Tag: #indian classical dance #cultural dance

VARIOUS DANCE FORMS OF INDIA

Dances reflect the mood and feelings of human beings through expression and body movements. India is known for many dance forms each of which is originated from its state. However, only six classical dance forms such as Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak, Kathakali, Odissi, and Manipuri are nationally recognized. Apart from this, many dance forms have their origin from India. Indian dance arts are not only about body movements and gestures. It is one of the ancient ways of showing devotion to God. It shows the inseparable connectivity with the Indian culture. Here, in this article, some of the famous dance forms of India would be discussed briefly.

BHARATANATYAM

Being one of the most famous classical dances of the world, Bharatanatyam owns its origin from Tamil Nādu, one of the southern states of India. Bharatanatyam was performed for the divine Carnatic music by women in temples in the ancient period. The movements and gestures of this dance form are called mudras and the dancer uses mudras and facial expressions to show the Navarasa (9 emotions). It is one of the most honourable art and is still learned by many women in the south.

KATHAK

Kathak is an Indian dance form that has its origin from the northern state, Uttar Pradesh. The word Kathak is derived from the term ‘Katha’ which means story. This dance is performed in a way to narrate a story with the dance movements. Both male and female dancers perform together. The ankle movement is the most important one which is done by wearing the Ghungroos (Ankle bells). 

KATHAKALI

Kathakali is another traditional dance form that is related to storytelling. It is originated from The Land of Spices of India, Kerala. The tales performed are Ramayana and Shiva stories. It includes heavy makeup, costumes, and face masks that are bright and colourful. The dance depicts both evil and good through facial expressions and gestures.

KUCHIPUDI

Kuchipudi, belonging to the southern state Andhra Pradesh is said to be the toughest dance form. It includes singing along with dancing. Hence it requires more skill and dedication compared to other forms. It was performed by male dancers, especially the brahmins in temples in ancient times. However, as time flew it became common and is performed even by women nowadays.

ODISSI

Odissi is the oldest dance form from the eastern state of India, Odisha. It narrates the stories of the Gods Shiva and Surya which are given in the form of poems. These poems are played as songs and the dancers express them through more than 50 intriguing mudras. These mudras are sculpted in the Hindu temples of India. It is preserved by practicing and making its survivance till today.

MANIPURI

Manipuri stands as a symbol to represent the rich traditions of the north-eastern state, Manipur. It narrates the romantic relationship between Lord Krishna and Radha, which is called Raas Leela. It is performed to the music of classical instruments by wearing the traditional Manipuri costumes and makeup to showcase the tale of the two gods. 

Bhangra, Garba, Bihu, Mohiniyattam, Ghoomar, Lavani, Rouf, Karagattam, etc. are the other well-known dance forms of India. 

Indian Classical Dances

Dance is an ancient and prominent cultural tradition in India. Folk dances abound all across the country, and huge crowds of people can be found dancing at festivals and weddings. Dance and song feature heavily in Indian cinema (so-called “Bollywood” films), too. But where does Indian dance draw its roots from? There are six of the most important classical dance forms of India including many folk dances.

India has an old tradition of thousands of years regarding fine arts and classical and folk music and dances. Some of the world-famous dance forms that originated and evolved in India are: Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Mohiniattam, and Odissi.

(1) Bharatnatyam: Bharatnatyam is one of the most popular classical Indian dances. Bharatnatyam is more popular in South India states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The music accompanying this dance is Carnatic music. It evolved out of the devadasi system of South Indian Temples. Famous dancers associated with Bharatnatyam are E Krishna Iyer, Rukmini Devi Arundale, and Anna Pavlova.

(2) Kathak: Kathak is also one of the most important classical dances of India. Kathak is said to be derived from the word Katha, meaning the art of storytelling. Famous centers are Lucknow and Jaipur. Lucknow school depicts Mughal Court etiquette while the Jaipur school depicts stories of Rajput kings and Gods. Famous exponents are Sitara Devi, Sambhu Maharaj, Uma Sharma Shovana Narayan, etc.

(3) Kathakali: Kathakali is the classical dance form of Kerala. The word Kathakali means the story play. Kathakali is considered one of the most magnificent theatres of imagination and creativity. Famous exponents of Kathakali are Vallathol Narayan Menon, Kunju Kurup, Guru Gopinath, etc.

(4) Kuchipudi: Kuchipudi is one of the classical dance forms of South India. Kuchipudi exhibits scenes from Hindu epics, legends, and mythological tales. Famous exponents of Kuchipudi are Lakshmi Narayan Shashtri, Raja and Radha Reddy, Swapana Sundari and Yamini Krishnamurti.

(5) Manipuri: Manipur is one of the six major classical dances of India. The most striking part of Manipuri dance is its colorful decoration, lightness of dancing feet, the delicacy of abhinaya (drama), lilting music, and poetic charm. Manipuri dance is not only a medium of worship and delight but also essential for all socio-cultural ceremonies of the Manipur people. Popular exponents are the Javeri sisters, Rita Devi, Nirmala Mehta, Guru Bipin Singh, etc.

(6) Mohiniattam: Mohiniattam from Kerala is a solo female dance and is known for its rhythmic and unbroken flow of body movements. Mohiniattam has the grace and elegance of Bharatnatyam and the vigor of Kathakali. Famous exponents of this dance form are Kalyani Amma, Vaijayanthimala, Bharati Shivaji, and Hema Malini.

(7) Odissi: Odissi is one of the well-known classical Indian dances from Odisha state. It is a graceful, elegant, and sensuous dance style and involved the tribhanga (three bends) posture. The three bends symbolize the means to escape the limitations of the body. Famous dancers of Odissi are as follows: Indrani Rehman, Sonal Mansingh, Kiran Sengal, Rani Karan, Sharon Lowen, and Myrta Barvie.