Bharatnatyam – Naisha Patel

What is Bharatanatyam?

“Classical form is rooted in nature—seen in whirlpools, the earth’s rotation, and the sun’s orbit.” – Alonzo King

Bharatanatyam embodies divine beauty, rhythm, and symbolism—a spiritual journey for both Naisha and her audience. The body follows the tune, the hands express meaning, the eyes convey emotion, and the feet keep the rhythm.

Bharatanatyam

BHA-Bhava (Expression) RA-Raga (Music, Melody) TA-Tala (Rhythm) NATYAM (Dance)

Music

Indian Classical music which encompasses:

Singer
Nattuvangam
Violin
Mridangam
Flute
Guitar
Keyboard

Dance

Bharanatyam, a dance of grace, A celebration of beauty and culture. With every step, a story unfolds, Elegant hand gestures and feet that hold, Eternal stories in every performance, A dance that will leave you in a trance.

Dance Types

Nritta – Body movements and footwork

Nritya – Facial expressions

Natya – Nritta and Nritya

Costume

A sari, six yards of woven silk, is custom tailored into different parts to provide freedom of movement.

Programs

1. PUSHPANJALI

Raga: Hamsavinodini | Tala: Adi

“While dancing, don’t just breathe in air, but breathe in the ‘space‘ around you… through every pore… it may make your dance fuller, expansive and have reach far beyond your tiny self… as though the entire space around you, dances within you.”

Naisha’s remarks:

I hope you enjoy this pushpanjali! My favorite part of is the entrance to the stage, and the geometry that the steps create. I always get excited when I practice this dance because I know it is the first time the audience will see me, and it is a rush of energy. Hope you feel the same! I am seeking the blessings of you all to perform my arangetram successfully!

2. JATHISWARAM

Raga: Rasikapriya | Tala: Adi

“I see dance being used as communication between body and soul, to express what it too deep to find for words.” ~ Ruth St. Denis

3. SHIVASHTAKAM

Raga: Mohana | Tala: Adi

“The source of all movement, Shiva’s dance, gives rhythm to the universe. He dances in evil places, in sacred, he creates and preserves, destroys, and releases. We are part of this dance, this eternal rhythm, and woe to us if blinded by illusions. We detach ourselves from the dancing cosmos, this universal harmony”