Narrated by Shantha Lakshmi

Chapter 2 of Shall We Dance explores the rich history of Bharatanatyam, one of India's most treasured classical dance forms. Derived from the Sanskrit words "Bha," "Ra," and "Ta," representing Bhavam (emotion), Ragam (melody), and Talam (rhythm), Bharatanatyam masterfully combines these elements to convey profound stories and emotions through its intricate movements and expressions. This dance form originated over 2000 years ago in the temples of Tamil Nadu, as documented in the ancient treatise, the Natya Shastra, written by Sage Bharata. Traditionally, Bharatanatyam was performed by Devadasis, women dedicated to temple service, particularly in places like the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, where sculptures depict Bharatanatyam poses, highlighting its deep spiritual roots.

During the British colonia ...