Bharatanatyam is the oldest classical dance tradition of india. Bharatanatyam is considered to be 'short form' (kuril) wherein "Bhavam" means expression and "ragam" meaning medium, "thalam" meaning rythm and natayam meaning dance, consist the 'long form' (nedil). Today, it is one of the most popular and widely performed dance styles and is practiced by male and female dancers all over the world.