Bharatanatyam is the harmonious blending of Expression, Melody & Rhythm.
Bha – Bhava
Ra – Raag
Ta – Taal
This celestial dance form originated in Tanjore Village near Chennai. It is one of 7 Classical Dances of India. Bharatanatyam consists of melody, rhythm, poetry, drama, expressions, sculpture, colour, tradition, culture, divinity, mythology, etc. These aspects blend to make it one of the most popular dance form in the world.

Bharatanatyam 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.

Bharatanatyam is based on the theories of the books 'Natya Shasthram' and 'Abhinaya Darpanam'. The dance form is based on 'Adavu' (steps) and 'Hasthamudra' (hand gestures). Communication is done through 'bhavabhinaya' (facial expression) and 'hasthamudra' (hand gestures).

The music of Bharatanatyam is based on Carnatic classical music. The instruments used are Flute, Mridangam, Violin, Ghattam, etc. The dance direction is done by 'Nattuvanar' giving the Taalam. Singer is an essential part of the orchestra.

Dancing is the loftiest and the most beautiful of all the arts because it is not mere translation or abstraction from life - it is life.

Arang means "The Stage" and Etram means "To Ascend". It is the first stepping stone towards the art of Bharatanatyam, signifying the dance training of the student. On this auspicious occasion the artist presents her art (kala) acquisition at the feet of "The Divine Natraj" and the Guru. Thus Arangetram is both, a completion and a beginning.
The Arangetram performance starts with the prayers to God Ganapathi and worship of Natraj Moorthi. Dances like Allaripu, Jathiswaram, Varnam, Thillana, Natnam Aadinar, Padam follow.