Indian Classical Dance

The Sacred Sparkle: Essential Accessories for Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi Dancers

By : Poornima Senthil
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The Sacred Sparkle: Essential Accessories for Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi Dancers

 

In the world of Indian classical dance, a performance is a divine dialogue, and the dancer's attire is their sacred language. For both Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi, the costume is incomplete without its magnificent array of accessories. These aren't merely ornaments; they are symbolic elements that amplify movement, expression, and the spiritual essence of the dance.

At Shanthi Tailors, with a legacy stretching back to 1967, the profound connection between a dancer and their accessories is perfectly understood. Whether you visit their physical stores in the cultural heart of Mylapore, Chennai (5 Kapaleeswar Sannathi Street) or their international branch in Frisco, Texas (14109 STRAWFLOWERS DR), or shop online at shanthitailor.com and shanthitailorsusa.com, you'll find every piece needed to complete your performance look.

 

The Beat and the Brilliance: Key Dance Accessories

 

The accessories for both Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi share a common heritage rooted in temple traditions, often featuring rich, antique gold-finish (or Kemp stone) designs that echo the jewelry worn by deities.

 

1. The Rhythmic Heart: Ghungroos (Ankle Bells)

 

The Ghungroo or Salangai are arguably the most crucial accessory. They are the voice of the dancer's feet, creating a synchronous beat that articulates the rhythmic complexities (Tala) of the dance.

  • Function: They audibly enhance the intricate Adavus (steps) and Tatkaar (footwork), making the rhythm an integral part of the performance for the audience.

  • Shanthi Tailors offers: A range of bells on black, brown leather, or cloth strips, allowing dancers to choose based on their skill level and comfort—from lightweight sets for beginners to heavier sets for seasoned performers.

 

2. Temple Jewellery: Ornaments with a Story

 

The elaborate temple jewelry set worn by the classical dancer is a visual feast, with each piece holding specific spiritual and functional significance:

  • Nethichutti (Maang Tikka) & Chandra-Surya: The forehead ornament and the sun and moon pieces worn on the head symbolize cosmic balance, divinity, and knowledge, drawing attention to the dancer's expressive face (Abhinaya).

  • Jhumkas (Earrings): These bell-shaped, dangling earrings gently sway with the dancer's head movements, adding grace and rhythm.

  • Oddiyanam (Waist Belt): An intricately designed hip belt that helps secure the costume's pleats and dramatically accentuates the graceful torso and waist movements.

  • Addigai & Haram (Necklaces): A choker and a long chain that beautifully frame the dancer's neck and chest, enhancing posture and completing the majestic look.

  • Vanki (Armlets) & Bangles: The curved armlets and multiple bangles accentuate the Mudras (hand gestures), adding visual elegance and subtle rhythmic sounds.

Shanthi Tailors specializes in authentic temple and imitation jewelry sets, ensuring high-quality, lightweight, and skin-safe pieces that are perfectly matched to complement your costume.

 

The Finishing Touch: Hair and Makeup Essentials

 

Beyond the rhythmic bells and shimmering jewelry, the smaller accessories complete the sacred transformation of the dancer.

  • Hair Accessories (Jadai/Kunjalam): The dancer's hair is traditionally styled in a long braid or bun, which is then adorned with fresh or high-quality artificial flowers (Gajra or Veni) and a decorative braid accessory (Jadai or Kunjalam).

  • Alta/Marutani: The red dye applied to the palms and soles is critical, as its vibrant color emphasizes the precision of every hand gesture and foot movement under the bright stage lights. Shanthi Tailors even offers an Alta Marker Pen for easy, clean application.

  • Makeup: Items like Pancake and Panstick are essential for professional-grade stage makeup, ensuring the dancer's expressions are visible from afar.

 

Your Global Source for Classical Dance Needs

 

For dancers across the globe, Shanthi Tailors eliminates the challenge of sourcing authentic, high-quality classical dance accessories. Their commitment to tradition, quality craftsmanship, and dancer comfort has made them a trusted name for both student performers and international artists.

Whether you're preparing for your Arangetram (debut performance) or a major recital, finding the right accessories is a step toward embodying the art form. Visit them in person or explore their full collections online at shanthitailor.com and shanthitailorsusa.com to find everything you need, from custom-stitched costumes to the perfect set of rhythmic bells.

The search results include a short video about a specific type of dance costume, which is relevant to the topic of dance accessories: The Perfect Dance Costume for Varnam & Thillana | Sunfleet Pattern by #shanthitailors.


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