Kathakali

A dance-drama, highly stylized, of the state of Kerala. It originated from the precursor drama called 'Ramanattam' and owes its share of  techniques of 'Krishnanattam' also.The costumes and make ups are very attractive.The body movements are complementary to the percussion music. Late Mahakavi Valllathole Narayana Menon  was a great patron of this dance-drama.


Kathakali has recently gained reputation in foreign countries also.

                             

Odissi

The dance of Oidsha (Orissa) is one of the sixth acknowledged  form of Indian classical dances. The rhythm, mudras and Bhangis used in odissi have distinct style of their own. The king Mahamegavahan Kharvela gave patronage to this dance.  

                                         A wonderful perfrmance by Karherine Ryan

This Pallavi Odissi is performed by Sujatha Mohapatra, It is noted for its lasya and soft abhinaya

Kathak

It is a major dance form of north India. The word Kathak means 'to tell a story'.When the patronage shifted from  temples to royal courts,there was a change in the overall emphasis. From the story telling, today the dance is an abstract exploration of rhythm and movement.

Kathak is very much associated with an institution known as 'tawaif'.This was misunderstood as an institution of female entertainers. The foot works and body movements in Kathak are really appreciative. 'Tabla' is a major instrument that follow north Indian dances.  

A scintillating performance by Meghranjini

                                                         A kathak Performance

Kuchipudi

The dance originated in Andhra Pradesh, Krishna District. This sacred dance was passed over the 'parampara' chain (from teachers to students), performed exclusively by  Bhramins of Kuchelapuram village.

Kuchipudi is blended with the art of dance, energetic jumps, sensible play of eyes and above all quick and skilled motions. A kuchipudi dancer, in addition to all, require thorough mastery of 'abhinaya' (miming). Some of the famous kuchipudi dancers are Archana Raja, Varsha Uma, R. Uma, Subhiksha and Varsha.

Kuchipudi by Pratheeksha Kashi

Hema Malini, actress of bygone years in Kuchipudi  

Bharathanatyam

Bharathanatyam is a resplendent gem among Indian classical dances. It is believed to be originated in Tamil Nadu some 3000 years back, and is regarded as the oldest among classical dances.

Bharathanatyam once known as 'dasiyattam' was performed in Hindu Temples. It is known for its rhythmic, vigorous, crisp movements; sculptural poses  combining the energy of nritha and the lasya and passion of nritya. it involves several hand mudras (gestures) and expressions of face and eyes.


The term 'Bharathanatyam' was coined by Purandaradasa (1484-1564). Late Shri. Ghanam Krishna Iyer was a famous Bharathanatyam singer. The social status of this 'dasiyattam' was restored by Rukmini Devi Arundale. Bharathanatyam is performed in different styles like Pandallur style, Tanjore style etc.


Costumes
Costumes are very rich for this classical dance. It comprises the typical south Indian silk sari , matching ornaments and other adornments.

 A wonerfull 'Thillana' performance by famous dancer actress Sobhana

A performance by Dhriti in Chennai in 2008

   

Sangeet Natak Academy

This academy for the progress and welfare of performing arts was established in 1952. The Academy recognizes eight types of dances as 'classical' in India. These are:


1. Bharathanatyam
2. Kuchipudi
3. Mohiniattam
4. Kathakali
5. Manipuri
6. Odissi
7. Kathak
8. Sattriya

Hidtory of Indian Classical dances

The origin of Indian classical dances dates back to the prehistoric period several centuries before Christ. Scientific and archeological evidences endorse this point.

The Myths point out that the 'Thandava nritha' performed by Lord Siva embodies creation, sustenance and destruction. Lord Siva is considered as an embodiment of dance.


Lord Brahma was pressurised by other Dewas to create Something for the enjoyment of the common people. Brahma created a fifth Veda taking out the essence from the four other Vedas. This fifth veda came to be known as 'Natyaveda'. Lord Brahma entrusted this to Bharathamuni to popularize. Bharathamuni was an ascetic who is supposed to be lived between the first and second century. He wrote the first authoritative treatise for Indian traditional dances, called 'Natyasasthra'. Natyasasthra contains the basic principles of all types of dances.


The themes of Indian classical dances are invariably taken  from 'Puranas' and 'Ithyhasas'. As the dance progresses, it passes through three different stages.


a) Nritha:- This constitutes the rhythm created by the instruments that accompany the dance and music.


b) Nritya:- Here the dancer starts dancing to the tune of the music and the percussion instruments that follow. With her/his peculiar foot-work, the 'noopura' anklets follows the instuments and music and the three collectively creates a state of synchronization. At the same time the peculiar 'Bhavas' (emotions) appears and disappears on the face of the dancer and her body also follows the rythmic patterns.


c) Natya:- This is the stage of ' Abhinaya' (miming-acting). As  the story demands different kinds of emotions appear and disappear on the dancers face. (dramatic elements are embedded in the dance recital) The foot-work is slightly reduced at this stage. There are nine different types of' bhavas' (emotions), as follows,


i) Hasya (happiness)
ii) khroda (anger)
iii)Bhibhatsa (disgust)
iv) Bhaya (fear)
v) Vira (courage)
vi) Karuna (compassion)
vii) Adbhudha (wonder)
viii) Santa (serenity)
ix) sringara (love)


Indian classical dances originated in temples. The beautiful girls danced in front of the presiding deity to worship it. The dances in each region of India grew in different ways as per the customs and traditions of that region. The lady dancers in temples were called 'Devadasis'. ( 'worshippers of God'). They were placed in high esteem by the society.


Later on ruling kings of different dynasties came to enjoy the beautiful art form. They began to patronize the dancers. They loved their dance and their bodies also. That was a stage of defamation to the devadasis. People started to see them as prostitutes. However, Indian dances have now regained their glorified past. Dances have now come out from temples to stages. The modern dancers have brought many renovations in the classical dances; but all rooted in the traditional principles of Natyasasthra. 


Now the glory of  Indian dances has spread to various parts of the globe......Read more