History of Dance
India is the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grand mother of legend and the great grand mother of tradition. Our most valuable and most constructive materials in the history of man are treasured in India only.
 
Mark Twain
 
 
 
One of the many great contributions to the world is the INDIAN CLASSICAL DANCES, which have their root in Yoga. Dance in India is not just a means of entertainment. Indian dances revel the profound truths of spirituality. The Indian dances are said to have their origin from Gods from heaven. The earliest treatise in dancing has come down to us in the voluminous NATYASHASTRA of Bharatha in thirty-six chapters. This came out approximately around 4 th century BC. The next work in importance is the Bharatarnava ascribed to NANDIKESWARA
  
There are seven main forms of classical dances. These dances are gloriously traditional and uniquely contemporary. Dancing is a beautiful form of expression. This is an art form where the tongue remains silent and the rest of the body speaks. History tells us that gestures formed the only language through which primitive people exchanged their thoughts; sometimes the hands accompany words to express ideas and emotions as in dramatic representations and among orators. The dance gestures, which are artistic and symbolic, are meant to express ideas and emotions in a manner, which brings pleasure to the actor or danseuse, and evoke rasa or flavor in the spectator.
 
The costumes are unique. The make up is special. The poses are taken from the ancient books, treatises and sculptures. This is a great form of cardiovascular fitness and keeps the dancer in good health and shape.
It takes many years to reach proficiency in this art.
 
At the end the disciples of this art form after attaining a certain level of expertise, as certified by the Guru, performs the graduating ceremonial dance. This is also called Arangetram, (Tamil word - one of the south Indian languages) that is the maiden public performance of the disciple. It takes the laws of 3D's to get to that level, Devotion, Dedication and Discipline.
 
The Ettigi Fine Arts Academy is dedicated to bring quality performance and quality students to carry on this great art form. It specializes in Bharathanatya and Kuchipudi dance form.