GRAVITY Fitness: Bharatanatyam Dance Classes in Ejipura
Introduction to GRAVITY Fitness Bharatanatyam Dance Classes Ejipura
Welcome to GRAVITY Fitness, a beacon of cultural dance and fitness in Ejipura. Since our inception, we’ve dedicated ourselves to spreading the joy and discipline of Bharatanatyam. Our mission is to blend traditional dance forms with modern teaching methods, creating an environment where art and fitness coexist.
The Enchanting Legacy of Bharatanatyam: A Glimpse into Its Rich History
Bharatanatyam, one of the most revered classical dance forms of India, boasts a history as dynamic and colorful as its performance. This ancient art form, originating in the temples of Tamil Nadu, has traversed through centuries, evolving and flourishing with each epoch.
The Origins: Temple Dance Tradition
The roots of Bharatanatyam lie in the sacred spaces of South Indian temples. Historically known as ‘Sadhir,’ the dance was performed by the Devadasis, women who dedicated their lives to serving the deity of the temple. These temple dances were not just mere performances but a form of worship, a way to narrate the stories of the gods and goddesses through intricate movements and expressive gestures.
The Natya Shastra: The Ancient Scripture
Bharatanatyam’s theoretical foundation is deeply embedded in the ‘Natya Shastra,’ an ancient Sanskrit treatise on performing arts. Authored by the sage Bharata Muni, this comprehensive work outlines the principles of dance, drama, and music. Bharatanatyam, as we see today, is a testament to the timeless guidelines laid down in this scripture, emphasizing the dance’s intricate footwork, precise hand gestures, and expressive eye movements.
The Colonial Impact and Revival
The colonial era saw a decline in the patronage of Bharatanatyam, with the British administration deeming the dance form and the Devadasi system controversial. However, the 20th century witnessed a remarkable revival, spearheaded by pioneers like Rukmini Devi Arundale and E. Krishna Iyer. They redefined Bharatanatyam, bringing it out of the temples and onto the global stage while maintaining its classical essence.
Modern Bharatanatyam: A Global Phenomenon
Today, Bharatanatyam has transcended its traditional boundaries, becoming a global phenomenon. It’s not just confined to the temples or cultural festivals but is taught and performed worldwide. Modern exponents of the dance continue to explore and innovate, blending traditional techniques with contemporary themes, thus keeping the art form vibrant and relevant.
Unveiling the 7 Captivating Stages of Bharatanatyam"
Alarippu
This is the first stage, serving as an invocatory performance. It’s a pure dance (Nritta) piece that symbolizes the blossoming of the dancer. Alarippu is characterized by simple, rhythmic movements and is meant to loosen the body, as well as to pay respects to the gods, the guru, and the audience.
Jatiswaram
The second stage involves more complex movements and is also a Nritta piece. It combines intricate footwork and rhythmic patterns (Jatis). This stage showcases the dancer’s technical prowess and is performed to instrumental music without any vocal accompaniment.
Shabdam
In the third stage, the dancer starts to incorporate expressive aspects of dance (Nritya). Shabdam is where the dancer begins to tell a story or convey a message through gestures and facial expressions, usually set to a devotional song or a hymn.
Varnam
This is the most demanding and longest section of the performance. Varnam combines Nritta, Nritya, and Natya (dramatic element). It requires considerable stamina and skill, as the dancer performs complex footwork and depicts a story, often involving themes of love and devotion.
Padam
In this stage, the emphasis shifts to expressing emotions and feelings (Bhava). Padam typically involves slower, more lyrical movements, allowing the dancer to demonstrate their ability to express complex emotions and moods through subtle facial expressions and gestures
Thillana
The penultimate stage is again a Nritta piece, characterized by fast-paced, vibrant movements. Thillana is a joyful and exuberant culmination of the dance, showcasing the dancer’s rhythmical expertise and agility.
Shloka or Mangalam
The final stage is a concluding piece, often a prayer or a benediction seeking blessings. It is performed with a sense of gratitude and is meant to leave the audience with a feeling of spiritual fulfillment.
