Varnam is the heart and soul of a Bharatanatyam performance. It is the most elaborate and complex piece in a recital, combining nritta and abhinaya. Varnam usually occupies a central place in the performance, symbolising the dancer’s full command over technique and expression. It’s where the dancer showcases their artistic depth, moving seamlessly between intricate rhythmic patterns and deeply emotional narratives.
A Varnam typically begins with a pure dance section, filled with complex adavus that are in perfect sync with the rhythmic beats. This sets the stage for the dancer to demonstrate their technical prowess, with fast-paced and graceful movements. However, Varnam is more than just technical skill—it’s where the dancer’s expressive abilities truly shine.
The core of Varnam is the storytelling aspect, which focuses on abhinaya—the expression of emotions. Here, the dancer portrays a narrative, often rooted in themes of love, devotion, or longing. The dancer uses subtle facial expressions, mudras, and body language to convey emotions like love (shringara), devotion (bhakti), and separation (viraha). These emotions are directed toward a deity or a beloved, and the dancer brings the story to life, making the audience feel the emotions along with them.
What makes Varnam unique is the way it moves between pure dance and expressive storytelling, creating a balance between form and emotion. The dancer alternates between sections of fast-paced rhythmic footwork and slower, more emotionally charged expressions. This contrast brings depth to the performance, allowing the audience to experience the full range of Bharatanatyam’s beauty—both its precision and its ability to evoke deep emotions.
Varnam is often seen as the ultimate test of a Bharatanatyam dancer’s skill, requiring not only physical stamina but also emotional maturity. Through the Varnam, the dancer invites the audience into a world of rhythm, devotion, and emotion, offering a profound connection between the art, the dancer, and the viewer.