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There are two primary traditional dance forms in the country of India- classical dancing and folk dancing. However, when it comes to the main difference between classical and folk dance, these two originated from different places. Classical dance form traces its roots to the Sanskrit text on theatre and drama, Natya Shastra. On the other hand, folk dance is the dance form developed by the people to reflect on their lives, often to the local music. Another difference between these two traditional dance forms is that classical dance form is quite complex and technical, but it is pretty easy to learn when it comes to folk dance.
What is a Classical Dance Form?
Indian classical dance is the broader term referring to eight other dance forms originating from the Sanskrit text, Natya Shastra. Classical dance is highly technical and stylized. The forms and technicalities have developed for decades. The Guru-Shishya tradition has formally taught the technique and execution of the classical dance forms through the centuries. In addition to this, the classical dance forms are considered to be developed in the high society, royal courts, and temple complexes.
A total of eight dance forms are part of classical dance and these are Kathak, Kathakali, Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Sattriya, and Manipuri. The training for all these classical dance forms is rigorous and demanding because it involves many technicalities, rhythmic, literary, emotional, and lyrical aspects. It also requires stance, composure, grace, and abhinaya. One can opt for solo or group performances when performing classical dance.
What is a Folk Dance Form?
Folk dance is a simple dance form tracing its roots to the people who developed the same to reflect their lives often to the local music. This particular dance form was developed by the common people to celebrate social gatherings (weddings, birthdays, etc) or agricultural harvest. Now that folk dances are simple and easy to perform there is no need for the individual to undergo rigorous training and practice to learn this particular dance.
Folk dances are all about fun, happiness, spreading joy, energy, and enthusiasm. One need not worry about correct posture, rhythm, or technicalities while performing the folk dance. In addition to this, some folk dances are based on folk tales depicting the stories of the relationship between people, changing seasons, traditions, etc. There are more than 30 folk dance forms in India and some of these include Kalbelia, Bihu, Lavani, Rouff, Garba, Bhangra, Ghoomer, and many others.
Distinguishing between Classical dance and Folk dance in tabular form:
Here mentioned is the table differentiating between classical dance and folk dance:
Classical Dance | Folk Dance |
|---|---|
Classical dance is the dance form tracing its roots back to the Natya Shastra There are two basic aspects of classical dance and these are Lasya and Tandava | Folk dance is the dance form tracing its roots to the people who developed the same to reflect their lives often to the local music |
It is believed by the people of India that this particular dance form is related to spirituality | The folk dance is associated with real-life depictions like celebrating social gatherings (weddings, birthdays, etc) or agricultural harvest |
The classical dance form involves many technicalities and requires stance composure, grace, and practice | Folk dance does not involve technicalities and is all about fun, enthusiasm, and energy |
It is quite complex and technical to learn | Folk dance can be easily learned |
Only after many years of formal training, an individual can perfect the classical dance | There is no such requirement to take formal training for folk dance |
Classical dance involves both solo and group performances | Folk dance mainly involves group performance |
Classical dance is considered to have developed in the high society, royal courts, and temple complexes | Folk dance is considered to have developed among common people |
There are a total of eight classical dance forms and these are Kathak, Kathakali, Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Sattriya, and Manipuri | There are more than 30 folk dances one can find in the country Some of these include Kalbelia, Rouff, Garba, Bhangra, Ghoomer, and many others |
Conclusion
Both classical dance and folk dance are utterly different from each other. The classical dance originated from the Sanskrit text, Natya Shastra, whereas, everyday people develop folk dance to represent the stories of their lives. On the one hand, classical dance is highly technical. On the other hand, folk dance is all about enjoyment. To learn more about the difference between these two dance forms, it is recommended to go through the article mentioned above.
