File:The Graceful Poses of Bharatanatyam Dance.jpg

English: Bharatanatyam is a classical dance form that originated in the southern part of India, particularly in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the oldest forms of Indian classical dance and is considered to be a pure dance form that involves intricate footwork, hand gestures, facial expressions, and body movements.

Bharatanatyam is usually performed by female dancers who wear colorful traditional costumes such as a saree or a long skirt with a blouse. The dance is accompanied by classical Indian music, typically Carnatic music, and the dancer is accompanied by a group of musicians who play various instruments like the mridangam (a percussion instrument), the veena (a string instrument), and the flute.

The dance form consists of three main elements - Nritta (pure dance), Nritya (expressive dance), and Natya (dramatic dance). Nritta involves complex footwork and body movements that are performed in sync with the rhythm of the music. Nritya involves the use of hand gestures and facial expressions to convey emotions and tell a story. Natya involves the enactment of a story through dance and expression.

Bharatanatyam also involves a lot of poses and postures, known as "adavus", which are performed in a particular sequence. Each adavu has a specific meaning and significance, and the dancer uses them to convey various emotions and expressions.

Overall, Bharatanatyam is a beautiful and intricate dance form that requires years of practice and dedication to master. It is a true representation of Indian culture and has gained worldwide recognition as one of the most popular classical dance forms.