BHARATNATYAM

Bharatnatyam is the oldest among the contemporary classical dance forms of India. It's claim to antiquity rests not only on its association with the Natya Shastra but also on the overwhelming literal, sculptural and historical evidence available. It is essentially a solo dance comprising in its poses, the chiselled perfection of ancient Hindu temple carvings. There is a certain timelessness about it which enshrines the eternal craving of mankind for heavenly fullfillment.
Nimble movements and the purity of expressions, helped by the intrinsic charisma and irrepressible cheerfulness, create spellbinding magic, holding the watcher in thrill (Slideshow).

 
BHANGRA

Bhangra is traditionally a celebratory dance that is held at the beginning of the new year Baisakhi in the Punjab tradition, during the harvest festivals. It incorporates songs (Geet) and dancing in a circle to the beat of the drum (Dhol).
Bhangra it is a North Indian folk dance, but it has enjoyed resurgence over the last ten years or so all over the world. Its traditional sounds is often supplemented with contemporary musical styles, and in recent history, bhangra has been fused with disco,reggae, techno, house, rap, ragga.
Today, Bhangra continues to move into mainstreams culture,appears as aerobic workout in yoga centers and gyms. Intense, fun, vibrant: the combination of the bhangra steps and the movements of the arms strenght and tones the muscles, increase the stamina and gives a great cardio workout. Bhangra is a folk dance of stenghth, coordination and grace.

More about Bhangra and my trip to the Yogi Bhajan Ashram in Bracciano, Rome (Click Here).