Bharata Nrityam represents the confluence of the Marga technique of Natya Sastra
and the Desi technique of South India, namely Bharata Natyam. It is a style evolved
and popularized by Guru Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam, who, through her research has revived,
reconstructed and brought into practice the 108 Nritta Karanas of Natya Sastra that
had gone into oblivion for nearly 600 years, and synthesized them into the existing
system of Bharata Natyam. She, thus, created a unique style which has given a new
dimension to the art of Indian Classical Dance.
The characteristic features of this style is the gentle swaying of the hips, the
serpentine movements of the arms, the extended throw of the legs and aerial leaps
and spins of the Nritta Karanas, along with the straight lines and angularity of
the Adavus of Bharata Natyam. Doubly enriched thus, it becomes adaptable from absolute
classical to the folk, with ease.
The training methodology is also in keeping with the pedagogic technique prescribed
in the Natya Sastra. The systematic training of the major (the Angas) and minor
limbs,(Upangas), with their relevant slokas and exercises is executed, moving on
to adavus, sthanas, charis, nritta hastas , karanas , mandalas and angaharas, along
with theory.