Bharata Natyam [ILLUSTRATED] (Hardcover)

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Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Bharata Natyam, the most popular classical Indian dance-form, has received universal approbation as one of the subtlest expressions of Indian culture. It is performed according to the most delicate nuances of a musical piece, or a poem, through the vehicle of a body. Its intimate connection with the temple, as a ritualistic art, mirroring the imperceptible feelings of a devotee reflects the inwardness of Hindu culture. The present revised edition captures the rhythms and beauty of an integral art in a visually exciting and fascinating manner. This volume also contains an overview of the legendary and present-day exponents of Bharata Natyam. With contributions from Mulk Raj Anand, Rukmini Devi, Padma Subrahmanyam, and P. Sambamurthy.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Marg Publications; 2 edition (March 6, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 818502636X
• ISBN-13: 978-8185026367
• Product Dimensions: 12.8 x 9.7 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #714,369 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A gift for all Bharatanatyam lovers, March 15, 2002

By A Customer

Sunil Kothari is an outstanding scholar in the realm of dance. And this book is a precious gift that has been written for anyone passionate about their art! Beautiful colour pictures. Detailed descriptions and it inspires you to strive for greater achievement in dance....

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, November 4, 2001

By A Customer

I am a beginner in Bharata Natyam and this book have help me alot to understand the history and the various postures. I feel very comfortable when I attend my classes as I know what my teacher is talking about. This book have been very helpful to me especially as I am not a South Indian and do not speak the language either. A very good book for anyone who wants to learn Bharata Natyam.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent intro for a beginner, October 12, 2004

By	Prema - See all my reviews

The book is very well-written, and gives lots of explanations on a host of topics that are likely to baffle any foreigner trying to start her Bharata Natyam classes.

Most of the pictures quality is very good, although I would have appreciated it if there were provided any references to what major styles of Bharata Natyam a particular picture represents. True, it would be valuable for the advanced learners of Bharata Natyam, but would confuse the beginners.

The author should remember that a still picture is not as adequate illustration for a dance book as a complimentary DVD (like the ones by Medha Hari) would be. Maybe the next edition would include one? It would be a perfect combination!

All in all, the book is a perfect gift, and a fantastic cofee-table book. Definitely worth the money.