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Bharatanatyam, the ancient Indian classical dance form, is a mesmerizing journey through history, culture, and artistry. This enchanting dance has gracefully evolved over the centuries, branching into various styles, each with its unique charm and regional flavor. Thanjavur Style also known as The Pandanallur Style is one such evolved version of this art form.
The Thanjavur Bani takes us back to the illustrious Thanjavur royal court, where the descendants of the famed Thanjavur Quartet, four brothers who were musicians and dance composers, left an indelible mark on the art form in the early 19th century. It was within these hallowed courtly precincts that the present-day Margam, or repertoire of Bharatanatyam, was meticulously crafted. The Bharatanatyam imparted by the legendary Meenakshi Sundaram Pillai, himself a descendant of the Thanjavur Quartet, in Pandanallur village, earned the name "Pandanallur School of Bharatanatyam."
Kandappa Pillai, another descendant of the Tanjore Quartet, distinguished himself with lightning-fast nritta (pure dance) and spontaneous abhinaya (expression). He gave dancers the freedom to explore the stage while depicting abhinaya, emphasizing the role of music and rhythm. For instance, during jatis or teermanams, the singers and instrumentalists continued their melodic journey while the nattuvanaar recited the sollukattu, creating an exquisite synergy of sound and movement. Kitappa Pillai, Kandappa Pillai's cousin, followed this innovative path.
Thanjavur style
Under the vast umbrella of the Thanjavur style, several Gurus shaped their own distinct styles: Guru Muthukumar Pillai's style became known as the Thiruvalur style.
Kanjeevaram style
Under the vast umbrella of the Thanjavur style, several Gurus shaped their own distinct styles: Elappa Pillai of Kanjeevaram embraced clarity of stance, rhythmic tempo, and subtleties of abhinaya, coining the Kanjeevaram style. He carried forward the Kandappan style, preserving its defining characteristics.
The Thanjavur style is characterized by broad, sweeping movements, elegant lines and postures, austerity, and vitality. The pure dance movements are geometric and linear, while abhinaya leans towards classical stylization rather than realism.
T. Balasaraswati
Kitappa Pillai (grandson of Pandanallur Meenakshi Sundaram Pillai)
K. N. Dandayudapanipillai (a relative of Guru Meenakshi Sundaram Pillai)
T. Balasaraswati (a student of Kandappa Pillai)
Bharatanatyam's beauty lies not only in its captivating movements but also in the intricate tapestry of its history and evolution. The Pandanallur and Thanjavur styles, with their roots deeply embedded in the Thanjavur royal court, offer us a glimpse into the timeless elegance of this enchanting dance form. The subtle variations and regional influences within these styles showcase the dynamism of Bharatanatyam, a dance that continues to enthrall audiences around the world.