Bharatnatyam Classical Dance Experience in Chennai with Lunch

Bhartanatyam is one of the oldest dance forms in India. In this half-day session an accomplished dancer will bring alive this magical dance form through mythological stories, gestures and expressions. Guests will learn the language, concepts, and history of this dance form. By the end of the session, you will learn to narrate an episode in a  story through Bharatnatyam.

Highlights
• Introduction to Bharatnatyam
• Demonstration of actions, footwork and hand gestures
• Representation of everyday objects, animals and emotions

You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning and taken to the venue.

Your instructor will introduce you to this classical dance form that originated in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. Traditionally, it has been a solo dance that was performed exclusively by women in Shiva temples. Later its popularity spread to the courts of Kings. Today the dance is practiced by both male and female dancers and modern stage productions narrate non-religious ideas and fusion themes.

This dance form is believed to be over 2000 years old and reference to it can be traced back to ancient Sanskrit texts, notably the Natya Shastra by Bharata Muni and  the Tamil epic, Silappatikaram.  Its elaborate dance postures are also depicted in temple sculptures of the 6th to 9th century AD.

During the session, the instructor will demonstrate the Bharatanatyam style that is noted for its fixed upper torso, legs bent or knees flexed out combined with spectacular footwork and a sophisticated vocabulary of sign language based on gestures of hands, eyes and facial muscles. The singer, director and conductor of the dance is typically the guru of the dancer. During the course of the performance you will get to see an interpretive narration of mythical legends and spiritual ideas from Hindu texts.

Note the graceful attire of the dancer that resembles a traditional Hindu bridal dress. The brightly coloured sari has several elegant pleats that open up like a fan as the dancer flexes her knees or performs elaborate footwork.

By the end of the dance demonstration you will be able to appreciate better the various emotions and expressions in a typical dance performance.

After the dance class, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (beverage excluded).

You will be dropped back at your hotel after lunch.