Chidambaram Arts

Students to the Bharathanatyam class will be expected to wear a red and green salwar which would allow free movement. A dupatta should be tied firmly around the waist to support the back while dancing. Wearing of the bindi is highly recommended, as it enables one to notice if the student is following proper eye movement. Hair should be neatly combed and tied back. Students above 150 cms in height or grade 7 onwards will be expected to wear the cotton practice saree as it gives the student's movement a grace and maturity. All these instructions are to be followed to obtain a good posture which is very important for a Bharathanatyam dancer.

  Exclusive silk sarees embellished with zari were worn by dancers from time immemorial.The stitched costumes for the Bharathanatyam Recital was introduced by Smt. Rukmani Devi Arundale with the assistance of an Italian Fashion designer. Today a variety of costumes that add beauty to the typical aramandi stance of Bharathanatyam are in vogue. Although most colours are used for the costume these days, one has to consider the backdrop of the venue, the complexion of the dancer while choosing the costume. Blacks and dark blues are best avoided as they tend to merge with the back ground (which are usually  curtains in these colours). Too jazzy a costume takes the emphasis of the dance and should be avoided.

There are numerous patterns available to choose from today. The most common amongst them are:-

	The Skirt Style costume is usually used by the students practising theVazhuvoor and Kalakshetra style of Bharathanatyam. Its comfortable and easy when a change of costume is involved.
	This is variation of the skirt style with cross pleats- suitable for tall and slim girls.
	The Saree style costumes are suitable for slightly mature girls and women. It gives a sense of maturity and grace while performing padams and javalis.
	The Pyjama style costume is also very common. It is best used with children and slim women in items that requires the dancer to perform male roles or certain kind of poses and routines not condusive to be performed with the skirt or saree style.
	The Blouse for children does not require the thallaippu or pallu and is embellished with a fan.

Each of the classical dance style has its own special jewellery. Bharathanatyam dancers use temple jewellery which  are typically studded with a lot of red stones, pearls and a sprinkling of green and white stones.Originally the ornaments were made in gold, but later because of the cost aspect and the weight, the temple jewellery was made in silver coated with gold. these original pieces are still available but can be expensive. Today immitation pieces which are affordable are wisely used. It is best to avoid white stoned jewellery for concerts.

The Typical Jewellery pieces used by a Bharathanatyam dancer include:-

Head: Head set, Sun and Moon, Rakudi,  etc

Ears: Ear studs, Jimmiki, Mattal

Nose: Nose ring, Nose stud and Bullaku ( optional)

Hands: Bangles,Vanki

Waist: Belt or odiyanam

Feet: anklet and the bells

Hair: Usually plaited and fixed with the black and gold kunjalam(South indian parandhi). Samll pendants may be fixed onto the plat.

" The costume, jewellery, make-up and stage decoration are aimed at enhancing the beauty, charm and the aesthetic value of the dance performance. Yes, the jewellery worn by a dancer have a special significance: The 'chandran' and 'sooryan' (moon and sun) worn on the top of the head signify that their beauty and grace have descended upon the dancer. The 'thalai saaman' (chutti) emphasises the line of the forehead. The 'maatal' (worn covering the ear) is to protect the eardrums. The 'Maanga malai' worn on the chest above the navel prevents pulmonary disorders. The oddiyanam (belt worn around the waist) keeps the spinal chord straight. Bangles protect the wrists, rings encourage philanthropy and anklets give strength to the ankles of the dancer." Prof. (Smt.) Sudharani Ragupathy

Make Up: Like any stage art, Bharathanatyam requires enhanced facial make up inorder to make her facial expresssions and gestures visible seated further away from the dancer. A base or a foundation, eyeliner, lip stick, lip liner,shades are the cosmetics necessary while applying the make up. While choosing the foundation care has to be taken to match the skin tone of the dancer. Exposed portions of the feet, hands and neck are to be treated with the foundation too. The hands and the feet are decorated with alts- a red tinted pigment to delineate the hand and feet positions.

If the performance is for a smaller audience in a smaller venue , or if is a video recording it is important to use a little more natural and well defined make up.

To look up for Bharathanatyam Jewels: click here