Famous Bharatanatyam Dancers
1. Bharatanatyam
Bharatanatyam is one of the oldest classical dance styles in India, with Tamil Nadu as its origin. In South Indian temples, devadasis would perform what is traditionally called ‘Sadhir Attam’ as a storytelling and devotional ritual.
Bharatanatyam is made up of ‘Bha’ as in ‘Bhava’ (emotion), ‘Ra’ as in ‘Raga’ (melody), ‘Ta’ as in ‘Tala’ (rhythm), and Natyam (dance). The form is characterized by complex gestures and expressive methods and is based on the Natya Shastra by the sage Bharata Muni. Bharatanatyam captivates the audience with its fusion of expressive gestures, rhythmic footwork, and legendary storytelling.
2. Legendary Bharatanatyam Dancers (Pre-20th Century)
Devadasis and the Tanjore Quartet played a key role in transforming Bharatanatyam into the traditional style it is today. By combining pure dance (nritta) with expression (nritya), the Tanjore Quartet, brothers Chinnaiah, Ponnaiah, Sivanandam, and Vadivelu, standardized the dance framework with the margam (path) pattern at the beginning of the 19th century.
They had a significant musical impact, as evidenced by innovations such as the incorporation of Western violin into Carnatic music. By incorporating devotion (bhakti) in their craft, earlier Bharatanatyam dancers such as Devadasis, who were devoted to deities, have preserved and transmitted the dance’s stylistic and spiritual aspects throughout generations.
3. Famous Bharatantyam Dancers:
a. Rukmini Devi Arundale: The modern face of Bharatanatyam
In the 20th century, Rukmini Devi Arundale transformed Bharatanatyam from a disadvantaged art form to one of the most cherished traditional dances in India. She defied social conventions and brought about revolutionary changes to the previously prejudiced and dejected form of Bharatanatyam as being ‘the Dance of the Devadasis’, which was vilified during British colonial rule.
She developed the technique and aesthetics of the dance, focusing on elegance, dignity, and spiritual purity, at the Kalakshetra Foundation, an institute devoted to educating and conserving the arts, which she created in 1936. Rukmini Devi introduced novelties like the selective use of classical music compositions and intricate stage costumes modeled after temple sculptures. In addition to creating the elegant yet conservative Bharatanatyam costumes that are currently used by Bharatanatyam dancers, she also made traditional jewelry to go with these clothes.
b. Padma Subrahmanyam: Innovator and scholar
Padma Subrahmanyam is well known for her creative contributions to Bharatanatyam, which combine artistic expression with in-depth academic study. She received training early on and subsequently concentrated on re-creating aspects of ancient dance, especially the “karanas” (dance motions from temple sculptures and writings). Reconstructing the 108 karanas, dance moves described in the “Natya Shastra,” was the topic of Padma Subrahmanyam’s doctoral dissertation.
In addition to serving as a non-official member of the Indo-Subcommission for Education and Culture, she is the author of multiple books, research papers, and articles. She created the 108 black granite statues of Lord Nataraja and Goddess Parvathi for the Nataraja Temple in Satara at the behest of the Kanchi Paramacharya. Padma’s work as a Bharatanatyam dancer has influenced a new generation of dancers and academics both domestically and abroad. Padma Subrahmanyam was honored with the Padma Shri in 1981, the Padma Bhushan in 2003, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2024.
c. Uday Shankar: The Trendsetter
Uday Shankar is renowned for his inventive blending of Bharatanatyam with Western ballet, folk, and other classical dance styles, which create a distinctive modern dance style that introduced Indian dance to a worldwide audience. Despite lacking professional training in Bharatanatyam, he created a distinctive style that made ‘Modern Dance’ famous in India.
Born in Udaipur in the early 1900s, he rose to fame as a Bharatanatyam dancer and choreographer, winning audiences both domestically and internationally with his unique blend of genres. Renowned ballerina Anna Pavlova performed with him in some of his most famous productions, including “Hindu Wedding” and “Radha and Krishna.” By establishing the ‘Uday Shankar Indian Culture Centre’ in Almora, he further solidified his legacy and had a lasting impression as a trendsetting Bharatanatyam dancer.
