Geometrical Motifs in Bharatanatyam

Abstract

Artists expresses their emotions and feelings through geometrical shapes which is one of the best way to express their notions. Calmness is represented by the shape circle whereas anxiety and distress are represented by the shape square. Artists use geometrical shapes in their art to suggest balance and order. Artists show geometrical shapes in order to illustrate or emote the illusion of realism. Geometry is one of the easiest way to see the relations of mathematical concepts to dance. Since dancers form shapes with their body, arms, legs as they move while dancing. They form beautiful shapes of tessellations by moving all around the stage. Dance is the movement of the body in a rhythmic way through music with in a specific space. The changing of shapes are to demonstrate an act, a feeling or an idea. In group dance choreography often includes geometric shapes like triangle, rectangle and circular shapes using their whole body or hands or legs. Dance uses mathematics like Algebra,pattern of 2 D, 3D shapes which fit perfectly together without any gaps, repeated patterns, sequences and disparity. Dance uses numbers, counting beats in the form of jathis, rhythmic syllables like takita, tatikinatom, Intonation, syncopated time patterns and rhythmic structures.