Bharathanatyam

Bharatnatyam is the most ancient classical dance form in India and the most widely practiced in southern states of India. It originated in Tamil Nadu.

The chief musical instruments in Bharata Natyam are the mridangam and a pair of cymbals.The style of vocal music for Bharatnatyam is classical Carnatic music and the dance features mythological stories.

Bharatnatyam is believed to have been created by the Hindu sage Bharata Muni, author of Natya Shasthra, (or the fifth Veda) an ancient treatise on classical Indian dance. Apsareses dancing the Bharat Natyam are depicted in temple murals all over India.

Bharatanatyam dance costumes are rich and the ornaments are ornate. The costume consists of a dothi (mundu) for both male and female dancers. The female dancers also wear a choli (blouse)

Similar to Mohiniyattam a classical dance form of Kerala, it was mainly performed in the Temple precincts .It is also shares the same heritage of the devadasi dance culture with Mohiniatam, Kuchipudi and Odissi.