Published Paper Details:

Bharatanatyam, effectively the oldest of the Indian classical dance traditions, goes beyond the beautiful aspects to become a mechanism of emotional regulation and psychological well-being. This study delves into the complex connection between the practice of Bharatanatyam and mental health from a psychological perspective. It refers to the concepts of embodiment, expressive arts therapy, and affect regulation to show the ways in which rhythmic movement, abhinaya (expressive gestures), and disciplined training promote self-awareness, emotional release, and resilience. By treating dance hardly as performance, this research considers Bharatanatyam a comprehensive method that unites body, mind, and emotion. It observes the process whereby dancers, through repetition, rhythm, and symbolic storytelling, transform internal conflict into cognitive equilibrium. Based on the literature, personal observations, and cultural background, this paper posits that Bharatanatyam is a powerful tool for emotional healing and psychological change in the non-clinical field. The results highlight its therapeutic importance, especially in the present stressful and mentally exhausting times, and point to the next interdisciplinary research on classical dance as a reliable instrument for emotional wellness.