspect.
Postures: Focus on flexible movements and intricate stances, notably the Aramandi (half-sitting position) is characteristic.
Facial Expression: Strong emphasis on expressing emotions through facial movements, crucial for Abhinaya.
Precise Footwork: Attention to foot movements and rhythm, enhanced by ankle bells (ghungroo) for an auditory experience.