Classical dance

Subject: Arts and culture

Concept:

• The earliest treatise on dance available to us is Bharat Muni’s Natyashastra, the source book of the art of drama, dance and music.
• It is generally accepted that the date of the work is between the 2nd century B.C.E- 2nd century C.E.The Natyashastra is also known as the fifth veda.
• According to the author, he has evolved thisveda by taking words from the Rigveda, music from the Samaveda, gestures from the Yajurveda and emotions from the Atharvaveda. There is also a legend that Brahma himself wrote the Natyaveda, which has over 36,000 verses.
• Nurtured for centuries, dance in India has evolved in different parts of the country its own distinct style taking on the culture of that particular region, each acquiring its own flavour.
• Consequently a number of major styles of ‘art’ dance are known to us today, like Bharatnatyam, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Kathak, Manipuri, Odissi and Sattriya.
• Then, there are regional variations, the dances of rural and tribal areas, which range from simple, joyous celebrations of the seasons, harvest or birth of a child to dances for the propitiation of demons or for invoking spirits.

1) Bharatnatyam, Tamil Nadu

• Bharatanatyam, also known as the mother of all other classical dance styles, is considered as the oldest dance forms in the country India that originated from the temple dancers in Tamil Nadu.
• The dance is a pure amalgam of expressions, music, beat and rhythm.

2) Kathak, Uttar Pradesh

• Another popular and recognised form of classical Indian dance is Kathak that originated from Uttar Pradesh in north India.
• This one is derived from the word katha meaning story, and during the whole dance, the dancers narrate stories through their eyes and expressions.

3) Kathakali, Kerala

• This one is probably one of the most attractive, dramatic and elaborate forms of classical Indian dance.
• Kathakali originated in the south Indian state of Kerala, also known as God’s Own Country during the 17th century.
• The artist performing the dance needs to have detailed make-up, wear heavy costumes and, most importantly, work on their gestures.

4) Kuchipudi, Andhra Pradesh

• Kuchipudi is considered one of the toughest forms of Indian classical dance that originated in the south Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.
• The form is considered the toughest because it requires a whole lot of rituals, from lighting the incense sticks to sprinkling holy water and praying to the lord.

5) Manipuri, Manipur

• Manipuri dance form originated in the northeastern state of Manipur and is a pure spiritual experience.
• This is a theme based classical dance form that depicts Raaslila or the romantic act of the Hindu gods Radha and Krishna. Costumes and makeup plays an important role here.

6) Odissi, Odisha

• Odissi dance form emerged from the east Indian state of Odisha and is mainly derived from the ancient Hindu temples in Odisha.
• The whole dance is based on gestures and movements or mudras. The dance is performed to express the mythical stories of the Hindu gods, such as Lord Shiva and Surya. It is also considered as the oldest surviving dance forms of India.

7) Sattriya Dance, Assam

The Sattriya Dance of Assam is living tradition of state and one of the eight major classical Indian dance traditions. Sattriya classical dance form is well appreciated and practiced outside the state as well as outside of Indian mainland.

8) Mohiniyattam,Kerala

Mohiniyattam is another classical dance style from Kerala state and one of the eight principal Indian classical dance. The Mohiniyattam is a popular dance form with a drama in dance,performed with subtle gestures and footwork.