How to Wear Bharatnatyam Costume
Bharatanatyam is a classical dance form originating in Tamil Nadu, India. It follows the rules of the Natya Shastra, which is an ancient Indian treatise on the performing arts, encompassing theatre, dance and music, written between 200 BC and 200 AD. Bharatnatyam is considered the manifestation of the metaphysical element of fire in the human body and is usually learnt from one Guru (teacher). Learning Bharatanatyam normally takes many years before the student can perform his/her Arangetram(debut) in public.
There are two commonly used styles in Bharatanatyam Costumes for women: the Skirt (Saree) Style or the Pyjama Style. Dancers wear costumes made of silk sarees with gold zari embroidery designs. The pleats in these costumes opens beautifully when the dancer forms a particular posture especially arai mandi (half sitting) and muzhu mandi (full sitting).
1. Pyjama - Skirit
Main part of a dance costume. Pyjama patterns are main used for items where there are lot of aramandi, muzhumandi and lots of karnas to do.
Skirt Costumes are usually used for Padams and Javalis
2. Fan
Most beautiful part of a costume. There are various designs available like Long Fan, 3 Fan, V Fan, Kalashetra Style, Cross fan, Thalipil Long Fan.
3. Blouse
Traditional Dance blouse are made in 2 variant, one is Short regular blouse and other is Long blouse which can be tucked inside the pants. There is another variant where thavani ( top cover) is stitched along with Blouse
4. Thavani and Bask
Thavani or Odini are usually used to cover the blouse, which are available in Regular, Curved and attached Thavani.
Bask or Back Seat is the piece which covers the Hip on top of the pyjama.