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In this clip I'm going to explain the origins of Bharat Natyam which is the classical dance
of South India. It was originally a temple dance. And it was done by a cast of women
only who were called Devdasis or servants of God. The dance was performed in the temples
as part of the daily ritual. And was only until the twentieth century that the dance
form became more of a secular performing art. And was done in theaters and performed not
just in South India but went throughout India. And was performed in other parts of the world.
The dance was originally done by a solo female dancer. But today more and more it's been
done by men. And also in group choreographies. The dance form involves two parts, the rhythmic
as well as story telling part. Which is true of many of the other classical dance forms
of India. The hand gestures play an important part in the dance form, in all of the classical
dance forms. And we'll explain that.