Photo credits: R R Ranjith

Bharatanatyam is a famous Indian form of classical dance. Dancers often use bold and colourful makeup to show grace on the stage. The makeup is very thick and dark with a lot of emphasis placed on the eyes, cheeks and lips. Bold use of kohl on eyes and brows help the audience notice expressions. Lots of powder and blush are used to give the face a clear, smooth apperance and lips are bright red to emphasize smiles and pouts. The fingertips and toes are colored red with henna to highlight hand and foot movements. The hair is usually wrapped in a big bun with orange and white flowers wrapped around it. The jewelry of Bharatanatyam is usually gold and full of different colored stones and pearls.