EIght Forms of Famous Indian Classical Dance

Indian culture is known for their extravagant spices and foods but their cultural dances are defining of their especially artistic brilliance. Classical dance is one of the many types of Indian dances. It is a beautiful traditional dance consisting of dances such as Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Mohiniattam, and Odissi.  These Incredible dances of India are originated during the ancient times and considered the mother art of many other classical dances.

Bharatanatyam

Originated in South India as a temple dance for women, Bharatanatyam is a dance of Tamil Nadu that expresses religious anecdotes and devoted messages from Hinduism. Bharatanatyam involves a consistent formation of bent legs while the feet and hands provide articulate movements to narrate a religious story. It was not until the 20th century that this strategically artistic dance was displayed on television. It is beautiful and representative of strong Hindu values and the hands mainly draw out the symbols or mudras to tell the story.

Kathak

Kathak is a soulful dance originating from the creations of Kathakas, professional storytellers who embody dance, song, and drama into narration. This dance is performed by both men and women and is usually a dance that symbolizes the meaning of love. Kathak involves the intricate movement of the feet followed by the soft movements of the arms that are indicative of normal gestures of the body language. The main aspect of this dance is the bells worn around the anklets that enlivens the entire performance. Performing it is just as wondrous as watching this soothing dance that really makes you feel the beautiful emotion of love.

Kathakali

Kathakali is also a religious performed by boys and originating from southwestern India. There is much creative aspect to this dance as it involves strategic and professional makeup done to the performers so as to create a painted mask look detailed with enormous headdresses. Kathakali is an inspired narrative from the stories of Ramayana and from Shaiva traditions, thus the elaborate costumes and makeup is drawn from that as well.

Kuchipudi

Kuchipudi is a special dance that not only involves dance but singing as well, unlike the other styles of Indian classical dance. This dance was originated from the state of Andhra Pradesh from southeastern India and was originally only performed by men, however, now it is primarily a female dance. Kuchipudi is a significant dance because of its ritual standing. This dance begins with a song and dance introduction, followed by sprinkling holy water and burning some incense, all to summon the goddesses.

Manipuri

Manipuri was originated from Manipur in northeastern India. It is a religious and ritualized dance incorporating some folk traditions and rituals from the state of Manipur and some dances narrate stories from the life of the god Krishna. It is different from the other styles of Indian classical dance because it involves graceful movement specifically of the arms and not a dance that is crucially rhythmic. Manipuri is performed by both men and women; women display delicate hand movements, whereas men display firm, forceful movements. Altogether Manipuri creates a beautiful narration through dance alongside some choral singing and narrative chanting.

Mohiniattam

Mohiniattam is a classical dance originated from the state of Kerala and it is predominantly performed by women. In fact the breakdown of the term Mohiniattam means beautiful woman dancing; “mohini” meaning beautiful woman, and “attam” meaning dance. This dance also develops a drama with careful body movements that flow well with the feminine style displayed.

Odissi

Odissi is the oldest form of Indian dance with archeological findings dating back to almost two thousand years old. It is an origination from the state of Orissi and traditions of Devadasi. Odissi is a sensuous dance performed by women with movements that give emphasis on the individual movements of the head, chest and pelvis. These movements are intended to replicate those found in temple sculptures. With over 50 mudras, Odissi is a complex dance but a very pivotal one to the Indian culture with its inspiring and striking effect on one’s emotions.