Each stage of a Bharatanatyam performance is distinct yet seamlessly integrated, creating a harmonious and complete artistic expression. This structure not only displays the dancer’s technical skills and emotional range but also conveys the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of this ancient art form.
Bharatanatyam Dance Costume
Pirahanam (The Upper Garment): Traditionally, the upper garment is a fitted blouse that matches the colors and patterns of the saree. It is tightly fitted to ensure ease of movement and to accentuate the dancer’s gestures.
Saree (The Lower Garment): The lower garment is a specifically draped saree, often in vibrant colors, adorned with gold borders and intricate designs. The saree is pleated in a way that allows for the expansive leg movements characteristic of Bharatanatyam. These pleats fan out beautifully during spins and footwork.
Practice Wear: In practice sessions, dancers often wear a simpler version of the costume, usually a pair of well-fitted pants and a long, fitted top, allowing for ease of movement.
Jewelry
Headpieces: Traditional headpieces include the ‘Sun and Moon’ (Surya and Chandra), worn on either side of the head. Other ornaments include the ‘Tikka’ that adorns the forehead.
Necklaces: Bharatanatyam dancers typically wear multiple necklaces, like chokers and longer necklaces that lay flat against the costume.
Earrings, Bangles, and Rings: Matching earrings, bangles, and rings add to the elegance. Dancers also wear ‘Ghungroos’ (ankle bells), which are crucial as they accentuate the rhythmic aspects of the dance.
Hair and Makeup
Hairstyle: The hair is typically styled into a classical bun (Kondai) at the back of the head. It’s often adorned with flowers (usually jasmine) arranged in a crescent shape.
Makeup: The makeup is bold and dramatic, intended to be vividly visible even from a distance. It emphasizes the eyes, making them appear larger and more expressive, which is vital for conveying the emotions and stories in the dance.
Fabrics and Colors
The fabrics used are usually silk, known for its sheen and durability. The colors are traditionally bright and vibrant, often with contrasting combinations, reflecting the energetic and dynamic spirit of Bharatanatyam.
Why Choose Our Bharatanatyam Dance Classes in Ejipura
Choosing GRAVITY Fitness means opting for excellence. Our classes are tailored to nurture both beginners and advanced dancers. We emphasize the holistic development of our students, focusing on technique, expression, and cultural understanding.
Our Bharatanatyam Classes in Koramangala
Strategically located Near Koramangala, our classes are easily accessible. We offer flexible schedules to accommodate the busy lives of our students, ensuring that learning Bharatanatyam remains a joy and not a chore.
Bharatanatyam for Beginners and Kids
Our beginner and kids’ programs are designed to introduce the foundational aspects of Bharatanatyam in an engaging and fun way. We focus on building a strong base, ensuring that our young learners are well-equipped to pursue their dance journey.
Meet Our Professional Bharatanatyam Trainers in Bangalore
Our trainers are not just teachers; they are mentors who have excelled in Bharatanatyam. With years of experience and a passion for dance, they bring a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to our students.
GRAVITY Fitness: A Top Bharatanatyam School in Ejipura
GRAVITY Fitness prides itself on being more than just a dance school. We are a community where students learn, share, and grow together, making us one of the top Bharatanatyam schools in Ejipura.
Advanced Learning and Performance Opportunities
For those looking to take their skills to the next level, we offer advanced training and performance opportunities. These include specialized workshops, annual showcases, and guidance for those considering a professional career in Bharatanatyam.
Serving Communities Beyond Ejipura: Vivek Nagar, Koramangala, Domlur
Our doors are open to students from all over Bangalore. We’re especially dedicated to serving the communities of Vivek Nagar, Koramangala, and Domlur, ensuring that the art of Bharatanatyam is accessible to all.
Embark on your Bharatanatyam journey with us. For enrollment details, class schedules, and more information, reach out to us at 82178 91569 gravityfitnessgym2023@gmail.com Follow us at https://www.instagram.com/gravityfitnessgym.113/ for updates and insights into our vibrant dance community.