Bharatanatyam has evolved over time, adapting to changing cultural and social contexts while retaining its strong sense of origin and tradition. According to a paper published on digitalcommons.lmu.edu, Bharatanatyam has undergone significant changes over the years, from its origins as a temple dance to its current form as a well-known Indian classical dance form. The paper notes that present-day artists mold the form to ensure relevancy and progression, while building upon its rich history.
The key features of Bharatanatyam include a dancer’s costume consisting of six yards of hand-woven silk, accompanied by intricate footwork and expressive gestures. The venue of performances shifted from a temple or palace setting to urban theaters, and a massive expansion of dance schools that taught Bharatanatyam technique came into existence. Scholars sought to revive ancient traditions that encouraged a pan-Indian identity that emphasized indigenous pride instead of colonial culture.
Other sources, note that Bharatanatyam has undergone various stages of evolution, from its development of the current format of the Bharatanatyam recital to its adaptation to the changing social and cultural contexts of India. Despite these changes, Bharatanatyam has retained its religious component, representation of human emotions, and artistic storytelling.
In conclusion, Bharatanatyam has evolved over time, adapting to changing cultural and social contexts while retaining its strong sense of origin and tradition. From its origins as a temple dance to its current form as a well-known Indian classical dance form, Bharatanatyam has undergone significant changes while retaining its key features and expressive gestures.