Bharatanatyam is a very popular and oldest classical dance of India. It is a dance of mind and soul. It's antiquity lies about 3000 years ago with a mythological as well as a historical origin. It was originally known as Sadir-attam (court dance) and also Dasiattam (performed by the daasis-the servants of God).The name "Pushpanjali" stands for saluting and offering flowers to God, Guru and the audience.The name Bharatanatyam is understood in two ways: It is the dance (natyam), that beautifully blends the three elements - 'Bha' - Bhava (from expressions), 'Ra'- Raga (from musical melody) and 'Ta' - Taaala (from rhythm). The name 'Bharata' is after Bharata Muni, the great author of the "NATYA SHASTRA". Bharatanatyam is basically a solo dance which includes both aspects - 'nritta' (pure steps) as well as 'abhinaya' (expressions) in equal measures. The dancer represents the devotee, worshipping God to unite with Him. Bharatanatyam has three elements. 'Nritta', this pertains to pure dance. No abhinaya (expressions) is done, e.g. Jathiswaram, Alarippu etc. 'Nritya', this consists of both Nritta and expression, e.g. Varnam, Shabdam etc. 'Natya', this element consists of the dramatic element where the dancer herself becomes the character as in dance dramas like the Ramayana etc. The rhythmic body movements along with hand gestures are called 'Adavus'. A combination of Adavus is called a 'Korvai'. The meaning of lyrics of the song that the dancer dances to, is conveyed to the audience with the help of hand gestures and facial expressions. Through the feet, the tempo (laya) is followed. This kind of series is called Aangika Abhinaya.
The movements of hand gestures have been grouped as Asamyukta Hastas (single hand gestures) and Samyukta Hastas (double hand gestures). 'Margam' is a path or one full definite course where in dance items are performed in a traditional order. The items that are included are Alarippu, Jathiswaram, Shabdam, Varnam, Padam, Tillana and Shlokam. According to the great legendary dance T.S.Balasaraswati,"We enter through the Gopuram (outer hall) of Alarippu, cross the Ardhamandapam (half way hall) of Jathiswaram, then the Mandapam (great hall) of Shabdam and enter the holy precinct of the deity in the Varnam. In dancing to the Padams, one experiences the contentment, cool and quiet of entering the sanctum from its external precinct. It is akin to the juncture when the cascading lights of worship are withdrawn and the drum beats die down to the simple and solemn chanting of sacred verses in the closeness of God. Then the Tillana breaks into movement like the final burning of camphor accompanied by a measure of din and bustle."
