The Aesthetics of Bharatanatyam

As the dancer elegantly performs This oldest classical dance heritage of India The Bharatanatyam: A Divine dance art form, The grace and beauty of the art, Is enhanced by movement, mime and music. The facial expressions and gestures of the dancer, Her footwork and the costume, Blend together with its intricacies to create Delicate moves of non-verbal communication, Through this most sophisticated art, Initially a highly spiritual dance form, Performed in Hindu temples of South India, Over time, moved from temples to theatres. The dancer uses the language of gestures When her emotions expressing various moods Are gracefully enacted with her hands and body, Telling a story of love and longing, Or of a battle between good and evil, As the musicians envelope her with Rhythmic musical notes and tones That set the appropriate mood for the story. Every action of the performer of this art, Is a form of dialogue without words With one's own self, with the world, And with the Universal Omniscient force that governs us, In a process of self-exploration and self-realization. When all these aspects unite in harmony And as the dancer concludes her performance A sense of peace and contentment, And an upliftment of spiritual consciousness Is illuminated in the minds of Of both the dancer and the audience. Date: 01/06/2021 Submitted for: Podium Placing Promise (5) Poetry Contest Sponsor: Brian Strand Note: Bharathanatyam: This is a major form of traditional Indian classical dance, specially originated in South India. Bharatanatyam is the oldest classical dance tradition in India. The compond word 'Bharatanatyam' signifies a dance form that harmoniously expresses emotions, music, and rhythm.