From Tradition to Transformation: Bharatanatyam Explored through Feminist and Psychological Contexts

Abstract

This study explores the evolution and contemporary significance of Bharatanatyam, an Indian classical dance form. It examines the evolution of the dance form, focusing on the portrayal of stories, emotions, and characters. The research also reimagines the Ashta-Nayikas, the eight main female archetypes in classical dance, through the lens of contemporary psychology. The study uses qualitative data analysis, including media studies, historical texts, and in-depth interviews, to reveal the dynamic interaction between modernity and tradition. The study highlights the dance form’s innate resilience and the need for dance artists to develop coping mechanisms to navigate the intricacies of tradition and modernity.