Bharata Natyam is one of the most popular and widely performed dance styles and is practiced by male and female dancers all over India. Due to its wide range of movements and postures and the balanced melange of the rhythmic and mimetic aspects lends itself well to experimental and fusion choreography.

Bharata Natyam dance has been handed down through the centuries by dance teachers (or gurus) called nattuwanars and the temple dancers, called devadasis. In the sacred environment of the temple these families developed and propagated their heritage. The training traditionally took around seven years under the direction of the nattuwanar who were scholars and persons of great learning.

Degree and Post Graduate courses covering the practice and theory of Bharata Natyam as well as the languages associated with its development are available at major universities of India.India's classical and folk dances are a window into the rich traditions of an ancient culture. Exuberant and colorful, they are pleasing to the senses. Yet they are also ceremonial expressions of devotion that reveal a glimpse of India's soul. We hope that you will enjoy these dance traditions and discover deeper meaning in them.