Fascinating Indian dances
AutoAn introduction to Indian dance forms
India’s cultural heritage is very rich. Every state in India is different and so is its cultural heritage. India can boast of being one of those with a special way of dancing. The grace and charm of classical Indian dance are inexplicable. The interpretation of these dances will transport you to another world. The two dominant dance forms here are folk dances and classical dances. Where folk dances are more inclined and identified with places, classical dances are associated with temple culture and are performed more or less as if to please and pray to God and Goddess.
The aesthetic classical dances of India
The essence of these Classical Dances is aesthetic and spiritual. The cosmic element of these dances is related to the dance of life, myths, symbolism, mystical responses and philosophical explanations. The skillful dance performances are exceptionally remarkable. The distinctive flavor of the dances is attributed to graceful body movements, including eyes, neck, hands, both facial and eye expressions, postures, jewelry, costumes.
In the history of classical dances dating back some 2,000 years, six main classical dances have evolved. Bharata’s Natyashastra (Natya means drama and Shastra means authoritative text) is considered the most important resource for describing the patterns and attributes of Indian drama. The treatise offers two aspects of the dance Nritta, the pure dance, and Nritya, the interpretive dance. Another Indian dance bible is ‘Abhinaya Darpanam’ which gives the fundamental principles for each technique.
The Sangeet Natak Academy has granted classical dance status to eight prominent dance forms:
1. Tamil Nadu Bharatnatyam
2. Odissi from Orissa
3. Kuchipudi of Andhra Pradesh
4. Manipuri Manipuri
5. Kerala Mohiniattam
6. Kathakali from Kerala
7. North Indian Kathak
8. Satriya of Assam
Of these, Bharatnatyam and Odissi religiously follow the principles laid down in Natya Shastra. A very important characteristic of classical dances is the use of mudras or hand gestures (sign language) that are used to tell a phenomenon or concept. The regional exclusivity and ethnic elements of the dances make them even more charming.
The charismatic folk dances of India
The folk dances of India are the backbone of the cultural aura. The variety and diversity of the cultural legacy is also dominant in folk dances. Fascinating folk dances mark almost every occasion. A birth of a child, a party, a wedding, any event is not left without these dance shows. Since the birth of a child, he/she is circumcised in popular music. Folkloric dances are accompanied by various musical instruments. The folk dancers wear vibrant costumes, elegant hairstyles and ethnic jewelry and dance very rhythmically and joyfully to mark the occasion. The folk dances of India are classified in various regions as
-central india
– Oriental
-From North
-Northeast
– From the south
– Southwest
Some of the famous folk dances of India are:
-Bhangra, Gidda of Punjab
– Ghoomar, Kalbelia of Rajasthan
– Dandiya, Garba of Gujarat
– Lavani from Maharashtra
-Assam Bihu
– Chhau of Jharkhand
-Jawara from Madhya Pradesh
– Karma, Jatra and Paika from Bihar
– Brita from West Bengal
– Dalkhai, Goti Puas de Orisa
– Dhumal from Jammu and Kashmir
-Hikat from Himachal Pradesh
One has come and experienced for oneself what dance performances in India really are. The status they enjoy is well deserved.