Classical Dance

Classical Dances Of India

Tradition of fine arts and classical and folk music and dances in India is thousands of years old. Some of the famous dance forms that originated and evolved in India –

 1. Bharatnatyam  2.  Kathak  3. Kathakali  4. Kuchipudi 5. Manipuri  6.  Mohiniattam  7.  Odissi   8. Sattriya  9. Chhau dance.   

All these dance forms use basically the same 'mudras' or signs of hand as a common language of expression and were originally performed in the temples to entertain various Gods and Goddesses. They were also effective in carrying forward the various mythological stories from generation to generation while entertaining the audiences. It eventually became a part of 'Natya Shashtra', as propounded by Sage Bharata to compile and forge some rules and regulations of entertaining arts.

As  time passed, the classical dances evolved to include the expressions and themes from social life and experiences. Lord Shiva is said to be the 'Nataraja' meaning 'King of All Dances', who is said to perform the Cosmic Dance that delicately balances life and death and all that is happening in the Universe in harmonious cycles. Bharatnatyam, popular in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, is said to be revealed by Lord Brahma to Bharata. Kathak is the art to tell a story and is a form of North Indian classical dance. Later, it became courtly entertainment.

Kathakali from Kerala makes use of colorful masks and costumes and belongs to Kerala. Kuchipudi is the dance drama of Andhra Pradesh that combines Natya, Nritta and Nritya. Manipuri, as the name suggests, is from Manipur, the Northeastern state of India, and is a combination of many dances prevalent in the region. Mohiniattam from Kerala is a solo female dance and is known for its rhythmic and unbroken flow of the body movements. Odissi from Orissa is a dance of love, joy and intense passion.

1.Bharatnatyam
Bharatnatyam is one of the most popular classical Indian dances. Bharatnatyam is more popular in South Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Bharatnatyam dance is almost 2,000 years old. It is believed that Bharatnatyam was revealed by Lord Brahma to Bharata, a famous sage who then codified this sacred dance in a Sanskrit text called the Natya Shastra. The Natya Shastra is one of the fundamental treatises on Indian drama and aesthetics.

The word meaning of  Bharatnatyam

1         Bha: Bhava which means emotions

2        Ra: Rag meaning musical notes.

3        Ta: Taal meaning the Rhythm.

4        Natyam: The Sanskrit word for Drama.

The parts of Bharatanatyam

• Jatiswaram – Nritta part
• Varnam – a story, that includes both Nritta and Nritya
• Padam – Religious prayer, Bhajan, Keertanam.
• Alarippu – Invocation
• Shabdam – Short compositions with word
• Thillana – Origin in the Tarana of Hindustani Music

2.Kathak
Kathak is one of the most important classical dances of India. Kathak is said to be derived from the word katha, meaning "the art of storytelling." The Kathak dance form originated in north India and was very similar to the Bharatnatyam dance form. In ancient India, there were Kathakars or bards who used to recite religious and mythological tales to the accompaniment music, mime and dance.

Main Gharanas of kathak dance  These are the Jaipur, Lucknow, Raigarh and the Benares gharanas.

Steps of Kathak dance 

1. Starts with worshipping God
2. Uthaan.
3. That.
4. Aamad
5. Salaami.
6. Toda Tukdas.
7. Tihai.
8. Paran.
9. Gatnikas.
10. Gatbhaav
11. Ladi-Tatkaar
12. End with a Bhajan,

 

1.      

3.Kathakali
Kathakali is the classical dance form of Kerala. The word Kathakali literally means "Story-Play". Kathakali is known for its heavy, elaborate makeup and costumes. In fact, the colorful and fascinating costumes of Kathakali have become the most recognized icon of Kerala. Kathakali is considered as one of the most magnificent theatres of imagination and creativity. Kathakali dance presents themes derived from the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and other Hindu epics, mythologies and legends.

Unlike other Classical Dances, Kathakali art form developed in the courts and theaters of Hindu principalities. The traditional performances were used to be as long from Dusk to dawn. Modern day presentations are short as per the time limit of the program. The Kerala Kalamandalam is the main center for Kathakali Artists. Kathakali has similarities with other dance forms like that of the Japanese ‘ Noh’ and ‘Kabuki’ dance forms have similarities with Kathakali.

