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Learn the oldest and most

popular classical dance
form of India

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Bharatha Natyam has a unique style

that boasts strength and beauty

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Anu Arts Academy is a proud member of the IDEA organization

IDEA is an umbrella organization of dance professionals established to serve Indian Classical dancers and dance lovers. IDEA's programs bring greater awareness of the unique artistic gifts brought to America's great cultural tapestry by dancers from India.

What is Bharata Natyam?

A Classical Indian Dance.

Bharathanatyam is a classical Indian dance that originates from the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The dance evolved from the movements performed by temple dancers during the 19th and 20th centuries. As time has gone on, Bharathanatyam has transcended to becoming a dance that is performed and enjoyed by a vast number of people both in and outside of India.

Bharatanatyam is a dance of mind and soul. It incorporates 3 main aspects of classical Indian dance- Nritta, Nritya and Natya. Nritta involves movements of eyes, neck and limbs that do not convey any meaning. Nritya focuses on gestures and expressions. And Natya combines steps and facial expressions into a cohesive dance. The general interpretation for the name Bharata Natyam is Bhava (expression) + Raga (music) + Tala (rhythm) + Natyam (dance).

Benefits

As Bharatanatyam adopts several postures that are used in ancient yoga, this dance when performed with absolute dedication, will be as good as yoga. Some of the benefits of practicing bharathanatyam include increased memory power and concentration, body balance and flexibility, increase in stamina, and endurance. It is also believed that performing Bharathanatyam could improve heart health, control weight gain and cleanse the skin.