Bharatnatyam
Bharatanatyam is the oldest Indian classical dance form, originated in the Tanjore district of Tamil Nadu and is regarded as the mother of many other classical dance forms of India. Firstly, it was initiated in the Hindu temples of Tamil Nadu and eventually flourished in South India. It was performed with excellent footwork and impressive gestures, including nrita, nritya and natya.
Kathakali
‘Kathakali’, an important genre in the Indian classical dance form, is associated with storytelling form of this art. It is the dance drama from the south Indian state of Kerala. Similar to other Indian classical dance arts, the story in ‘Kathakali’ is also communicated to audience through excellent footwork and impressive gestures of face and hands complimented with music and vocal performance.
Dandiya
Dandiya’ or ‘Dandiya Raas’ is a dance form performed during the time of Navratri, with its origins in Gujarat. The dance attire comprises bamboo sticks painted in bright colors, women are dressed in three-piece attires called chaniya choli with bandhani dupattas, while men wear sherwani or kurta pyjama.
Kuchipudi
The theoretical foundation of Kuchipudi is rooted back to the ancient Sanskrit Hindu text on the performing arts called ‘Natya Shastra’ which is accredited to Indian theatrologist and musicologist Bharata Muni. It incorporates verses in thousands structured in different chapters and divides dance into two distinct types: ‘ nrita’ that is pure technical dance and ‘nritya’ that is solo expressive dance.
Odissi
Odissi or Orissi is one of the pre-eminent classical dance forms of India which originated in the Hindu temples of the eastern coastal state of Odisha. Age-old tradition of Odissi is manifested from Odisha Hindu temples and various sites of archaeological significance associated with Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism, the sculptures of which adorn dance postures of this art form.
Kathak
Kathak is one of the main genres of ancient Indian classical dance and is traditionally regarded to have originated from the travelling bards of North India referred to as Kathakars or storytellers. These Kathakars wandered around and communicated legendary stories via music, dance and songs, quite like the early Greek theatre. The genre developed during the Bhakti movement, the trend of theistic devotion which evolved in medieval Hinduism. The Kathakars communicate stories through rhythmic foot movements, hand gestures, facial expressions and eye work.
Manipuri
Manipuri dance is counted among India’s major classical dance forms, especially noted for themes based on Vaishnavism and the spectacular execution of ‘Ras Lila’, a dance drama based on love between Radha and Krishna. The Manipuris perform this religious art that aims at expressing spiritual values during Hindu festivals and other important cultural occasions like marriage.
Theyyam
The great stories of Kerala are often retold using art forms. It is here that our legends truly come to life. Theyyam is a famous ritual art form that originated in North Kerala, bringing to life the great stories of our State. It encompasses dance, mime and music. It exalts the beliefs of the ancient tribals who gave a lot of importance to the worship of heroes and the spirits of their ancestors.
Bhangra
Bhangra is a traditional form of dance and music originating from the Punjab region of India and Pakistan. It was initially used as a celebratory folk dance which heralded the coming of spring, or Vaisakhi, as it is known. Nowadays Bhangra influences can be seen in many Bollywood films and it’s even found its way into forms of popular non-Asian culture such is its unique appeal.
Dumhal
The Dumhal dance form is one of the famous traditions of the Jammu & Kashmir rituals. The men of the Rauf tribe mainly perform the dance or some say it is the Wattal tribe. But one thing is certain: this Dumhal dance form is predominantly male oriented, now performed by all genres. It is said that a Sufi saint invented Dumhal. The wardrobe of the Dumhal dance is quite colorful and robust. The long attires are ornamented with beads and made of heavy clothes to match the cold of the Jammu & Kashmir weather.
Ghoomar
Ghoomar is a traditional as well as an enthusiastic folk dance of Rajasthan. Ghoomar or Ghumar was developed by the Bhil tribe and was adopted by other Rajasthani communities. The Ghoomar dance is particularly a women’s dance and performed by women. Group of women moving circularly perform Ghoomar dance and swirling robes accompanied by men and women singing together.
Bihu
Farmers, from long, believed that the erotic nature of these songs would sexually arouse the earth’s body, leading to an abundant harvest. For this very reason and celebrations, of course, many of such songs are still sung by the tribal farmers. Historically rich and traditionally important, the festival of Bihu continues to be celebrated in Assam with as much pomp as it was earlier.
