All About Bharatanatyam

https://priyas-bharatanatyam.ezyro.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/History-of-Bharatanatyam-2.mp4

The Kalakshetra Foundation is an arts and cultural institution based in Chennai, India, that was founded in 1936 by Rukmini Devi Arundale, a prominent Indian classical dancer and choreographer. The institution is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Indian classical dance, music, and visual arts. The foundation offers a range of courses and programs in Indian classical dance, music, and other art forms, and has become a major center for the study and practice of Bharatanatyam and other traditional Indian dance forms. Its curriculum emphasizes the spiritual and cultural roots of Indian art and seeks to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of these art forms. The Kalakshetra Foundation also houses a museum and archives dedicated to Indian art and culture, as well as a theater and auditorium for performances and events. The institution has played an important role in the development and preservation of Indian classical arts, and has produced many notable dancers, music...

Rukmini Devi Arundale (1904-1986) was a prominent Indian classical dancer, choreographer, and activist who is often credited with popularizing Bharatanatyam and reviving the Indian dance tradition. She was born in Madurai, India and was trained in Bharatanatyam, as well as in Western classical dance and music. In the 1930s, Rukmini Devi Arundale founded the Kalakshetra Foundation, an arts and cultural institution based in Chennai that has since become a major center for the study and practice of Indian classical dance, music, and visual arts. Through Kalakshetra, Rukmini Devi Arundale worked to develop a modernized approach to Bharatanatyam that emphasized its spiritual and cultural roots, and helped to establish it as a respected art form both in India and abroad. In addition to her work in dance and the arts, Rukmini Devi Arundale was also a prominent social activist and advocate for animal welfare. She was instrumental in the founding of the Animal Welfare Board of India and worked ...

It is difficult to pinpoint the very first Bharatanatyam dancer, as the origins of the dance form date back centuries and it has evolved over time with various influences. However, some historians believe that Bharatanatyam has its roots in the ancient temple dance tradition of the devadasis, who were women trained in dance and music and dedicated to serving the deity in Hindu temples. Over time, Bharatanatyam developed into a more formalized and structured dance form with specific techniques and styles. Some early pioneers of modern Bharatanatyam include Rukmini Devi Arundale, who founded the Kalakshetra Foundation in Chennai in 1936, and E. Krishna Iyer, who was instrumental in developing a system of notation for Bharatanatyam. However, many dancers and gurus have contributed to the development and preservation of Bharatanatyam over the years, and it continues to be a vibrant and evolving art form to this day.

Salangai Pooja, also known as Salangai Puja or Ghungroo Puja, is a traditional practice in Bharatanatyam, a classical dance form of India. It is a ceremony where the dancer performs the ritual of blessing their ankle bells, known as “salangai” in Tamil, which are an essential component of the Bharatanatyam dance. The ceremony is usually performed by the dancer in the presence of their guru, family, and friends. It involves the offering of flowers, fruits, and other symbolic items to the salangai, followed by the recitation of mantras and hymns to invoke the blessings of the divine and the dance gods. The salangai are considered sacred in Bharatanatyam and are believed to possess the power to enhance the dancer’s performance and elevate their spiritual and artistic experience. Through the Salangai Pooja, the dancer seeks to imbue the bells with divine energy and blessings, thereby enhancing their own performance. The ceremony also serves as a way for the dancer to expre...

In the context of Bharatanatyam, Guru Pooja holds a significant place as it is a way for the student to pay respect and offer gratitude to their dance guru who has trained and guided them in their journey of learning the dance form. Before commencing the Bharatanatyam performance or practice session, the dancer typically performs Guru Pooja as a mark of respect and honor towards their dance teacher. The ceremony usually involves the offering of flowers, fruits, and other items, along with the recitation of hymns and mantras in praise of the guru. The offering of flowers is done with each petal representing a quality or attribute of the guru, such as patience, knowledge, and discipline. The petals are offered along with the chanting of the guru’s name, signifying the student’s reverence and devotion towards their teacher. Guru Pooja in Bharatanatyam is not just a ritual or ceremony, but also a way for the student to connect with their teacher at a deeper level and to seek the...

International Dance Day i s celebrated every year on April 29th to raise awareness about the importance of dance and its cultural significance around the world. The day was established by the International Dance Council (CID) in 1982 to coincide with the birthday of Jean-Georges Noverre, a French dancer and choreographer who is considered the father of modern ballet. The purpose of International Dance Day is to promote the art of dance and its diverse forms, to celebrate the creativity and talent of dancers, and to encourage people to experience the joy of dance. The day is celebrated with a variety of events and performances, including dance workshops, festivals, and performances by professional dance companies. International Dance Day also serves as an opportunity to address issues facing the dance community, such as the need for better working conditions for dancers, increased access to dance education, and the preservation of traditional dance forms. Overall, International Dance Da...