If you've ever watched a classical dancer move across the stage with such effortless grace, you've probably noticed how a bharatanatyam skirt costume adds a certain magic to their every step. It's one of those outfits that isn't just for show; it's literally built to help the dancer communicate through movement. While many people think of the traditional dhoti-style (the one that looks a bit like pants), the skirt version has its own massive following, especially for younger dancers or those who want a slightly different silhouette during a performance.
I've always felt that picking out a dance costume is almost as important as the practice itself. You're going to be spending hours in this thing, sweating, jumping, and striking those deep aramandi poses. If the costume doesn't feel right, your performance is going to feel a bit "off" too. So, let's talk about what makes the skirt style so special and what you should look for when you're getting one.
Why Choose the Skirt Style?
When you're starting out, or even if you're a seasoned pro, there's a lot of debate about whether to go with the pant style or the skirt style. Honestly, a bharatanatyam skirt costume is often the go-to for many because it's a bit more forgiving. It's basically a long, flared skirt that has a gorgeous pleated fan attached to the front. When you drop into a squat, that fan opens up like a peacock's tail, and it looks absolutely stunning.
One of the biggest perks of the skirt style is that it's generally easier to put on. If you're a parent trying to get a wiggly seven-year-old ready for their first recital, you'll thank your lucky stars for the skirt. There's less fussing with the tucking and draping that comes with a traditional sari or the complex pleating of a dhoti. It's more of a "zip and go" situation, which is a lifesaver when you're behind the curtains with only five minutes to spare.
The Fabric Makes All the Difference
You can't talk about a dance costume without talking about the fabric. Traditionally, these are made from Kanchipuram silk. There's something about the weight of real silk and the way it catches the stage lights that art silk just can't replicate. But, let's be real—real silk is expensive and a bit high-maintenance.
If you're just doing a school performance or practicing, art silk (or polyester silk) is a totally valid choice. It's tougher, it doesn't wrinkle quite as easily, and it's way easier on the wallet. However, if you're doing your Arangetram (that big solo debut), you'll probably want to spring for the genuine stuff. The "temple border" designs on the edges of the bharatanatyam skirt costume are usually woven with gold or silver thread, called zari. When those borders are high-quality, they frame your movements and make those sharp leg positions look even crisper.
Getting the Fit Just Right
One thing I've noticed is that a lot of people overlook the importance of the blouse and the dhavani (the sash). With a bharatanatyam skirt costume, the skirt is the star, but the blouse has to be perfectly tailored. If it's too tight, you can't move your arms properly for the mudras. If it's too loose, it looks sloppy.
Most costumes come with a bit of extra fabric inside the seams. This is a total pro tip: always check for that. Dancers grow, or bodies change, and you don't want to have to buy a whole new outfit just because the blouse got a little snug over the summer.
The fan in the middle is the trickiest part. It needs to be the right length. If it's too long, you'll trip on it when you're doing fast footwork. If it's too short, it won't touch the floor when you're in a full mandi (the deep squat position), and that ruins the visual effect. Usually, the pleats are stitched down so they stay in place, but you still have to make sure they're crisp. A quick steam or a very careful iron can make a huge difference before you hit the stage.
Color Palettes and Stage Presence
Choosing colors for a bharatanatyam skirt costume is probably the most fun part of the whole process. Traditionally, you see a lot of deep reds, mustard yellows, and forest greens. These colors have a lot of cultural significance, but they also stand out beautifully against the typically dark or wooden stages used for Indian classical dance.
Lately, though, I've seen some really cool modern combinations. Think electric blue with a copper border, or even a soft peach with a deep maroon. The key is contrast. You want the border of the skirt and the fan to be a different color than the main body of the fabric. This contrast is what makes the "fan effect" pop. If the whole thing is one solid color, the audience might lose the detail of your movements from a distance.
Don't Forget the Accessories
While the bharatanatyam skirt costume is the foundation, it doesn't work alone. You've got the ghungroos (the bells around your ankles) which are essential for the rhythm. Then there's the temple jewelry—the headpieces, the necklaces, and the waist belt.
Actually, the waist belt (Odiyanam) is pretty important when you're wearing the skirt style. It helps hold everything in place and cinches the waist, which gives the skirt a better flare. It also keeps the dhavani (the piece of cloth that goes over the shoulder) from sliding around while you're spinning. There's nothing more distracting than a dancer having to fix their costume in the middle of a piece.
Care and Keeping Your Costume Fresh
After a performance, you're probably exhausted, but please don't just throw your bharatanatyam skirt costume into a heap in your dance bag. Silk, whether it's real or art silk, hates being crunched up.
I usually tell people to air out their costumes as soon as they get home. Sweat is the enemy of those beautiful gold borders—it can cause the zari to tarnish over time. Don't even think about putting it in a washing machine. Most of these need to be dry-cleaned, or at the very least, spot-cleaned very carefully.
When you store it, try to fold it along the pleats of the fan. If you can hang the skirt, that's even better. Some people use old cotton sarees to wrap their costumes in before putting them in a cupboard; it lets the fabric breathe and protects it from dust. It might seem like a lot of work, but a good costume can last for decades if you treat it right.
Finding Your Own Style
At the end of the day, wearing a bharatanatyam skirt costume is about feeling confident. Some dancers feel more "grounded" in the dhoti style, while others love the feminine, flowing vibe of the skirt. There isn't really a wrong answer here, as long as it fits the requirements of your teacher or the specific dance you're performing.
If you're buying one for the first time, I'd suggest trying on a few different styles if you can. See how the weight feels. Check if you can sit in aramandi comfortably without the fabric pulling in the wrong places. It's a bit of an investment, but when you're out there on stage and the music starts, and you feel that skirt flare out perfectly as you take your first step, you'll know it was worth the effort.
Classical dance is such a beautiful, disciplined art form, and the costume is a huge part of that tradition. Whether you're a beginner or you've been dancing for years, finding a bharatanatyam skirt costume that makes you feel like a star is part of the journey. So, go for those bright colors, make sure your pleats are sharp, and most importantly, have fun with it!