Dance Forms of

Dance is a form of art, where the body is used as a medium of communication.

The wall paintings of Ajanta and Ellora, the sculptures of Khajuraho stand ample evidence for the popularity of Indian from ancient times. , the dancing Lord Shiva, is thesupreme manifestation of Indian dance The common root of all forms can be traced to Bharata‟s Natyasastra. According to the Natyashastra, Brahma, the creator of the Universe, created drama. He took the following components to create the fifth Veda called Natyaveda: Pathya (words) from the Rigveda Abhinaya (gesture) from the Yajurveda Geet (music and chant) fromSamaveda vRasa (sentiment and emotional element) from Atharvaveda The first and the oldest evidence to date are the discovery of the bronze figurine of a dancer from the Indus Valley Civilization excavations at Mohenjodaro.

Two aspects of Dance

As per Natyashastra there re two basic aspects of classical dance:

Lasya – It denotes grace, bhava, rasa etc It is symbolic of feminine features – This is symbolic of the male aspect like is heroic bold and vigorous

As per the ancient work, dance classification is done on basis of three elements:

Natya: Which highlights the dramatic element and refers to the story that is elaborated through dance. : refers to sentiments and emotions related to dance. It includes different expressions and Mudras in the dance. Nritta: is a pure and basic step of Dance where body movements do not express any mood and expression nor do they convey any meaning.

Five classical dances related to Panchtatva

The five classical dances of India are considered to be the mystic manifestation of the metaphysical elements of nature ie. Panchatatva in the human body are:

Odissi – element of water – element of earth Mohiniattam – element of air Bharatnatyam – element of fire – element of the sky. 8 Classical Dance Form

There are eight classical dances recognized by theSangeet Natak Akademi and the Ministry of Culture

1. Bharatnatyam – 2. Kuchipudi- Andhra Pradesh 3. – Uttar Pradesh 4. Kathakali – 5. Manipuri – Manipur 6. Mohiniattam – Kerala 7. – Orissa 8. – Assam

Bharatnatyam

It originates in Tamil Nadu, South India. It is the oldest of all classical dance. It consists of-

Nritta – Pure dance movement Abhinaya – dramatic art of storytelling Nritya – a combination of nritta & abhinaya

Performed on Carnatic music.

Costume are made of silk saris with gold embroidery and has a lot of pleats. It is also characterised as EKHARYA LASYAM style in which one dancer plays many roles.

Noted Exponents: , Mallika Sarabhai,

Important Elements of Bharatnatyam

1. Alarippu – Introduction part, meant to seek the blessing of God. 2. Jatiswaram – Pure form of dance including different poses and movements 3. Shabnam – It is a dramatic element which includes ABHINAYA in the song to praise god 4. Javali – short love lyrics performed at a faster tempo 5. Thillana – Concluding stage of performance with pure dance.

Kuchipudi

It originated in a village named Kuchipudi in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It begins with an invocation to Lord Ganesha followed by nritta (non-narrative and abstract dancing); Shabnam (narrative dancing) and Natya. The dance is accompanied by a song which is Carnatic music. The singer is accompanied by mridangam, violin, flute and the tambura.

It is the use of speech that distinguishes Kuchipudi‟s presentation as dance drama. It combines & Tandava elements, folk & classical shades. Noted Kuchipudi exponents are: Raja Reddy and Radha reddy, Sonal Mansingh, Yamini Krishnamurthy Tirtha Narayana Yati and his disciple Siddhendra Yogi organized and founded the modern version of Kuchipudi. Kuchipudi gradually developed as a solo dance form and today we can see both male and female performing it. Kuchipudi themes related to Vaishnavism, Lord , stories of Bhagvat Purana with secular theme. Predominance of Shringar ras.

Some popular solo elements in Kuchipudi are:

Tarangam – in which the dancer performs on the top of the brass plates. Manduk Shabdam – Tells the story of Frog Jala chitra nrityam – Dancer draws pictures on the floor with toes while Dancing

Difference Between Bharatnatyam and Kuchhipudi Nitin Singhania’s Art & Culture Book

Kathak

Kathak dance is a combination of music, dance and narrative. The name is derived from Katha (story) and Katthaka (who tells stories). It originates from North India. There are three main gharanas or schools:

Lucknow Gharana Jaipur Gharana Benares Gharana

Dance progresses from slow to fast pieces and has Footwork & spins and includes abhinaya-expression. Performed on Hindusthani music provided by Tabla, Sitar, Santoor. Costume includes;

Ghungroos or bells on the ankles Female- lehenga choli or chudidaar kameez Male- Dhoti or kurta churidar

Noted Kathak exponents are: , , Pandit

Kathakali

It originates from Kerala state. Katha = “Story or tale”, Kali = “Performance and Art”. It represents the conflict between good and evil. It is basically a Dance-Drama. Kathakali was traditionally a male-dominated dance and now females are too welcomed in this dance form. Performance is a combination of five elements:

Natyam (expression) Nritham (dance- Focus on rhythm) Nrithyam (enactment- Focus on Mudra) Geetham (vocal) Vadyam (instruments)

Noted Kathakali exponents are: Kalamandalam Ramankutty Nair, ,

Elaborate makeup is used: The colors are made in rice paste with vegetable colors and applied on the face.

