The Mind Creative SEP 2013
Subtle expression or “abhinaya” in Kathak became more prominent during the era when this dance form was used as court entertainment for the royalty. The subtlety is probably the result of the close proximity of the dancers with the audience in the royal courts. Bharata Natyam, on the other hand, has evolved from the “sadir” art of temple dances. From the very beginning, this dance style was deeply grounded in “Bhakti” or devotion. This dance form is a unique combination of Laasya (the feminine aspect) and Taandava( the forceful masculine element). The devadasis (ladies dedicated to the worship and service of deities in temples) initially performed this dance in the presence of the deity in the temple and were aptly known as the “hand-maidens” of God. These dancers, when called upon to perform in royal courts, came to be called “Rajnartakis” or court dancers. However in the late 19th century Bharata Natyam regained its lost glory through the efforts of dancers and gurus. In contrast to Kathak, the costumes used in Bharata Natyam are extremely elaborate. Kathak dancers use the simple “ghagra-choli” or the flowing kurtas influenced by the Mughals.
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