Bharatanatyam

 

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There are many forms of art. Like drawing, painting, dancing, and many more. Talking about dancing, which also has many types, the one I most enjoy is Bharatanatyam.

I began Bharatnatyam almost 5 years ago. When I started It was a brand new concept to me. I was really eager to learn it all and get it right. I love to attend dance classes. Even during the pandemic the dance academy, I have joined, is taking classes online. I once asked 2 or 3 schoolmates if they danced or not, 1 of them did but she told me she got bored after six months. There I was thinking about how could a person get bored of such a beautiful dance form. I mean everyone has their opinions, I agree, but I always used to question that.

Anyway, the first 2-3 years of Bharatnatyam are spent learning the basic steps which are going to help build the steps for the dance items we learn (I don't know if this is true for all dance academies but this is how I am learning). Then after that, we learn the basic dance items and more. So far I have learned 4 dance items and I am now learning the fifth one.

I enjoy Bharatnatyam A LOT. The happiness while dancing is on another level. The dance steps in a particular sequence which gives it meaning and makes it so beautiful. Yes, there can be some mistakes while dancing but that shouldn't bring you down. It should encourage you to practice more and dance even more beautifully. 

The meaning hidden in every dance is just beautiful. I recently saw a youtube video of a person dancing to the title track of the Mahabharata (2013). It was astonishing. The way she expressed all the important events in Mahabharata only by her hand gestures and expressions is just amazing (Here’s the link if you want to check it out)

Mahabharat Title song | Hai Katha Sangram Ki | Bharatanatyam | Dance cover

I have learned many things while dancing, such as discipline and much more. Discipline is required in dance because no one can get anything right without a ton of practice. You have to practice and having that practice every day is one of the many things of Bharatanatyam I enjoy. It also improves your posture and balance’

I think one should learn a form of dance because it is fun and the discipline and other things you get is just one of the many things you pick up in your years of learning. You also learn many stories of various Gods, which is fun to learn and even more fun to act out while dancing. The combination of things is just epic. I want to tell you so much more but the feeling of enjoyment and excitement I feel is indescribable

Honestly, I think everyone should learn classical dance (I think there are 7 in India) in their lifetime. Instead of scrolling your phone you can practice your steps and do it correctly. When you get a step right, (for me) it is pure happiness. It can be frustrating when you are getting it wrong a couple times, but that’s okay we are only humans.

This was my journey of learning Bharatanatyam till now and I know there is a lot more in the coming. Let me know if you learn any classical dance and if you enjoy it like I do 

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