Bharatanatyam of Tamil Nadu has grown out of the art of dancers dedicated to temples, and was earlier known:

Key Points

• Sadir was the original name of Bharatanatyam, the classical dance form of Tamil Nadu.
• Bharatanatyam evolved from the art of temple dancers known as Devadasis, who were dedicated to serving the deities through dance.
• This dance form is known for its fixed upper torso, bent legs, intricate footwork, and expressive hand gestures (mudras).
• It was redefined and renamed as Bharatanatyam in the 20th century, which helped in its revival and popularization beyond temple precincts.
• Bharatanatyam is now a well-respected and widely performed dance form both in India and internationally.

Additional Information

• The dance form is traditionally performed by women, but male dancers are also increasingly participating.
• Bharatanatyam performances typically include a series of dances (items) that are set to South Indian classical music.
• The training for Bharatanatyam is rigorous and often begins at a young age, encompassing both theoretical and practical aspects of the art form.
• The dance form has a rich repertoire of compositions and is often used to depict stories from Hindu mythology, epics, and scriptures.
• Bharatanatyam has been recognized as one of the eight classical dance forms of India by the Sangeet Natak Akademi.