The ancient dance style called Bharatnatyam is believed to have been created around two thousand years prior. This dance style is believed to have been handed down by the Lord Brahma to Rishi Bharata who was the author of the book Natyashastra which was primarily on Indian aesthetics and drama. India has a variety of dance styles that were performed all over the world, from the grounds of the king’s courts and temples to stage performances that are professionally orchestrated following the independence. The basic principles of rhythm, music, and expression, as laid out in Natyashastra, are used in Bharatnatyam. The popularity of traditional dance styles, especially Bharatnatyam can be attributable to the most steadfast and performers of the different dance styles.
1. Rukmini Devi Arundale
Rukmini Devi Arundale, an Indian theosophist and animal welfare activist as well as a choreographer and dancer of Bharatanatyam the traditional Indian dance form. The first woman to be a nominee in Indian history to be elected to the Rajya Sabha, the country’s highest chamber of the parliament. When Bharatnatyam was banned during British control it was her key factor in its revival as a popular art form. In Chennai she created the Kalakshetra. She changed Bharatnatyam from a poor and unpopular art form to an eminent and revered one.
2. Padma Subrahmanyam
Indian classical dancer Padma Subrahmanyam specializes in Bharata Natyam. She is a writer as well as an Indologist as well as a choreographer, a teacher as well as a researcher. She is internationally and domestically popular; countries like Japan, Australia, and Russia have made a number of motion-pictures and documentaries to honor her. Subramanyam is a distinguished writer, scholar, innovator and teacher who developed her own Bharatnatyam style. She also studied music and received an master’s diploma from the field of Carnatic music.
3. Mallika Sarabhai
A well-known character of the Bharatnatyam stars space is Mallika Sarabhai. As co-director she managed the Darpana Performing Arts Academy in Ahmadabad that her mother previously ran. Additionally, she is an internationally acclaimed choreographer who has developed short dances and theater dances. She is also a well-known theater performer who played Draupadi in the show “The Mahabharata” by Peter Brook. Famous space scientist Vikram Sarabhai as well as the classical ballet dancer Mrinalini Sarabhai were the parents of Mallika Sarabhai. Her beauty and intellect were highly praised.
4. Yamini Krishnamurthy
At the 5 years old, Yamini Krishnamurthy began to exhibit an interest in different dance styles and moved to Chennai to search for a teacher. After she enrolled in Rukmini Devi’s Kalakshetra her fame grew for her debut performance. After that, she traveled across the globe, performing spectacular performances that showed her extraordinary talent in her field. She redesigned the style of dance and received a good amount of praise.
5. Mrinalini Sarabhai
An Indian classical dancer, choreographer and instructor can be identified as Mrinalini Vikram Sarabhai. It is the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts is situated in Ahmedabad was established in the year 2000 and is now managed by her. Students receive instruction in the arts of dance as well as music, drama and puppetry. She has taught around 18000 students to master Bharatnatyam along with Kathakali and has been praised for her artistic contribution by receiving numerous awards, honors and awards.
6. Alarmel Valli
Valli Alarmel In the age 16 she was invited to attend the International Dance Festival of the Sarah Bernhardt Theatre De La Ville in Paris where she was able to perform Bharatnatyam. Famous for her legendary elegance in dance and her reputed status as the mother of the quaint Pandanallur School of Bharatanatyam. Alarmel Valli has improved the style of dancing by bringing an unmatched depth and dedication to contemporary performers. She was acclaimed as the newest dancer to be awarded the Padma Shri award and infused imagination into her dance moves.
7. Bala Saraswati
The most renowned Bharatnatyam queen Tanjore Balasaraswati also called Bala Saraswati, was and forever will remain. In 1918 she was born in Chennai She was the first to popularize this dance. Her unique storytelling style makes her different from other dancers. There is no one who can match her vibrant expressions and graceful moves on the day. The Indian government honoured her by awarding the Padma Bhushan in 1957 and the Padma Vibhushan in 1977 for her work in the field.
8. Anita Ratnam
One of the best dancers in the Indian subcontinent is Anita Ratnam. With a background with Bharatanatyam, Mohiniattam, and Kathakali, she is considered to be one of the best choreographers in the South. Then, she enrolled for an advanced diploma for dance in Rukmini Devi Arundale’s Kalakshetra. She is an experienced Bharatanatyam, Mohiniattam, and Kathakali dancer.
9. Sonal Mansingh
Learn a dance form starting from scratch and becoming an expert is no easy task. But, Sonal Mansingh is a master of both Bharatnatyam and Odissi dance. Sonal Mansingh is the founder for the new Delhi-based Centre for Indian Classical Dances (CICD). In recognition of her skills she has received numerous awards and awards, such as her the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1987 and her Padma Bhushan in 1992, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2003. She’s definitely one of the most accomplished dancers of all time.
10. Sudha Chandran
The story of Sudha Chandran is one of determination and triumph over the odds. After sustaining an injury that broke her leg re-entered dance in the form of Bharatanatyam. Her extraordinary journey has brought joy to millions of people and proved the power of determination and dedication to dance. Her image is well-known within the Indian television industry too.
Conclusion
Dancing is an effective method to express different emotions. The world’s public has shown their interest in Indian traditional dances as a way of expressing artistically. There are a variety of styles of classical dances in India each with distinctive features and style of performance. All together, we is able to honor the performers that have brought Bharatanatyam to life, while recognizing the art’s beauty beautiful, beauty, and tradition.