Bharatanatyam vs Kathakali
Bharatanatyam and Kathakali are two dance forms of South India that show difference between them when it comes to their costumes, art or style of dancing and the like. It is important to know that Bharatanatyam originated from the state of Tamil nadu in the southern part of India whereas Kathakali originated from the state of Kerala in the southern part of India. This is the basic difference between the two styles.
Bharatanatyam is said to have originated from an ancient dance form called Sadirattam in Tamilnadu. The costumes meant for Bharatanatyam are different from those meant for Kathakali. The costumes that a Kathakali dancer wears are simple in appearance whereas the costumes that Bharatanatyam dancer wears are expensive and radiant.
The make-up meant for Kathakali is complex in the sense that the artist is exposed to different kinds of make-ups. On the other hand Bharatanatyam does not need complex make-up. Eye movement plays a very vital role in the delineation of sentiments in the case of Kathakali form of dance. On the other hand the movements of the limbs play a vital role in the delineation of the sentiments in the case of Bharatanatyam form of dance.
Mudras and Karanas are very important in the Bharatanatyam format of dance. Brisk and swift movements are the hallmarks of the Kathakali form of dance. One of the major differences between Bharatanatyam and Kathakali is that while Bharatanatyam dancer gives importance to individual items of dance such as Alarippu, Jatiswaram, Padam, Sabda, Varnam, Thillana and Ashtapadi in general, a Kathakali dancer gives importance to the dance drama variety of composition.
Most of the Kathakali performances are of the dance drama type. On the other hand most of the Bharatanatyam performances are individual performances though importance is given to dance drama type of composition.