 Famous artists of Kathakali

i)                   i)   Kalamandalam Krishna Prasad.

ii)      Kalamandalam Kesavan Namboodiri.

iii)    Kalamandalam Gopi

4.Kuchipudi
Kuchipudi is one of the classical dance forms of the South India. Kuchipudi derives its name from the Kuchipudi village of Andhra Pradesh. In the seventeenth century the Kuchipudi village was presented to the Brahmins, who were experts in staging dance and drama. Kuchipudi exhibits scenes from the Hindu Epics, legends and mythological tales through a combination of music, dance and acting. Like other classical dances, Kuchipudi also comprises pure dance, mime and histrionics but it is the use of speech that distinguishes Kuchipudi's presentation as dance drama.

        The steps of Kuchipudi

• The repertoire of Kuchipudi is similar to that of Bharatanatyam:
• Kuchipudi has a specialty called- ‘Tarangam’ in which the dancer performs on the top of the brass plates.
• And sometimes balances some pot on the head. This makes the dance form extremely unique

 Famous dancers in Kuchipudi

1. Raja-Radha Reddy.
2. Yamini Reddy.
3. Vaijayanti Kashi.
4. Uma Rama Rao etc.

5.Manipuri
Manipuri is one of the six major classical dances of India. Manipuri dance is indigenous to Manipur, the North eastern state of India. The Manipuri dance style is inextricably woven into the life pattern of Manipuri people. The most striking part of Manipur dance is its colorful decoration, lightness of dancing foot, delicacy of abhinaya (drama), lilting music and poetic charm. The Manipuri dance form is mostly ritualistic and draws heavily from the rich culture of the state of Manipur.

Types of Manipuri Raslila

1.     Tal Rasak         2. Danda Rasak          3. Mandal Rasak

   Different types of Manipuri Dance Styles

1. Raas.
2. Nata-Sankirtan.
3. Pung Cholam.
4. Dhola Cholam.
5. Kartal Cholam.
6. Thang ta.

6. Mohiniattam
Mohiniattam is a classical dance form of Kerala. Mohiniattam is derived from the words "Mohini" (meaning beautiful women) and "attam"(meaning dance). Thus, Mohiniattam dance form is a beautiful feminine style with surging flow of body movements. Mohiniattam dance in Kerala developed in the tradition of Devadasi system, which later grew and developed a classical status.

The sequence of Mohiniyattam

1. Invocation.
2. Jatiswaram.
3. Varnam.
4. Shlokam.
5. Shabdam
6. Padam.
7. Tillana.

7.Odissi
Odissi is one of the famous classical Indian dances from Orissa state. The history of Odissi dance is almost two thousand years old. Odissi is a highly inspired, passionate, ecstatic and sensuous form of dance. Like most of the South Indian classical dances of India Odissi too had its origin in the Devadasi tradition. The state of Orissa has a great cultural history.

Styles of traditional Odissi

1. Maharis (Devadasis or Temple Girls).
2. Gotipua ( Performed by Boys).

The sequence

1. Managalacharan (Worshipping Lord Jagannath or other gods, goddesses).
2. This will be followed by Pushpanjali (Offering of flowers) and salutation to mother earth. This also includes Trikhandi Pranam- Devas, Gurus, and Rasikas.
3. The next comes the Batu Nrutya—Fast dance pure dance which we call it as Nritta which is then followed by Nritya which include, Abhinay- Expressions on some devotional poems or songs.
4. The verses may be in Sanskrit or Odia language. Ashtapadis—Dashavtar, Ardhanari etc. Are quite famous.
5. Then comes the Dance Drama in sequence. The themes generally relate to the Hindu gods and goddesses. Modern day expressive theme presentations go beyond the horizon.

8.Sattriya

 Sattriya is the traditional dance –drama of Assam. Sattriya was recognized in 2000 as Classical Dance by       Sangeet Natak Akademi. It is influenced by Vaishnavism and the modern form of Sattriya is attributed to the 15^th century Bhakti Movement Scholar and Saint Srimanta Sankaradev. Since 15^th Century, Sattriya grew as a part of Vaishnav Bhakti Movement in Hindu Monasteries called ‘Sattra’. Sattras are the dance community halls (namghar) of monastery temples. Today it is popular worldwide.

The famous Artists of Sattriya

1. Guru Indira P.P Bora.
2. Late Pradip Chaliha.
3. Jatin Goswami.
4. Anita Sarma etc.

9.Chhau Dance

The Chhau is a blend of folk, tribal and martial arts. ‘Chhau’ – is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Chaaya’, meaning Shadow, image or mask. Also, Chhau is defined by Sitakanta Mahapatra to be derived from Chhauni ( Military Camp) in Odia language. Traditionally performed by Males – Male troupes.

The Chhau has three different types originating from three different regions. Every type has its         own unique feature, pattern, and style of performing and ornamentation as well

 Themes in Chhau

• Vaishnavism.
• Shaivism.
• Shaktism.