CLASSICAL DANCES
In India , dance is one of the important part of culture . Almost all the classical dance forms in India originated during old times. According to Hindu Mythology , Lord Brahma was the first to come up with the concept of expressing feelings through expressions , hand gestures , poses and mudras.
Mainly , there are 8 classical dance form in India. Which includes Bharatnatyam , Kathakali , kathak , Kuchipudi , Odissi , Manipuri , Sattriya and Mohiniyattam .
1) BHARATNATYAM
It is known to be one of the oldest form . This form originated from the southern part of India , Tamil Nadu . Bharatnatyam dance is recognised by bent leg , various hand gestures and movements and proper body postures with fixed upper torso. Dance style is performed with amazing and wonderful footwork and some dramatic mudras and hand gestures.
The dressing style is similar to the traditional deresses wore by hindu brides in Tamil Nadu. The dress includes silk saree , fan and ornaments.
2 ) KATHAKALI
It is believed that this dance form originated from Kerala . The dance style mainly represents the stories from Ramayana, Mahabharata and stories about Lord Shiva.
The movement and steps in this dance drama is strong and look glorious . Expression used are similar to the expressions used in Bharatnatyam style .
The dancers usually paint their faces as mask to represent particular character which maybe a role of God , demon , saint , etc. The dressing style is different has elaborate and include head dresses too. Due to its complicated unique dressing style and make-up it is one of the popular dance form in India .
3 ) KATHAK
The name 'Kathak' was derived from Sanskrit word 'katha' means story. This famous dance style is said to be originated from the northern parts of India by the khatakars at that time . The elements of Kathak includes the parts of both muslim and hindu culture , after the invasion of Mughals in India. With foot movements , using eyes , hands , gestures , body movements and expression the dance style is performed in a beautiful way .
Firstly , the costumes were ghaghra , veil and choli but after sometime churidar, pyajama and anarkali became the part of the kathak costume.
4 ) KUCHIPUDI
Kuchipudi is performed in form of dance drama . Kuchipudi was originated from Krishna district in Andhra Pradesh . This dance form is developed and oriented as a Lord krishna and Vaishnavism tradition . The dance starts with invocation , introduction and roles played by performers , dharavu ( short dance ) , nritta (pure dance ) and nritya ( dance with proper expression) on carnitic music. The gesture and postures used in this form is similar to Bharatanatyam.
Female dancer dress includes saree , few ornaments and less makeup. Male dancers wear angivastra and dhoti .
5) Odissi
This elegant dance form originated in the temples of Odisha . The dance expresses the ideas of spirituality and stories of hindu religion. It is mainly based on Vaishnavism. The style is performed with proper head movements , bust , torso , hand gestures and face expressions . Odissi dance is especially known by its grace , melody , rhythmic variations in steps and detailed expression.
Women wear colorful sarees with pleats. Ornaments wore by Odissi dancers includes silver ornaments , pith flower ornaments and tiara .
6) MANIPURI
Manipuri dance form originated from Manipur in India . It is also known as Raas Leela . It is mainly formed on the idea of Vaishnavism . Highly inspired by the story of Radha Krishna and Ras Leela . Known by sophisticated , meandering steps , upper body and hand gestures . The story of Radha Krishna is expressed through the dance . Main movements of this performance includes Chali.
Women dancers wear traditional bride dress of Manipur known as Potloi . Veil , round jewellery and flower garlands . Male dancers wear dhoti and peacock feather is wore by dancer playing the role of Krishna .
7 ) SATTRIYA
Sattriya originated from Assam . Sattriya was created by a Assamese saint Srimanta Sankardeva. Earlier it was performed only by male monks . But , nowdays it is performed both by male and female. This dance form includes three main parts Ramdani , guru Vandana and Geet Abhinay . It conveys religious stories through nritta , nritya , natya , expression, hand gestures and postures .
Male dancer wears dhoti , paguri and chadar. Female dancer wears kanchi, ghuri and cahdar.
8) MOHINIYATTAM
This dance form came and evolved form Kerala in India . The dance represents the feminine side. Mohiniyattam is named after 'Mohini' , she was the female of Vishnu . The dance form conveys the story of Mohini through melodious dance and expression. It is more focused towards lasya type . Mohiniyattam basic posture is known by parted feets , straight upper torso and knees bent in outward side.
Women wear plane white or cream colour saree with golden embroidery and a coli too . With light makeup and followed by ornaments.
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