Classical Dances in India

The art of dancing in India has a long and illustrious history that dates back thousands of years. The evidence for dancing may be found in virtually all of the major historical sources, including excavations and inscriptions, chronicles, genealogy of kings and artists, literary sources, sculpture and painting from various historical periods, and more. In this way, dance played an important role in the religious and social lives of the Indian people.

The six recognised schools of Indian classical dance emerged as a part of religious ritual, in which dancers worshipped the gods by reciting stories about their lives and accomplishments. The six renowned schools of Indian classical dance are as follows: These are the principles of Indian Classical dance, which are derived from the work of Bharat Muni’s “Natya Shastra.” He dates the origin of the word back to Lord Brahma. The fifth Veda, known as the ‘Natyaveda,’ was produced by Lord Brahma and represents the essence of the four existing Vedas.

Classical Dances Origin 

The majority of traditional dance styles have their origins in temples. The primary goal was to engage in worship. Despite the fact that each dance genre originated in a distinct place, their origins are the same. The origins of the term can be traced back to the Sanskrit text ‘Natya Shastra’. A compilation of Natya Shastra dating from about 200BCE and 200CE is believed to have been the first.

As time progressed, artists improvised numerous classical dances, resulting in the creation of the modern forms we see today. Today, Indian classical dances are quite popular all over the world, and they are especially popular in the United States.

Components of Classical Dance

The foundation of these dances is built on three essential elements:

• Natya: The dance’s dramatic component is defined as Natya (i.e., the imitation of character)
• Nritta: A pure dance in which the rhythms and emotions of the music are represented in the ornamental movements made with the hands and body, as well as the stamping of the feet, is what it is
• Nritya: Expression of emotion is conveyed by facial expression, hand gesture, and the positioning of one’s legs and feet

Aspects of Dance

• Tandava: Movements that convey the characteristics of a man, as demonstrated by rhythm, heroic attitude, and style  
• Lasya: Movements exhibit the feminine characteristics represented by styles that are soft, lyrical, and elegant

Rasanubhuti: The 9 Rasas

The Rasanubhuti is the culmination of all of these classical dance forms of India. Nine Rasas are mentioned in the Natya Shastra –

Classical Dances of India

Classical dances, in contrast to folk dances, are concerned with technicalities and stringent restrictions. The ‘Abhinaya Darpan’ of Acharya Nandikeshawara and Sharangdev’s ‘Sangeeth Ratnakar’ (Nartanadhyaya), as well as the Natya Shastra, serve as the foundation for the intricacies of all traditional dance styles (which includes their body movements, rasa, bhava etc).

According to the Ministry of Culture of the Government of India, there are nine classical dances to learn :

Bharatnatyam

• ‘Bharatanatyam’ is a type of dance that incorporates the elements of Bhav, Rag, Ras, and Taal
• In Hindu temples in southern India, it was traditionally done by Devadasis (temple ladies who were offered to God as offerings)
• Definition of the word is: Bha: Bhava, which refers to emotions; Ra: Rag, which refers to musical notes; Ta: Taal, which refers to rhythm; and Natyam, which is the Sanskrit word for drama

Kathak 

• Amazing spins, Nazakat, and Padhant are all hallmarks of Kathak (Chanting of bols, toda, tukdas by dancer himself and then performing). This is the hallmark of Kathak
• Themes of Kathak include Ramayana, Mahabharat, and Krishna
• Kathak dance has four main Gharanas or Schools. The gharanas of Jaipur, Lucknow, Raigarh, and Benares. These schools are named after the regions where they grew up. Each has a distinct interpretation and repertoire that distinguishes them

Odissi

• This traditional dance form with Bhakti ras was part of God’s devotion at Jagannath temples.
• It has Lasya and Tandav.
• Traditional Odissi includes Maharis (Devadasis or Temple Girls) and Gotipua ( Performed by Boys).

Kuchipudi

• Tirtha Narayana Yati and his disciple Siddhendra Yogi founded the contemporary Kuchipudi
• Kuchipudi’s range is similar to Bharatanatyam’s
• The dancer performs on top of the brass plates in a Kuchipudi specialty called ‘Tarangam’. And occasionally a pot on the head. This distinguishes the dancing form

Kathakali

• Kathakali’s movements are influenced by ancient martial arts and sports
• Famous for its lavish costumes, exquisite make-up, face masks, and jewellery
• Unlike other Classical Dances, Kathakali developed in Hindu princely courts and theatres

Mohiniattam

• Mohiniattam is a soothing dance influenced by Lasya
• It is Feminine and mainly done by women
• The word ‘Mohini’ refers to Lord Vishnu’s lovely female incarnation

Manipuri

• Manipuri is a spiritual dance-drama that depicts Radha-love Krishna’s through Raaslila
• Manipuri combines Indian and Southeast Asian cultures. Tandav or Lasya is a Manipuri dancing form
• The female dancers wear a long stiff skirt with ornate decorations. A traditional veil is worn over hair that drapes gently over the face

Sattriya

• Sangeet Natak Akademi declared Sattriya Classical Dance in 2000. The contemporary form of Sattriya is credited to the 15th century Bhakti Movement
• Themes include Radha-Krishna and other mythology. Sankardev’s plays are usually performed
• Not before the idol but before the copy of Bhagvat Purana placed in the eastern corner of the dance community hall, it was traditionally performed by ‘Bhokots’/‘Monks’ (namghar)

Chhau

• Chaaya, meaning shadow, picture, or mask, is the Sanskrit term for ‘Chhau’
• It combines folk, tribal, and martial arts
• The Chhau comes in three varieties from three regions. Each variety has its own characteristic, pattern, performance style, and adornment

Conclusion 

The cultural riches of India are well-known. An important component of Indian culture is the performance of traditional dances. It was in temples that the majority of classical dance styles had their genesis. There was a primary focus on worship. Despite their disparate origins, all of the world’s dance forms share a common ancestry. As time went on, numerous traditional dances were improvised by artists, resulting in the current forms. India’s classical dance forms are now well-known throughout the world.