Green face colour – noble characters (Pacha) Green with red streaks – characters with evil streaks Red face color – excessively evil characters Women have yellow face color Kari (black) for hunters and monsters.

Theme – Mythological themes includeRamayan, Mahabharat, Bhagvat Purana, etc.

Manipuri

It originates from the Manipur state. It was traditionally performed as a dance – drama on devotional songs. The Manipuri dance form is categorized as Tandav or Lasya but more emphasis on Lasya.

Tandav Manipuri depicts themes of Shiv, Shakti or Krishna as a warrior.

Lasya theme includes Love inspired stories of Radha-Krishna like Rasleela is the reoccurring theme of Manipuri dance

Uniqueness of this dance form is that, whileGhunghroos (Bells) glorify the classical dances of India, they are not worn in Manipuri. Mostly influenced by Hindu Vaishnavism themes.

It also includes themes related to Shaivism and Shaktism and regional deities.

Music is provided by a singer, Pung (drum), cymbals and flute.

The composition used in Manipuri is from thepoetry of Jayadev, Vidyapti, Chandidas, Govindadas and Gyandas.

Mohiniyattam

Its name is derived from Mohini – beautiful women and Attam – dance. It is a dance that originated in Kerala. Lasya aspect is dominant in Mohiniattam. It is a graceful dance performed only by women. It has influences from and Kathakali. Usually, the Theme of the Dance is Shringar or Love

Music includes Vocal (called cholla), Veena, flute, Maddalam & Idakka.

The costume includes a white or cream sari with a gold border and is profusely pleated.

Mainly gold ornaments are used as jewelry.

Noted exponents of are: T. Chinnammu Amma, Kalamandalam Sugandhi

Oddisee

It originates from Orissa. It Consists of three schools:

Mahari,(Devadasis or Temple Girls). Nartaki (took place in the royal courts) ( Performed by Boys dressed as women)

Main features of performance are:

Tribhangi – independent movement of head, chest and pelvis Chauka – basic square stance.

Odissi music is used.

It has a combination of Lasya and Tandava.

Noted Odissi exponents are:, Sonal Mansingh

Sattriya

It originated in Assam state. Sattriya dance of Assam developed in the 15th century A.D by the great Vaishnava saint and reformer, Mahapurusha Sankaradeva. The Sattras are “Vaishnava maths‟ or monasteries and due to their religious character and association with the Sattras, this style of dancing has been aptly named Sattriya. Performances are based on mythological stories and are performed by both men and women. It is recognized as one of the classical dance forms of India in 2000. Devotional songs called borgeets are used. Instruments used are khols (drums), taals (cymbals) and flute. The costume is made of pat (type of silk). Noted Sattriya exponents are: Indira PP Bora, Maniram Datta Mokhtar

Efforts from the government of India to revive Indian Classical Dances

The government of India puts continuous efforts into preserving, promoting the Indian classical dances in India and abroad as well. The establishment of Sangeet Natak Akademi, Delhi and its allied centres and constituent bodies boosted the development of these classical dances. The grand Classical dance festivals like Khajuraho, Konark, Dhauli Kalinga, Kalidas, Mukteshwar, Soorya, Ellora, Nishagandhi etc.,displays the beautiful representation of Indian Classical Dances. The classical dances flourished and developed further with the establishment of Music and Dance Universities like Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya, Khairagarh, Raja Mansingh Tomar University, Gwalior etc. and the various Institutions like Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Mandal, Prayag Sangeet Samiti.

Folk Dances of India

Folk Dances

Indian culture includes a treasure of a variety of folk dances. The diversity in culture and tradition is reflected in the variety of Indian folk dances. Indian folk dances are simple dances and are performed to express joy and happiness among themselves.

Folk dances are performed for every possible occasion, to celebrate the arrival of seasons, the birth of a child, a wedding and festivals. The dances are extremely simple with a minimum of steps or movement.

Men and women perform some dances exclusively, while in some performances men and women dance together. On most occasions, the dancers sing themselves, while being accompanied by artists on the instruments. Each form of dance has a specific costume.

Chhau means a mask. It has origins in the eastern Indian states of Odisha, Jharkhand and West Bengal.

It is found in three styles named after the location where they are performed, ie. the Purulia Chau of Bengal, the Seraikella Chau of Jharkhand, and the Mayurbhanj Chau of Odisha.

Chhau dance probably originated as a martial art and performers, apart from the mask, hold swords and shields and performing vigorous movements and leaps.

The musical instruments used are the Dhol, Nagara and Shehnai.

It is a mask dance performed mostly by male dancers. The masks are made up of clay and paper.

It is mythological, as it is mainly based on various episodes of the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata.

