BHARATANATYAM (Tamil Nadu, in southeastern India): is a dance solo of great technical difficulty to be studied from an early age. The performer requires a total dedication, separation from the bondage of the world and a sublimation of himself with art. A piece of Bharatanatyam is divided into different typical sections, with an introduction or greeting to the god Ganesha, a rhythmic syllables sung part, another where gestural interpretation develops, another part of great virtuosity and difficulty in dance technique, another where verses are recited...
It is an extremely precise style, with a huge repertoire of facial expressions and mudras (hand gestures) to express moods. Usually women dance it, and always with knees bent, as sculptures from which they take their positions. The body is displayed in two triangles, one above and one below the torso. Based on a balanced distribution of body weight and firm positions of the lower limbs, allowing hands cut into a line, to float around the body, or to take positions that exalt the basic form. Space and movement are perceived through precise geometric lines, accented by a delicate footwork. The Padams or poems about heroes and heroines are characteristic.