![]() The classical dances of India mainly focus on the Navarasas or emotions - Hasya Rasa, Raudra Rasa, Bibhatsa Rasa, Bhayanaka Rasa, Vira Rasa, Sringara Rasa, Karuna Rasa, Adbhuta Rasa and Shanta Rasa. Almost all the classical dance forms follow the same hand gestures. There are various names by which the dance forms are known. There are 8 classical dances of India that has got recognition from the Sangeet Natak Academy of India. And these classical dances of India are: Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Mohiniattam, Odissi and Sattriya. There are shlokas in Natya Shastra that describe how to perform all the movements in Indian classical dances. Types of Classical Dances of India Traditionally performed as an expressive dance-drama form of religious performance art, the classical dances of India relates to Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Shaktism along with pan-Hindu epics. It also relates to Vedic literature, or a folksy entertainment that includes story-telling from Sanskrit or regional language plays. The Natya Shastra, which is the foundational treatise for classical dances of India mentions 4 genres of ancient dance-drama in vogue when it was composed – Avanti, Dakshinatya, Panchali and Odra-Magadhi. Discussed elaborately below are the 8 classical dances of India. ![]() Kathak: A dance of northern India, Kathak is often a dance of love. From 16th century onwards it absorbed certain features of Persian dance and Central Asian dance which were imported by the Mughal era. There are 3 major gharanas of Kathak from which performers today draw their lineage: the gharanas of Jaipur, Lucknow and Varanasi along with the less prominent Raigarh gharana. It is performed by both men and women. The movements include intricate footwork accented by bells worn around the ankles and stylized gestures adapted from normal body language. It was originated by Kathakas, professional storytellers who used a mixture of dance, song and drama. Like other Indian dances it began as a temple dance, but soon moved into the courts of ruling houses. ![]() Kuchipudi: Performed to both Carnatic and Hindustani music, Kuchipudi is a form of dance-drama which adapts Natya, Nritta and Nritya. It originated in Andhra Pradesh and presents scenes from mythological tales and Hindu epics. It combines various aspects of music, dance and acting. The dance form of Kuchipudi is another oldest form of classical dances of India. Pure dance, mime and histrionics are the features of Kuchipudi dance dramas. It has been accompanied with instruments like mridanga, mandala and a pair of cymbals. There is a sutradhara, who announces the theme of the play and introduces the characters thereafter. The play progressed at a slow pace and rhythm. In the beginning it has some complicated footwork. ![]() Mohiniattam: Another classical dance of India that evolved in the state of Kerala. The name comes from a mythical character Mohini, an enchantress, who is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The dance form was given the contemporary form in the 18th century. It is a feminine form of dance performed with surging flow of body movements. Odissi: The dance form of Odissi is indigenous to the eastern state of Odishaand is predominantly a dance performed by women. Nritya and Abhinaya are the 2 most interesting highlights of Odissi. In Nritya, the dancers make delicate body movements to create ornamental moves. In Abhinaya, the dancers make myriad facial expressions to interpret a religious story or mythical legend. Odissi is performed in multiple different styles including tribhangi. The major theme in this dance form is the love between Radha and Lord Krishna. The different elements of Odissi dance style are Mangalacharna, Batu Nritya, Pallavi Nritya and Abhinaya. Sattriya: Like many other classical dances of India, Sattriya is also a tale of recitation using performance art. It originated in the state of Assam and has a history dating back to almost 500 years old theatre tradition nourished in the Vaishnava Monasteries of Assam. It was popular among the holy monks. The dance form has been extracted from a massive organisation of theatrical activities which constitutes the Ankiya Bhaona form. The Sattriya dance form can be placed under 2 categories; Paurashik Bhangi, which is the masculine style and Stri Bhangi, which is the feminine style. |
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