Wishing you all a Happy 2023! As we begin this new year, I wanted to share the building blocks of Bharathanatyam and inspire you to learn.
According to Sage Bharatha and many others, dance can be categorized into three parts – Nritta (pure dance), Nritya (movement and expression) and Natya (expression). They are the 3 N’s of dance. At this point it is also important to understand the meaning of the term BHARATHANATYAM. The word is divided into 4 parts – BHA denoting the Bhava aspect, RA representing the Raga, TA standing for the Talam and Natyam meaning dance. Along with the 4 divisions the 3N’s form the integral part of Dance.
NRITTA : In simple terms, Nritta can be understood as pure dance steps set to a rhythmic pattern. The movements of the body and the steps do not convey any meaning, but purely created for the sake of forming various patterns and making it visually engaging and beautiful. There is no specific mood set for nritta items. Some examples of Nritta pieces are – Alarippu, Kauthuvam, Jathiswaram.
NRITYA : It is a sequence combining foot work and abhinayam (expression). These kinds of songs that are composed give scope for the dancer to express the lines and meaning through facial expressions and steps. There is depiction made, for the audience to connect with the lyrics and feel of the song. Some examples of Nritya pieces are – Swarajathi, Varnam, Shabdam.
NATYA : Natya can be understood as, a dance that embodies drama and vice versa. When we discuss drama, it is evidently known that it is a story put in action and contains dialogues. Whereas Natya, takes the elements of drama by enacting a story only through physical movements and expression without dialogue and is accompanied by an orchestra team. Example of Natya pieces are – Padam.
