Bharatanatyam in the Digital Age: Tradition, Transmission, and Transformation in Contemporary Indian Classical Dance

Abstract

Bharatanatyam, one of the oldest classical dance forms of India, has undergone significant transformation in the digital age. The proliferation of online learning platforms, video sharing services, social media, and live streaming technologies has reshaped how the art form is taught, performed, and consumed. While the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated digital adoption, the broader trajectory of digitalization predates 2020 and continues to evolve. This article examines the impact of digital technologies on Bharatanatyam, focusing on tradition, transmission, and transformation in contemporary practice. Drawing on a critical literature review methodology, the study analyses peer-reviewed scholarship, dance journals, and digital ecosystem reports published between 2015 and 2025. The analysis identifies four interlocking dimensions of digital Bharatanatyam: the migration of pedagogy and teacher-student relationships to online platforms; the proliferation of solo and ensemble performances on digital stages; the emergence of cross-cultural and diasporic audience formations; and the reconfiguration of authority, repertoire, and aesthetic standards in the digital domain. The study draws on theories of mediatization, performance studies, and South Asian dance scholarship including the foundational work of Avanthi Meduri, Janet O’Shea, and Davesh Soneji. Findings indicate that digital Bharatanatyam represents not a rupture from tradition but a hybrid configuration that extends the art form’s reach while raising significant questions about embodiment, lineage, and cultural authenticity. The article concludes with implications for dance pedagogy, institutional support, and future directions for performing arts research in India.