Classical, Folks & Tribal Dances

Types of Dance forms in India

India has three different dance forms: classical, folk, and tribal. 

Classical Dance

The classical dance of India is also referred to as Shastriya nritya. It is a term used to describe the art performances of India that are rooted in different theatre styles. A dancer expresses and enacts a story through gestures and expressions. These stories are usually from Hindu Mythology, and each classical dance form represents a particular culture of a region. There are currently eight dance styles that are considered as the classical dance forms of India. Natyashastra categorises it. 

Folk Dances

Folk dances of India retain the significance of rituals and the daily works of people living in rural areas. In India, there is a wide range of folk dances. All the states of India have their own form of folk dance. Folk dances have their roots in the seasonal festivals and religious background of culture. 

Tribal dance

The dance form that the tribal folklore of India inspires is known as tribal dance. All the ethnic groups of India follow their own legends, myths, folk dance, ballads, tales, folk music, proverbs, folk songs, and folk dance. The dancers that perform tribal dances does not mean that they will belong to the tribal region. This dance form depicts the lifestyle, work, religious affiliations, and social relationships. The tribal dance represents the customs and cultures of the native lands with the help of bodies’ intricate movements. In terms of the intensity of the dance, it has good variation. 

In some tribal dances, slight and soft movements are included, while there can be vigorous and fast movements in others. There are dance styles based on the position of the regional ethnic group. Even a small factor can make the dance forms differ, as the religious affiliations vary. So, it can be said that religious affiliations can have a huge impact on the dance and song content of a tribal dance. Apart from it, other factors like festivals can also affect. 

Different territories classify tribal dances, and these are:

Important Tribal Dances

Some important tribal dances are described below:

Bamboo Dance

This tribal dance is of Mizo People. The dancers wear headgears made of feathers and start their performances with earthly beats. In the dance, men usually sit on the ground and hold their hands tightly onto an end of the bamboo, and they move these bamboos in rhythm. Within the checkers, there are young girls dancing in sequence. As Naga and Mizo tribes are among those people who dress in colorful manner, their dance looks more attractive. They are also among the warrior groups, and they show their fighting instruments via dance. The songs are also related to their winning, and since all women dance so elegantly, it gives a soothing visual as well. 

Santhali Dance 

Santhals are India’s third-largest tribe. They are found in Orissa, Assam, West Bengal, and Jharkhand. They use tumda drums that make a very deep sound that touches the core of the peoples’ heart. It is performed usually in the evening. The women sing folk songs, and there is Tirio (flute), women dancing and singing in an arc, they hold hands with one another. Also, in the centre, there is a lead drummer. Karam festival, which marks the rainy season’s end and the Disum Sendra festival, are two festivals during which they perform their dance. 

Kalbelia Dance

Another famous tribal dance is Kalbelia Dance. This tribal dance is of the Garasiya tribe of Rajasthan. In this dancers wear beautiful ghagra choli of black colour and dance on Pungi or been’s tune. They move in round and look like dancing snakes, giving a mesmerising effect to the audience. These dances are also performed at many festivals or occasions, including Holi and marriages. During this, nagada and dhol are also used. 

Conclusion

As India has very rich cultures and traditions, different dance forms are another thing that makes India more interesting. All three types of dance depict the culture and tradition of different places in the country. There are many important tribal dances, folk dances, and classical dances.