4. Popular Bharatanatyam Dancers : The Contemporary Stars
a. Priyadarsini Govind
Since she was six years old, Priyadarsini Govind has had a strong devotion to Bharatanatyam. After being instructed by Smt. Usha at first, she studied advanced Bharatanatyam by Guru Swamimalai K. Rajaratnam of the Vazhvoor School and refined her abhinaya techniques under “Padma Bhushan” Smt. Kalanidhi Narayanan.She has won the Vasantha Lakshmi Narsimhachari Award, the Kalaimamani (1998) award from Tamil Nadu, and the Yuva Kala Bharathi (2000) award from Bharat Kalachar in Chennai.
Priyadarshini embodies a true star of modern times with her presence in the contemporary digital world. An active participant in multiple forms of modern expression, including social media and her own metaverse-based website, she invites audiences into her rich, immersive journey in dance, spanning over five decades. Through this virtual world, she shares her rigorous training, dedicated practice, hard-earned wisdom, and artistic lineage. Her new projects and ventures encourage not just observation but active participation, drawing the audience into a shared journey that transcends the “artiste and the audience.”
b. Mallika Sarabhai
Celebrated Indian classical dancer, choreographer, and activist Mallika Sarabhai is acclaimed not only for her expertise in Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam but also for her powerful use of the arts for social causes. Daughter of the legendary dancer Mrinalini Sarabhai, Mallika’s work extends far beyond traditional performances; she leverages her art to address pressing issues like social justice, gender equality, and environmental sustainability, using creativity as a tool for social change. Trained in the classical forms of Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi, she has made a profound impact not only as a performer but as an agent of social change.
Mallika Sarabhai founded the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts in Ahmedabad, a home for artistic innovation and social activism. Through her choreography and theater, she challenges societal norms, advocating women’s rights, communal harmony, and sustainable development. An outspoken feminist, she proves how art can drive change, making her an iconic Bharatanatyam dancer and a figure of transformative creativity.
In conclusion, the contributions of well-known dancers such as Padma Subramaniam, Mallika Sarabhai, Priyadarshini Govind, Uday Shankar, and Rukmini Devi Arundale have greatly enhanced the legacy of Bharatanatyam. Each performer has contributed significantly to the advancement of this age-old dance style, maintaining its rich cultural legacy while connecting tradition and modernity. Collectively, these famous Bharatanatyam dancers inspire future generations by embodying its beauty and traditions while modifying and transforming it.
Call to Action
If you’re inspired by the stories and contributions of these popular Bharatanatyam dancers, consider attending a performance or enrolling in a class to experience the art form firsthand. Join the vibrant community of Bharatanatyam lovers and take part in this rich cultural tradition!
By celebrating the legacy of these remarkable artists, you not only honor their contributions but also keep the spirit of Bharatanatyam alive for future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
- Who was the first person to dance Bharatanatyam?
The origins of Bharatanatyam trace back over two thousand years, making it difficult to pinpoint the “first” dancer. Traditionally, however, Bharatanatyam was performed by devadasis, women who dedicated their lives to temple service and worship and who passed down the art through generations. - What is another name for Bharatanatyam?
Bharatanatyam was formerly known as “Sadir” before it was renamed to reflect its artistic elements, which include Bhava (emotion), Raga (melody), and Tala (rhythm). - How can I learn Bharatanatyam?
Learning Bharatanatyam can be pursued through various methods, including enrolling in local dance schools that specialize in classical Indian dance. Many renowned dancers also offer online classes and workshops, providing opportunities for students to learn from experienced practitioners. - What makes Bharatanatyam different from other dance forms?
Bharatanatyam is distinct due to its rich cultural heritage, intricate footwork, expressive hand gestures (mudras), and facial expressions (abhinaya). It combines storytelling with rhythm and music, often drawing from Indian mythology and spirituality.
References
- Arundale, Rukmini Devi. (1986). "Bharatanatyam: The Dance of India." New Delhi: Publications Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
- Chandralekha. (2007). "The Dancer's Journey: Bharatanatyam and Beyond." Chennai: Aesthetics Publishing.
- "Kalakshetra Foundation." (n.d.). Retrieved from Kalakshetra Foundation Official Website.
- Govind, Priyadarsini. (2015). "The Art of Bharatanatyam." New Delhi: Penguin India.
- Valli, Alarmel. (2012). "Bharatanatyam: An Iconic Dance Tradition." Chennai: Bharatanatyam Press.
- https://swatiandsunaina.com/priyadarshini-govind
- https://priyadarsinigovind.in
