Two popular styles in Bharatha Natyam
Subashini PATHMANATHAN
A style is a work of individual teachers but it has not changed the
basic aspect of dance. The two popular styles or schools still existing
in Bharatha Natyam are Vazhuvoor and Panda Nallur. Generally it is
believed and argued that Bharatha Natyam is one, yet there are numerous
differences in the practical side of the art form.
In the real scene there are no main differences between these two
styles, except the way and the manner of execution of inner sub Adavus.
Earlier Pantha Nallur style was fostered and well preserved by the
outstanding traditional Panda Nallur Gurus. Some of the outstanding
Gurus were Panda Nallur Menakshisundarampillai, Panda Nallur Chokalingam
Pillai and Panda Nallur Tandautha Pani pillai. But today the service
rendered to the field by these great Gurus are not remembered by the
Bharatha Natyam world. Many times even the students who are following
this particular style do not understand that the proper terminology of
which style that they are following.
The teachers, the students and the common masses refer this
particular style as Kalashethra style, Worldwide. Panda Nallur style is
often referred to as the Kalashethra style. It is a pity to note that
this great style, which was well preserved by the Panda Nallur
traditional Gurus, are not known from where it is originated. This
particular tradition is often referred to as Kalashethra style. It is
really regrettable that the service and contributions rendered by the
great Gurus for development of these traditions are often forgotten.
Yet still some present gurus of Panda Nallur schools have still
adhered to classical standards. Presently this tradition has mostly
moved to the institutions. In the institutional level, or university
level the art is taught to a set syllabus, within a laid down time
framework.
Being in an institution the outcome of the products are always high.
Due to this fact, this particular style has spread out to the university
level, as well as to the institutional level worldwide. That's why this
particular Panda Nallur style is quite, common in the Bharatha Natyam.
This particular style is popularly known as Kalashethra style. This
is a gross misconception. Kalashethra is an institution situated in
Adyar founded by the revivalist of Bharatha Natyam Smt Rukmani Devi who
herself was trained by Panda Nallur Gurus. No doubt Smt Rukmani Devi's
services and contributions rendered to the art is tremendous, and
immeasurable, especially for the classical of Bharatha Natyam. So for
the benefit of the future generation, that this particular style must
once again, would be popularized under the name of Panda Nallur style.
Today another popular style is known as Vazhuvoor tradition or
Vazhuvoor style, which is a rare tradition. Because it is still
preserved and protected by certain families. Getting training in this
tradition is very expensive. The Vazhuvoor style yet remains and adheres
to the classical traditions. It has not moved to the institutional
level, because it is taught by certain families of Vazhuvoor hereditary
and those who train in Vazhuvoor tradition, continue to maintain the
pristine purity of the same tradition in the dance. This style is still
remembered by the origin of the village where it was originated. In
Vazhuvoor style, Vazhuvoor Manikampillai, Vazhuvoor Ramiahpillai, S K
Rajaratnampillai were some foremost outstanding Gurus of the Vazhuvoor
tradition.
One must understand that Vazhuvoor and Panda Nallur are two different
villages located in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu. Mostly in the
Vazhuvoor tradition, the students generally learn under one and the same
Guru.
Under a Guru one imbibes the art, while in an institution one learns
the art. In an institution one has to learn the art under different
teachers. There is a world of difference between imbibing the art, and
learning the art.
The temple at Vazhuvoor village is dedicated to lord Shiva, under the
name of Gnanasbeshan and to this day, the students of Vazhuvoor School,
pay obeisance to the deity Gnanasabeshan, in the form of
Thodayamangalam, a devotional song dedicated to the deity, at the
beginning of each dance recital. This is one of the unique features in
the Vazhuvoor School.
Panda Nallur style gives more importance to Nirtha aspect of dance -
pure Nirtha. Meanwhile Vazhuvoor style provides much more room for
Nirthiya - facial expression and abinaya.
Today both the styles are equally followed in the classical Bharatha
Natyam. Whatever it is at present learning dance has become much more
mechanical as compared to yester years.
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