As recorded on the pages of artistic history the origin of Bharatanatyam dates back to 2000 years . No conclusive date is mentioned as to the origin of bharatanatyam. But as per the findings from the writings of Bharata Muni’s Natya shastra the date is surmised between 500 BCE to 200 CE making it the oldest of performing art forms of India especially Tamil Nadu South India.

Bharatanatyam is the spiritual and artistic cradle of Indian traditional and cultural heritage. 

The term Bharatanatyam is a conglomeration of the four rudimentary and wholesome elements  namely  Bhava (expression) ,Raga(Music), Tala (the beats) and Natya (the histrionics). This sophisticated  creative medium sprouted up in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, as a spiritual and pietic practice, hailing the omnipotent,omniscient and ubiquitous might  of Lord shiva, the cosmic dancer. 

The constituent elements of this dance form are the precise hand gestures (mudras), the intricate,delicate ,agile and swift footwork (Nritta) and nuanced facial expressions (abinaya). All these combine together delicately and subtly give expressions very effectively to elaborate and exquisite stories seamed from Hindu mythology and scriptures. 

The adavus are the pivotal or the central force of Nritta in Bharatanatyam. The adavus emphasize  the fine tuning of the mind and body towards a harmonious, enchanting and captivating performance. Mastering the adavus should by all means ensure two indispensable aspects namely angashuddhi (correct posture)and talashuddhi (correct rhythm). This helps in the amalgamation of the diverse shades of rhythm in accordance with different talams. 

The number seven willfully,consciously and magically bears a charm. As in the seven colors of the rainbow, the seven days of the week, seven Wonders of the world, seven swaras of carnatic music, so too are the seven stages of bharatanatyam. They are pushpanjali, Alarippu, jathiswaram, shabdam, varnam, padam and thillana. When these  mystical and mesmerizing elements synchronize  together in unison it gives way to a delectable treat to the eyes, the ears, mind, soul, heart, emotions and the entire being. Such is the aesthetic uplift bharatanatyam can offer to any eager mind and soul. 

The bharatanatyam costume(female- a silk saree, male – a dhoti and angavastra) is as predominant as any other elements of bharatanatyam. They also embellish themselves with jewelry ,headgear, earrings, necklaces, bangles, anklets with gungroos. Every minute element from adavus to the  costumes   enhances   unimaginably the overall effect of the performance. 

It is needless to say that the eternal charm this dance form holds over the millions on the pages of literature (Silapathikaram- one of the five great epics of Tamil literature 2nd CE) , on the carvings of the temples of kanchipuram and the idols of Lord Shiva in bharatanatyam dance in numerous Hindu temples speaks volumes about its everlasting appeal.