Classical Dance Forms

Bharatnatyam:       

This classical dance form is native to Tamil Nadu, a state of the southern part of India. To be particular, it is believed to have originated from a district named Thanjavur belonging to the state of Tamil Nadu. Hence, it also has the name Thanjavur Natyam. The Bharatnatyam performer is required to have complete dedication and involvement. Such performers are expressive, wherein they narrate ancient Indian epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana through mere actions and expressions. Now a days, performers use this wonderful dance form to spread environmental awareness and other forms of day to day hazards.

Kathakali:

Kathakali is a dramatic dance form from the state of Kerala seen along the west coastline of India. Kathakali involves a mask that is painted over the face using skin-friendly enamels. The Kathakali performer needs to have a lot of patience until his face is set and he also needs to be disciplined. While Bharatnatyam involves facial expressions, Kathakali requires good control over the eye balls. Kathakali is used to narrate episodes from Lord krishna’s life and also epics like Ramayana and Mahabharatha.

Mohiniattam:

Mohiniattam is also a native of Kerala. The main character of Mohiniaattam is Mohini, who is believed to be a very beautiful woman and an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu had taken such an appearance on earth to save the world from evil. Such episodes are portrayed in this dance form.

Kathak:

Kathak is said to have developed from Jaipur and Lucknow. The name ‘kathak’ is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘katha’, meaning story. Kathak performers require elegance in foot movements.

Kuchipudi:

Kuchipudi originated from Kuchipudi, a village in the state of Andhra Pradesh. It might be performed as a dance drama or purely as a dance form. The dance form has two styles Natyamelamu, performed by male performers and Nattuvamelam performed by female artistes. The Kuchipudi is said to have existed as early as 13 century BC.

Manipuri:

Manipuri originates from Manipur in the North eastern part of India. It originates from Manipur, a state in north-eastern India. It is basically a classical dance form. Life episodes like Ras Lila where Krishna dances with the milkmaids (Gopikas), are performed in Manipuri.

Dindi:

This is the dance of Maharashtra which is performed in the month of ‘karthiga’. The performers describe the playful attitude of Lord Krishna.

Odissi:

Odissi originates from Orissa. Sculptures showing the odissi performers is depicted in temples like the Brahmeswara temple and Sun Temple at Konark.

Folk Dances

Silambaattam, Karagaattam, Kaavadiaattam, Kolaattam, Kuravanji and Oyilaattam:

A few folk dance forms in Tamil Nadu are Silambaattam, Karagaattam, Kaavadiaattam, Kolaattam, Kuravanji and Oyilaattam. Karagattam of Karagam is performed using decorated pots, denoting joy and prosperity. It is performed for rituals at temples of goddesses. The performers of this dance form may be males as well as females.

Kolaattam is danced using small sticks and is performed predominantly by females. Kaavadiaattam is performed using hemispherical objects made of wood which are decorated with peacock feathers. This is also performed for temple rituals.

Bhangra:

Bhangra is a folk dance that is performed in Punjab. It is an expression of joy, harmony and greenery during the harvest season known as ‘Vaisakhi’. Bhangra dance is generally performed along with special music, unique to the dance and this is often called Bhangra music. Scarves are used by the performers, both male and female.

Dindi:

This is the dance of Maharashtra which is performed in the month of ‘karthiga’. The performers describe the playful attitude of Lord Krishna.

Dandiya and Garbha:

 Dandiya and Garbha are two folk dance forms that have their origins in Gujarat. The performers of Dandiya are both male and female. The movements are performed using sticks and the dancers make circular formations in a rhythmic manner. The  performers make sure that there is uniformity in the movements.  Garbha is similar to Dandiya except that the circular formations of Garbha are simpler than that of Dandiya.

Bihu:

Bihu is a dance form from Assam. It is a colourful and brisk dance performed to celebrate the joyous occasion on the onset of spring, approximately in the month of April. The costumes used for this festival are the traditional Assamese clothing. It is performed both by the males and females.

With 28 states and 7 union territories, India is enriched with a multitude of dance forms that have originated ages before. Many Indians are now organizing cultural fests and other exchange programs, thereby preserving the sanctity of such age-old dance forms. They also use these dance forms to campaign against environmental hazards and to provide awareness to the public about endemic, pandemic and other diseases posing a threat to mankind.