A pristine and extremely graceful dance originating in Tamil Nadu, and the oldest form of classical dance in India. This follows a precise pattern: of seven items beginning with the relatively simple atarippu. This is the invocation without which a performance cannot begin. Complex dances succeed this auspicious start, to conclude with a sloka, i.e. (the rendition of) a sacred Sanskrit verse. The religious roots are apparent not only in the performance, but also in the name. Bharatmuni lent his name to this form. Formerly, Bharat Natyam was performed solely by devadasis, temple dancers who lived only to serve the deity.

Bharat Natyam is concerned with total physical balance, so as to enable an effortless movement of limb. The theme of the Nayak and Nayika (lover and beloved, hero and heroine) is a favorite one, and special poems called Padams provide tremendous subject-material for the dancer. Padams tend to be slow-paced, allowing for the full-fledged enactment of emotion.

Famous exponent: Sonal Mansingh.

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