Bharatanatyam emerged in Singapore after World War 2 when immigrants in India started immigrating to Singapore in hopes of building a better life for their families. Immigrants practiced their culture and traditions in social gatherings and religious rituals, Bharatanatyam being one of them. However, Bharatanatyam was not actively practiced due to the reputation it earned.  The dance form was heavily associated with Devadasis as previously mentioned. However, during the Vijayanagara Era and the British occupation in India, Devadasis were associated with being courtesans and reformists in India viewed the practice as child abuse as Devadasi children started as early as age 5-6. Therefore, the practice was heavily looked down on and immigrants did not want their children to be associated with such a practice. Moreover, there was a lack of Bharatanatyam experts that could help educate the youth. However, individuals like Uma Rajan and Santha Baskar helped give Bharatnatyam a place in a foreign country like Singapore. Moreover, Bharatanatyam is still being practiced and acts an element of bonding for the Indian community in Singapore. 

Let's explore the significance of Bharatanatyam in different aspects across Singapore!