Vilasini Natyam- Forgotten Dance of the Devadasis

Vilasini Natyam is an Indian classical dance from the state of Andhra Pradesh. It is an old form that goes back in time when temple dancers used to perform to invoke gods and goddesses. These dancers were called Devadasis.

Devadasi Dance

There are two forms of this dance one that is performed by men and another that is performed by females. The dance used to be done in courts, public theatres, and temples. This dance was known as Bhogam Aata and Saani Aata. Devadasis were assumed to be married to God of the temple. Form performed by men is called Purusha Sampradaayam and the form performed by women is called Stree Sampradaayam. Women performers are often called Swamini, Vilasini, and Bhogini. Other names used for Vilasini dancers are Saanis, Vidya Vilasini, Bhogams, and Kalavatis.

Vilasini Natyam is said to be the oldest dance form from which many dance forms have originated. Vilasini Natyam is the dance form of Devadasis of Telugu hence it is also called Devadasi dance. Some people believe devadasi dance form is the true form and some believe Vilasini dance form is the true dance form. Since there is not strong and written evidence on this matter it is hard to say which one is the purest form. 

These dance performances were given in public to teach children and adults about society and culture. Later when other dance forms came into existence and became more respectable this form was denied by puritans as they did not consider it well suited for society. This dance form was discredited a long time ago. There were laws to remove this entire Natyam from existence. It could not have been lived again if some of the dancers didn’t decide to research through dance forms and came through this. 

When dancers found its roots they revived it. All its negative social past was forgotten. It gained new respect as one of the classical dances of India. 

Vibhushan Swapna Sundari

In the 1990s Vibhusan Swapna Sundari who was a famous Bharat Natyam and Kuchipudi dancer was the first person who researched this dance form and performed it on stage. He learned this dance from some elder Devadasis. The name of this dance form ‘Vilasini Natyam’ was also chosen by those elder Devadasis.

Vilasini Natyam Performance

Devadasis used to dance using strong expressions and movements on stage. They mainly composed their dances based on religious texts. There were other dances too based on literature but the main focus was religious. Devadasis were also invited to courts to dance for the King. They were also invited to other events when their services were required by high society people. 

The dance was done from morning to evening which was called Nitya Sevas which means daily services. Just like this, they performed other performances on special occasions called Naimitya Sevas. 

The general public was kept away from this due to various reasons. Devadasis performed religious texts, sang them, and spoke the dialogues out of the texts. For example, they presented the story of Krishna’s love for Satyabhama. Not only people enjoyed these dances they also learned about these hold texts without having to read them.   

Why Vailasini Natyam Was Forgotten?

When Britishers invaded India everything was affected by them. They ruled everything and everyone. They forced their ideas and opinions on people and their culture. The dance form of Devadasis was considered unethically and they were denied their services. Unlike other places, Telugu areas remained strict against the Devadasi dance form. They were asked to take an oath never to teach or perform this art. 

It is disheartening to know that such a rich art form was removed from society completely. Dance is not something that degrades society or lowers its morals. Dance is full of emotions and expressions. It teaches society and literate them about thousands and lakhs of religious stories that are present.

It is only the human curiosity and its love for its past heritage that allowed this art form to revive again. Otherwise, who would have known that there were women entirely devoted to God? Who dedicated their entire lives to them and sang their songs while dancing on them.   

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