What is Bharatanatyam?

It is with utmost pleasure that I present our latest and unique book, titled 'What is Bharatanatyam?". What is Bharatanatyam? Is it just a splendorous form of dance, or much more than that? Does it offer just a spectacular visual experience, or does it guide us into looking inwards for deeper insights into life? Actually, it is both. And it is this duality that is captured by the book in its two independent segments, "The Splendour of Bharatanatyam' and 'Life Lessons through Bharatanatyam'. Although each is oriented differently, they are connected by the common link of Bharatanatyam and are blended seamlessly with one another. While the first segment opens up the form through ten chapters with very many colour pictures, the second segment, the interpretative one, throws light on how various concepts of Bharatanatyam can be utilised to make our lives more meaningful and stress-free. This too, running to ten chapters, is a must-read for the busy corporate professional, the multi-tasking parent or even a highly pressurised student.

Another main highlight of this book is our younger daughter Harshitha's stunning portrayals, in spite of this being her debut performance. Mahitha, the elder one, has been performing for our titles for many years, right from a young age, and has excelled now as well. Vidya's writing skills have reached new heights in this book, taking an out-of-the-box approach to Bharatanatyam. Hope you enjoy reading this first-of-its-kind offering from our side.

Bharatanatyam Exponent, musicologist, researcher, choreographer, orator, author- these are but a few attributes of the multi-faceted personality Vidya Bhavani Suresh. Vidya began her formal training in Bharatanatyam under the eminent guru, V.P. Dhananjayan. She continued and completed her tutelage under the renowned guru K.J. Sarasa. After a continuous and strenuous learning experience of 12 years, Vidya had her Arangetram (first formal performance), at the age of 16 years. From then on, Vidya has been an active and innovative performer and researcher. Her performances have always stood apart for their profound research-based content and uniqueness. It has always been Vidya's attempt to take Bharatanatyam very close to the common viewer. Being equally alert to social problems, Vidya has also presented full-length thought-provoking programmes highlighting child labour, unemployment. women's problems, etc.

Vidya is also an accomplished Carnatic music singer, having undergone systematic training in the form. She continues to enrich her repertoire by continuing her association and training with her guru, the reputed Vidushi, A.P. Komala. Vidya's deep knowledge of Carnatic music has enabled her to specialise as a musicologist. Vidya has written more than 14 small books and 3 large and detailed tomes on Carnatic music, which are widely respected as authentic and authoritative books on the subject.

Vidya also sets the musical score for all her dance productions. She has conceptualised, set to tune and choreographed a collection of 50 items for Bharatanatyam from ancient Tamizh literature titled, Tamizh Illakiyamum Bharatamum. This collection includes respected Tamizh works like. Tirukkural. Paripaadal. Tirumurugatrupadai. Tiruppugazh, Meenakshiammai Pillai Tamizh, Nalavenba etc. This, she considers one of her most important contributions to Bharatanatyam since it brings out the best thoughts of our poets of yore, through one of the most powerful media of visual presentation, namely, Bharatanatyam.

Being an excellent public speaker as well, Vidya comperes her programmes very effectively making the audience understand and appreciate every aspect of the performance. Vidya also conducts lecture demonstrations and workshops on Indian Dance and Music for schools, colleges and corporates.

Vidya holds an M.A. in Folklore, from St.Xavier's College, Palayamkottai (Tirunelveli), the only college in the country offering this rare course then. She is also the recipient of the Research Fellowship in this discipline from the Department of Culture, Government of India. Vidya is a Fellow of The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (F.C.S.). Vidya also holds a Degree in General Law.

**Contents and Sample Pages**