Facts about Classical Dances

In India, the art of dance has a long and illustrious history. Many people may be spotted dancing to the traditional folk dances at festivals and weddings, some more than 2000 years old. “Bollywood” films from India also strongly emphasise dance and music. However, where do the origins of Indian dancing come from? Keep in mind that all dance genres are highly distinct, and each should be mastered by developing a solid foundation under the guidance of skilled instructors.

What are Classical dances?

On the other hand, classical dances are all on precise technique and adherence to stringent guidelines. Classical Indian dance traditions are based on the technical foundations laid out in the Natya Shastra, the Abhinaya Darpan, and Sharangdev’s ‘Sangeeth Ratnakar’ (including their body movements, rasa, bhava etc.).

According to the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, there are nine classical dances. Each of these ancient dances will be examined in turn.

Bharatnatyam

Bharata Natyam is a kind of dance that incorporates all four elements. In Hindu temples in South India, it was traditionally done by Devadasis (women who were sacrificed to the gods). As a result, it is also called ‘Dasiattam.’ This may be India’s oldest classical dance genre, having evolved in Tanjore and other southern Indian areas, particularly Tamil Nadu (around 2000 years old). Natya Shastra conventions have adhered to the fullest extent possible. Abhinaya Darpan and Sangeet Ratnakar provide instruction on proper body mechanics and grammatical conventions for dance moves.

Bharatnatyam’s definition

• A word that signifies “emotions” is Bha.
• Rag is a musical notation, thus the name Ra.
• The Rhythm is Taal, which is Taal.
• Drama is referred to as Abhinaya in Sanskrit.

Kathak

An elegant and story-telling form of North Indian dance, Kathak is also known as Kathakaar or Kathak. ‘Natwari Nrutya’ is another name for it. India’s Kathak dancing genre is one of the country’s most beautiful. The Ramayana, Mahabharat, and Krishna stories are central to Kathak. In addition, Kathak includes lectures on a wide range of topics. Braj Raslila is quite similar to Kathak. However, group compositions on the same topic perfectly synchronised take the spotlight.

• Kathak’s specialities

Nazakat, Padhant, and other footwork and spins that make Kathak so renowned throughout the globe are all part of the Kathak experience (Chanting of bols, toda, tukdas by the dancer himself and then performing). This is what makes Kathak unique. It connects the dancer to the audience in a unique way. In contrast to the bend motions of South Indian Dances, the body movements are reasonably straight. The dancers wear bulky ghungroos, which weigh 100/200/250 pounds on each leg. These ghungroos include a broad range of noises, including a rushing train, heavy rain, the sound of a horse being ridden, and much more. This raises the level of artistry in the production.

Odissi

‘Odissi’ is the name given to the traditional dance style performed in the peaceful environs of the Shri Jagannath Temple in Odisha. It is referred to as Audramagdhi in the earliest Sanskrit text, the Natya Shastra. Bhakti ras-filled dancing was a feature of devotion at Jagannath temples in the past. As a result, there are several statues of dancers in the shrine.

A combination of Ananda Tandava and Lasya may be found in it. It looks like the ocean waves, with its graceful and fascinating appearance. One of the most notable Odissi performances focuses on the great poetry of Jayadev.

Kuchipudi

A dance-drama style known as Kuchipudi began in the Krishna area of Andhra Pradesh in the 3rd century BCE for more than 2000 years and has been practised for centuries.

The current form of Kuchipudi that we witness today was established and developed by Tirtha Narayana Yati and his pupil Siddhendra Yogi. Over time, Kuchipudi evolved into a solo dance style that is now performed by both sexes. Vaishnavism, Lord Krishna, Rukmini, Satyabhama, and other tales are common motifs in Kuchipudi, an Indian dance form. Bharatnatyam and Odissi are also represented in Kuchipudi.

Kathakali

Kathakali is a mesmerising kind of Keralan traditional dance. ‘Kali’ means performance and art, whereas ‘Katha’ means story or narrative. Traditional Indian dance forms like ‘Kutiyattam’ and ‘Krishnattam’ are its origins (Dance-Drama depicting Stories of Hindu God Krishna). It is a martial art and an athletic heritage that inspires Kathakali’s movements. It is a Dance-Drama or Ananda Tandava, essentially. The dancing style of Kathakali, formerly exclusively performed by men, is now open to women. Kathakali is particularly well-known for its lavish costumes, stunning make-up, and many masks and decorations worn by the performers themselves.

It was at the palaces and theatres of Hindu princes that Kathakali flourished, unlike other Classical Dances. There used to be a typical performance that went from dusk till morning. Most modern presentations are condensed to stay on schedule to fit the available time. The Kalamandalam in Kerala is the primary training ground for Kathakali performers. The Japanese “Noh” and “Kabuki” dance traditions share affinities with Kathakali, as do other Indian dance forms.

Mohiniattam

It is another beautiful Kerala Classical Dance, Mohiniattam, based on the Lasya-inspired Mohiniattam movement style. Feminine in nature, this work is often performed by women. The name ‘Mohini’ refers to Lord Vishnu’s seductive female form, who was tasked with stopping the forces of evil. One of the meanings of “mohiniattam” is “beautiful ladies dancing.” When it comes to elegance and beauty, Mohiniattam is unbeatable. ‘Hastha Lakshanadeepika,’ a detailed explanation of the mudras, is followed by hand movements and facial expressions.

Manipuri

‘Jogi’ is the term given to the Manipuri dance style, which originated in the state of Manipur. In religious songs, Manipuri shows Radha-love Krishna’s for each other via Raalilal, historically presented as a dance theatre. Manipuri is a mashup of Indian and Southeast Asian cultural elements. Tandav and Lasya are the two main types of Manipuri dance.

Manipuri, a lovely and elegant dance style, features a lot of hand and upper body moves. Manipuri is an exquisite dance style with a curving body shape, a pleasant smile, and dazzling costumes and ornamentation. Even though Ghunghroo (Bells) symbolise India’s traditional dances, they are not worn in Manipuri.

Sattriya

The Assamese dance drama is known as sattriya. The Sangeet Natak Akademi certified Sattriya as a Classical Dance in 2000. As a result of Vaishnavism and Srimanta Sankaradeva, the 15th-century Bhakti Movement Scholar and Saint, the present Sattriya is credited. In Hindu monasteries known as ‘Sattra,’ the Vaishnava Bhakti movement has grown Sattriya since the 15th century. Sattras are the dancing halls (namghar) in the temples of Buddhist monasteries. It is now an international phenomenon.

Dance of Chhau

In the Chhau, you will find a mixture of folk, tribal, and martial skills. When translated into English, a shadow, picture, or mask is the Sanskrit term ‘Chaaya’ means. In addition, Sitakanta Mahapatra explains that the Odia word Chhau comes from the word Chhauni (Military Camp). Male troupes were often used for this kind of performance or Abhinaya.

There are three distinct forms of Chhau; each descended from a different geographical location. There is a distinct characteristic, pattern, manner of performance, and embellishment for each sort of music.

Conclusion

It is the policy of the Indian government to preserve and promote Indian classical dances, which are almost 2000 years old both inside India and beyond the world. SNA, together with its affiliated institutes and component entities, played a significant role in developing these traditional forms of dance. Khajuraho, Konark, Dhauli Kalinga and Kalidas, Mukteshwar, Ellora, Nishagandhi and many more big Classical dance festivals show the magnificent portrayal of Indian Classical Dancing.