6 popular Indian classical dance forms
Indian classical dance owes its foundation to Natya Shastra, an age-old rule-book. It is the stepping-stone for almost all performing arts in the country. All the major Indian classical dances are beautiful in their own unique way, each carrying its own signature. The Sangeet Natak Akademi distinguishes eight famous classical dances, six of which are extensively practised, namely, Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Manipuri. Mohiniyattam and Sattriya are the less popular ones. Here’s everything you need to know about them.
Bharatnatyam
Bharatnatyam is the oldest Indian dance form that was found in Tamil Nadu. It is traditionally a solo dance performed predominantly by women based on the religious themes of Shaivism, Vaishnavism and Shaktism. This dance form uses gestures and sign languages along with twenty yoga ‘asanas.’ Popularly called fire dance, its steps and movements look similar to a moving flame. The dance movements of women are called ‘lasya’ while the occasional male movements are called ‘tandava.’
Kathak
It originated in North India and is divided into three separate forms or gharanas, namely, Jaipur, Varanasi and Lucknow. The word ‘kathak’ means telling a story, and this dance form narrates a tale by infusing both emotions and mimes within its movements. Ankle bells are a major prop for this dance that automatically draws the attention to foot movements.
Kathakali
Kathakali originated in the south western part of India in the state of Kerala. It consists of dancers who usually come in groups and enact several distinct parts from the ancient Hindu mythology. Kathakali is characterized by vivid facial makeup and fancy costumes that draw the audience’s attention to its graphical aspects. The hand and body movements as well as the expressions clearly narrate the story. Previously, the performance of Kathakali used to begin right after sunset and continue throughout the night, but in modern times it is performed during any part of the day for long hours.
Kuchipudi
Kuchipudi was discovered first in the Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh but is now widely practised all over South India. Traditionally a male dance form, it is now performed by men and women alike. This dance style also narrates a dramatic tale through the use of dialogues and quick, flexible yet sophisticated movements based mainly on the Hindu mythology. It is also closely related to the Bhagavata Mela of Tamil Nadu and is played alongside to the musical tunes of mridangam and tanpura.
Odissi
Odissi as the name suggests is traditionally a dance form from Odisha. It is mostly performed by female dancers and is more of a dance drama. It was formerly practised only in the premises of the Hindu temples and narrated the religious stories of Jagannath, Lord Krishna, Lord Shiva and the sun god Surya. It is characteristically different from other classical dance forms by stomping of the feet and distinctive poses imitating the sculptures in eastern Indian temples. The independent movements named ‘tribhangi’ and ‘mudras’ are essential to the narration of the story.
Manipuri
Also known as ‘Jagoi,’ Manipuri originated in the northeastern part of India. It is essentially a religious dance, performed for the sake of spiritual experience it offers. Like Bharatnatyam, Manipuri dance also incorporates ‘lasya’ and ‘tandava’ movements and is closely associated with rituals and festivals that represent the Raslila themes of Radha-Krishna. Musical instruments like cymbals and drums are part of this dance drama performance.