Na tat Jnanam Na tat Shilpam Na sa Vidyaa Na sa Kalaa
Na sau Yogo Na tat Karman Naatye asmin Yanna Drishyate
“There is no knowledge (Jnana), craft (Shilpa), science (Vidya), art (Kala), yoga or action (Karma) that does not fall within the purview of Performing Arts” – says Bharata in his Natyashastra.
Bharatanatyam which originated in Southern India as a temple dance tradition called DasiAttam (Performed by the Deva Dasis or dedicated Temple Dancers as an offering or Service to the Deity) more than 2000 years ago and is perhaps the most advanced and evolved dance form of all the Classical Indian dance forms.
The name Bharatanatyam is a simple derivation from the four most important aspects of dance (in Sanskrit). These are:Bha from Bhava meaning emotion, Ra from Raaga meaning music or melody, Ta from Taala meaning rhythm and Natyam meaning dance. Thus Bharatanatyam is the dance that encompasses music, rhythm and expressional dance or Abhinaya and strictly adheres to the Natyashastra (the detailed treatise of Classical Indian dance).
All languages are expressive mediums and the dialect and grammar is essential for effective expression. The proper approach to mastering any language is first through the dialect and the mastering of grammar follows. In the terms of Bharatanatyam, the dialect consists of various techniques of expressions and movements. It is only after achieving mastery over the technicalities of basic dance movements like Adavus and Theermanams, the perfection or Angashuddha is attained. Following this the learning of Bharatanatyam enters the next phase of training involving, understanding the complexities of the depiction of a character and intricacies of choreography.
The centre not only imparts intensive training in Dance but the students learn Sanskrit, Indian Literature, Mythology, Poetry, Aesthetics, History of Dance, Philosophy, Spiritual thought and Theory of Dance.
The classes are educative and interactive, encouraging creative expression and inculcating an awareness of the interdisciplinary approach by understanding the inter-relatedness of all art forms and physical traditions.
The Centre provides an environment that fosters the artistic, intellectual and personal growth preparing students for successful and productive lives. The Centre aims to teach students Bharatanatyam not as an entertaining art form but as Natya Yoga that reveals the spiritual through the physical and emotional body.
At Art Of Vinyasa, we believe that “Being a good Dancer, is second only to Being a good Human Being”.