Indian Dance Forms

Introduction

The country of India is recognised for its diverse history and culture. The heritage of India is something well-known all over the world. This country shares the identity of ample cultures, religions, and traditions. Hence, India is known to be a diverse country. Among the rich culture and identities of India, its dance forms have a separate place of their own. 

Now, let us talk about the major classification of the dance forms of Indian states, which is into the folk dance and classical dance form. All of the dance forms of Indian states originate as a form of identity of different regions in India. 

Classification of Dance Forms

There is a presence of two major dance forms in Indian states. These forms are categorised into folk dance form and classical dance form, as mentioned above. In both these dance forms, the differentiation exists in how and where the dance form originates from. While the classical form of dance is highly based on perfect and beautiful hand gestures, costumes, and traditions, the folk dance form can be on a lighter note that is often a part of many celebrations to initiate and share joy among the people in your locality.

When it comes to the folk dance form, its origin and emergence are built upon the regional traditions of various distinctive states. The origin of folk dance forms of Indian states is considered to be a result of various socio-economic traditions and setups. The folk dance form can be highly influenced by a state’s culture and history. The main aim behind the performing of these dance forms is to feel and share a sense of joy. Therefore, the presence of folk dance forms prompts the richness of the culture of India. Unlike classical dance forms, folk dance forms have become a segment of India’s social context.

On the other hand, the classical form of dance has its origin lies in its connection with the Natya Shastra. Various specified characteristics of all of the classical dance forms of Indian states are disclosed in the Natya Shastra. The traditions of fine arts and classical music have been in India’s history for thousands of years. These dance forms were performed in temples originally to entertain goddesses and gods. There are a lot of classical dance forms that have evolved after their origin in India, including Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Odissi, and Manipuri. The hand signs of all of these classical dance forms are generally the same as they depict a similar language of expression. 

South Indian Dance Forms 

The main aim behind south Indian dance forms is to glorify the goddesses and gods in temples. The states that are counted among south India for providing a rich history, culture, and cuisine are Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. The dance forms of South India embody social interactions or expressions. There is a presence of prolonged history in this dance form.

Now let us go through the different types of south Indian dance forms:

1. Kuchipudi Dance.

2. Bharatanatyam Dance.

3. Kathakali Dance.

4. Padayani or Paddeni Dance.

5. Odissi Dance.

6. Mohiniyattam Dance.

7. Kummi and Kolattam Dance.

8. Theyyam Dance.

9. Karakattam and Puli Vesham Dance.

10. Thatta Gullu Dance.

11. Perini Dance.

12. Kavadi Attam Dance.

13. Kaikottikali Dance.

14. Kolkata Dance.

15. Lambadi Dance.

North Indian Dance Forms

The culture, traditions, and history of north India are diverse, and the north Indian dance forms have different variations based on the region they originate from. The north Indian dance forms express stories or some acts of balancing, depending on which region they originated from. These dance forms are completely influenced by the socio-cultural conditions of distinct regions. 

Let us now go through some of the north Indian dance forms:

1. Namagen Dance – Himachal Pradesh.

2. Dhamyal Dance – Haryana.

3. Hikat Dance – Kashmir.

4. Giddha Dance – Punjab.

5. Hurka Baul Dance – Uttrakhand.

6. Dumhal Dance – Jammu and Kashmir.

7. Nati – Himachal Pradesh.

8. Gambhira – West Bengal.

9. Bidesiya – Bihar/Chattisgarh.

10. Chhau Dance – Odisha/Jharkhand.

11. Ras Leela Dance – Uttrakhand.

12. Ghoomar Dance – Rajasthan.

13. Garba Dance – Gujarat.

14. Bhangra – Punjab.

Conclusion:

India, a country known for its diverse population, has a wide range of cultures, traditions, and rich history. With all its diversification, India has a large number of dance forms for all its different parts. Dance forms are known to be a form of expression, movement, energy, and rhythm. In this article, we read in detail about the various dance forms in India. We understood the prime difference between the two major dance forms in India. The article ended with a distinction in north Indian dance forms and south Indian dance forms, along with a few examples of both.