Cultural Dances of India, Indian Dance Forms

Dance in India

Classical dance forms of India:
India is best known for its diversity with integrity in culture, tradition, and language. Like the ancient Indian culture the classical dance forms of India has history of long 2000 years.

Most of the classical dance styles of India were developed in the 2nd and 3rd centuries. In India six major Indian classical dance forms still perform in large scale and these are Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Mohiniattam, and Odissi.

Bharatanatyam:
This classical dance form was originated in Tamil Nadu state of India during the late 18th and early 19th century.

Bharatanatyam is widely appreciated dance form and it demand unconditional and undivided dedication to become a good Bharatanatyam dancer.

In initial days it was known as ‘Daasiyattam’ since perform by the Devadasies in temples of Tamil Nadu. The Bharatanatyam was derived from three basic concepts of Bhava, Raga, and Thaala. The music use during performance is based on Cranatic classical music. Mridangam, Veena, Flute, and Violin are main musical instruments, use during dance performance.

Kathak:
This classical dance form was initially perform as a temple ritual in north India but later altered to the royal court entertainment by the Mughal and Persian influence. This dance form is very similar to the Bharatanatyam.

The world Kathak derived from the world Katha (mean story telling). The classical dance is basically revolves around the ancient story telling and performer mainly emphasis in facial expression and movement of foot and hands. The soulful music accompanies the dance performance with traditional musical instruments.

Kathakali:
This is a unique form of dance drama, which performs in stories from the Hindu epics like Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Purans (Ancient Hindu Scriptures) in the temples.

The dances use elaborated mask with heavy make-up and costumes. Dances wear huge colorful skirt and head dress. The dance performance is accompanied by vocalists and drums.

The three groups of performers participate in the Kathakali- dancer, vocalist, and percussionists. The dancers play variety of roles (like king, Gods, demons, animal, priests etc) during performance.

The facial expression, hand movements (Mudras), and eye movement are used by the dancers to convey their dialogue to the spectators. Kathakali perform in the beats of three distinguish drums- Cena, Edakka, and Maddalam, all three drums produce distinct sounds.

Kuchipudi:
this dance for is originated from the Andhra Pradesh. The dance form was initially performed in the temples by the Brahmin men (known as Bhagavathalu). It is a form of dance-drama, enact during night in open air on improvised stage. During performance dancers wear colorful costumes, make-up, and heavy jewelry and ornaments. During dance performance classical Carnatic music is used. Mridangam, violin, and clarinet are major musical instrument use during performance.

Manipuri: Manipuri dance is a classical dance form of Manipur state of India. It is very ancient form of Indian classical dance and earliest records of this dance is date back to about 100 AD. As compare to other Indian classical dances Manipuri dance moves are slow and gracious. The gentle arm and foot movement make the dance performance differ from other classical dances. The main musical instrument of Manipuri dance is Manipuri Dholak.

Mohiniattam:
This dance form belongs to Kerala. Mohiniattam means Mohini’s Dance (according to Indian mythology, Mohini was incarnation of Lord Vishnu in the form of beautiful woman with an intention to slay Bhasmasure).

Odissi:
Odissi dance style is originated from the Orissa. It is consideredto be one of the oldest surviving dance forms in the world. In ancient time it was performed in the temples of Orissa. Odissi dance is very similar to the Bharatanatyam in respect to expressions and mudras. The classical form of dance is based on the versions of the Sanskrit play Geet Govinda in respect to show the love and devotion to Lord Krishna.