Article
Bharatanatyam: An Introduction to Classical Indian Dance in Malaysia
At many Deepavali cultural events in Malaysia, you might see dancers in brilliantly coloured costumes, ankle bells chiming as they move with precise footwork and expressive gestures. The audience falls silent as a single raised eyebrow or a curved hand tells a whole story. This is most likely Bharatanatyam, one of India's oldest classical dance forms.
Bharatanatyam is a highlight of many festive stage programmes, and you do not need to be an expert to enjoy it. This guide explains what Bharatanatyam is, its history, how it has grown in Malaysia, the costume and music, etiquette for watching a performance and what to look for so you can appreciate the artistry more deeply.
What Is Bharatanatyam?
Bharatanatyam is a classical dance from Tamil Nadu in South India. It is known for its precision, grace and storytelling.
- Precise footwork with rhythmic stamping
- Expressive hand gestures called mudras
- Facial expressions that convey emotions and stories
- Graceful sculptural poses
- A combination of pure dance, expressive dance and dramatic storytelling
These three elements are known as nritta, the pure dance of rhythm and movement, nritya, the expressive dance that conveys meaning, and natya, the dramatic storytelling that brings characters to life.
Together, they allow a single dancer to play several characters in one piece, switching between them with a turn of the head or a change of expression.
A Brief History
Bharatanatyam has ancient roots and historically developed within temple traditions in South India, where it had devotional significance for Hindus. During the twentieth century, it was revived and reshaped as a concert art form performed on stages around the world.
Today, many people learn it as a classical art, valuing its discipline, technique and cultural heritage. Many pieces still carry devotional themes, which is part of the dance's Hindu background, while audiences of all faiths can enjoy the performance as art.
Training is demanding. Students usually spend years learning basic steps, rhythms and gestures before performing a full solo programme, known in Tamil as an arangetram.
Bharatanatyam in Malaysia
Bharatanatyam came to Malaysia with Indian communities and has flourished through dance schools, cultural organisations and performances. Malaysian dancers of different backgrounds have trained in and performed Indian classical dance, and Malaysian productions often blend classical technique with local stories. Our guide to Indian communities in Malaysia explains the wider history behind these traditions.
During the festive season, look out for performances at community centres, cultural halls, shopping malls and Deepavali events. Many dance schools also hold recitals for families and the public.
The Costume and Music
Every part of the costume is designed to highlight the dancer's movement.
The costume
Dancers wear a brightly coloured outfit with a pleated fan that opens during movements, ornate gold-toned jewellery, ankle bells called salangai that emphasise rhythm, red dye on the fingertips and feet to highlight gestures, and dramatic eye makeup so expressions can be seen from a distance.
Costumes are usually made to measure and carefully maintained, as the pleats must open neatly with every bend and leap.
The music
Bharatanatyam is performed to Carnatic music, the classical music of South India. Instruments may include the mridangam drum, violin, flute and veena, along with a vocalist and a nattuvanar who recites rhythmic syllables to guide the dancer. Our guide to festive music in Malaysia explores these sounds further.
Watching a Performance
A few simple courtesies help everyone enjoy the show.
Many performances are held in community halls or outdoor stages, so dress comfortably but neatly, and bring water if the event is outside.
- Arrive on time and stay seated during pieces
- Silence your phone
- Ask before filming, as some performers or organisers do not allow recordings
- Applaud at the end of each piece rather than during it
- Appreciate devotional pieces respectfully as cultural performances
Tip: Read the programme notes before the show begins. A short summary of each story makes the gestures and expressions much easier to follow.
What to Look For
Each mudra has a meaning, representing things like a deer, a flower, a bird or an emotion. Watch how dancers use their eyes to direct attention and express feelings, and notice how the footwork matches the drum beats. You do not need to understand every story to enjoy Bharatanatyam, as its beauty, discipline and rhythm speak to audiences everywhere.
Watching with a friend who knows the dance can help, as they can point out details and explain what a gesture or expression represents.
FAQ
Where does Bharatanatyam come from?
It is a classical dance from Tamil Nadu in South India with ancient roots.
Can people of other faiths watch Bharatanatyam?
Yes. Audiences of all backgrounds can appreciate it as a cultural art form and performance.
Can I film a Bharatanatyam performance?
Ask first, as some performers and organisers do not allow recordings.
Classical dance reminds us of the rich artistic heritage Malaysian Indians have brought to our national culture. Enjoy the performances this festive season.