Bharatanatyam vs. Odissi — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on December 27, 2023
Bharatanatyam is a classical dance from Tamil Nadu; Odissi originates from Odisha. Both celebrate Indian culture and heritage.
Difference Between Bharatanatyam and Odissi
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Bharatanatyam, hailing from the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is one of the oldest classical dance forms in India. Odissi, on the other hand, is an ancient dance form from the Eastern state of Odisha. While Bharatanatyam is recognized for its linear and symmetrical body movements, Odissi is characterized by its tribhanga or three-bended body position.
In the realm of music and rhythm, Bharatanatyam uses the Carnatic style of music, typical of the southern part of India. Odissi, however, employs the Odissi music style which has its unique flavor and rhythms. Both dances, Bharatanatyam and Odissi, have evolved over centuries and have been influenced by religious themes, especially stories from Hindu mythology.
Costumes play an essential role in both dance forms. Bharatanatyam dancers typically wear a tailored sari adorned with traditional jewelry, while Odissi dancers dress in a uniquely stitched costume made of rich fabric with traditional silver filigree jewelry. Both the Bharatanatyam and Odissi costumes are vibrant and add to the visual appeal of the dance.
Bharatanatyam performances often start with an invocatory piece dedicated to a deity, followed by pure dance and expressive components. Odissi performances, while having a similar structure, often include items like the 'abhinaya' which express deep emotions and stories primarily from the life of Lord Krishna. Both Bharatanatyam and Odissi are rich in expressions, storytelling, and technical precision.
Comparison Chart
Origin
Tamil Nadu, South India
Odisha, East India
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Music Style
Carnatic music
Odissi music
Typical Body Posture
Linear and symmetrical
Tribhanga (three-bent posture)
Costume
Tailored sari with traditional jewelry
Unique stitched costume with silver jewelry
Main Themes
Hindu mythology and spirituality
Primarily Lord Krishna's tales
Compare with Definitions
Bharatanatyam
A classical dance form from Tamil Nadu.
She practiced Bharatanatyam for ten years before her first performance.
Odissi
A classical dance form from Odisha.
Her passion for Odissi has taken her to various stages across the world.
Bharatanatyam
An art form emphasizing storytelling through dance.
Through Bharatanatyam, she narrated the story of the Goddess Durga.
Odissi
A dance characterized by fluid movements and sculpturesque poses.
The Odissi recital showcased the fluidity and grace typical of the form.
Bharatanatyam
A blend of Bhava (emotion), Raga (melody), and Tala (rhythm).
Her Bharatanatyam performance was a perfect balance of emotion, melody, and rhythm.
Odissi
A dance renowned for its three-bent posture or "tribhanga".
The dancers displayed the tribhanga posture beautifully in the Odissi performance.
Bharatanatyam
A dance that combines expressions, rhythm, and music.
The audience was enthralled by her Bharatanatyam performance last evening.
Odissi
A depiction of stories primarily focused on Lord Krishna.
The Odissi dance narrated the playful tales of Lord Krishna and Radha.
Bharatanatyam
A dance known for its intricate footwork and hand gestures.
The rapid footwork in her Bharatanatyam recital was mesmerizing.
Odissi
An ancient art form with deep spiritual significance.
Through Odissi, she conveyed tales of divine love and devotion.
Common Curiosities
What kind of music accompanies Bharatanatyam?
Bharatanatyam is accompanied by Carnatic music, a classical style from South India.
Are Bharatanatyam and Odissi religious dances?
Both Bharatanatyam and Odissi have roots in religious themes, often depicting stories from Hindu mythology.
What distinguishes an Odissi costume?
Odissi dancers wear a uniquely stitched costume paired with traditional silver filigree jewelry.
Are stories from Lord Krishna's life more prevalent in Bharatanatyam or Odissi?
Tales from Lord Krishna's life are more commonly depicted in Odissi.
Are there any similarities between Bharatanatyam and Odissi?
Both Bharatanatyam and Odissi are classical Indian dance forms emphasizing storytelling, technical precision, and expressions.
What is Bharatanatyam?
Bharatanatyam is a classical dance form originating from Tamil Nadu in South India.
What are the main components of a Bharatanatyam performance?
Bharatanatyam combines expressions, rhythm, music, and storytelling.
Where does Odissi come from?
Odissi is a classical dance form from the state of Odisha in Eastern India.
How does the music for Odissi differ from Bharatanatyam?
Odissi employs its own style, known as Odissi music, which has a distinct flavor compared to Carnatic music.
How is the costume for Bharatanatyam characterized?
Bharatanatyam dancers wear a tailored sari adorned with traditional jewelry.
What does Bharatanatyam emphasize in its technique?
Bharatanatyam emphasizes intricate footwork, hand gestures, and a blend of emotion, melody, and rhythm.
Which dance form has the tribhanga posture?
The tribhanga, or three-bent posture, is characteristic of Odissi.
How old are these dance forms?
Both Bharatanatyam and Odissi are ancient dance forms, with roots going back over a thousand years.
What are the main emotions or themes depicted in Bharatanatyam?
Bharatanatyam explores various themes from Hindu mythology, spirituality, and human emotions.
Is Odissi more narrative or abstract in its presentation?
Odissi can be both narrative, depicting stories, and abstract, focusing on pure dance movements.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