In 2010 the Chhau dance was inscribed in the UNESCO‟s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity , Punjab

Performed during Baisakhi usually by the men in Punjab. It includes tricks and acrobatic feats. The songs include recitation (सस्वर ऩाठ) of meaningless ‘bolis‘, words, such as hoay, hoay.

Traditionally this dance is associated with the harvesting season and performed on a Full Moon day.

The dance performed by the women folk of Punjab is called the ‘Gidha. In the Gidha, at a time a woman or a pair of women dance while the others clap in rhythm.

Ghoomer, Rajasthan

A community dance of women in Rajasthan. It is performed on various auspicious occasions like fairs & festivals.

It is called `Ghoomer`, from the `ghoomna` of Ghaghra i.e. the flowing of Ghaghra, a long skirt of the Rajasthani women.

While dancing, the dancers move in a circular direction with clockwise and anti-clockwise steps.

It is characteristic dance of Bhils. Bihu, Assam

The is performed in the Bihu festival, celebrated for the arrival of spring in the Assamese New Year.

The dance is performed in an open space during daytime.

Garba, Gujarat

It is held at the time of Navratra.

Garba refers to “Garbha deep”- an earthen pot with holes, in which a lamp is lit and Women dance around it in circular movements with rhythmic clapping.

Dandiya, Gujarat

Also known as the stick`` dance. This dance is mostly performed at Navratri Festival. It represents the fight between goddess Durga and Mahisasura

Jumari Dance, Bihar

It is a of Mithilanchal of Bihar. It is somewhat similar to Garba and only married women perform it. It is usually performed at the beginning of karthik month as per the Hindu calendar.

Kalbelia, Rajasthan

It is performed by the Women of the community of Rajasthan.

In 2010, the Kalbelia dances of Rajasthan were declared a part of its Intangible Heritage List by UNESCO.

The costumes and dance movements are similar to that of serpents.

Been is the popular musical instrument of this dance.

Paika Dance, Bihar

The word “paika” is believed to derive from the Sanskrit word ‘Padatika’ which means the infantry. Therefore, the name of the dance is Paika (battle) dance.

The Paika dance is performed with employing shield and sword.

It is a dance of martial character.

The dancer are armed with wooden spears and shields. Mathuri (Koppu), Andhra Pradesh

This dance is performed by the inhabitants of the Umji and Indravelli forest areas of Andhra Pradesh. It is traditionally performed during Krishna Janmashtami celebrations and the themes are taken from the Mahabharata.

Though both men and women perform this dance, the pace is different. Women dance in slow rhythmic movements, while the men dance at a more vigorous pace.

The Nagara is the main instrument used.

Jhijhia, BIHAR

Jhijhia is usually performed by a group of young women dancers and portrays the offering of prayers to please the King of Gods-Lord Indra for a good monsoon and a rich harvest.

Pandavani, Chhattisgarh

This type of folk music is based on the grand epic Mahabharata and Bhima as the hero. It is all-inclusive of Gayan (singing) and Vadan (playing an instrument). Usually, the songs are set to the rhythm of a Tambura. One of the well-known artists is Tijanbai from the state of Chhattisgarh, who won the and the for her contribution to this musical field. Kaksar, Chhattisgarh

Kaksar is performed by the Abhuj Maria tribes in Chhattisgarh to seek the blessings of the village deity Kaksar for a good harvest.

By a group of young boys and girls dressed in their best, this dance also provides a platform to young people for choosing their life partners.

Gaur Madia, Chhattisgarh

Basically performed on the occasion of marriage and is called Gaur after Bison. It may appear to be a hunt-dance with only the imitation of the frisking, jerking movements of the animals. However, a sense of ritual and deep sanctity underlies the perfect synchronization of the dance.

Chholiya, Uttrakhand

Prevalent in the Kumaun region of , the dance has elements of martial craft and is associated with the Kirji Kumbh celebrations; Kirji Kumbh is a poisonous flower which blossoms every 12 years.

Villagers march in a procession to destroy the flower before it sheds its poison into the mountain streams. Samai, Goa

The metal lamps are traditional handicrafts of Goa and the Samai dance is performed with these traditional metallic lamps or deepaks.

The men and women balance the samai on their heads and perform various movements.

During religious gatherings, the dance is performed to the accompaniment of slow singing.

Siddhi Dhamal, Gujrat

The Siddhies migrated to India from Africa about 750 years ago. They settled in the coastal parts of Gujarat like Bharuch, Bhavnagar, Junagarh and Surat. They follow the Muslim religion and dance to the beat of the drum on the eve of the Urs of their Prophet Baba Gaur.

The dancers gradually pick up-tempo and get into a trance breaking tossed coconut on their heads. Just like their ancestors from Africa, Siddhies are master of rhythm dancing to the tune of huge drums.

Lezim, Maharashtra

The traditional dance is performed byartists at religious and social events. Especially it is having a base in an Akhada (Martial Art) tradition of Maharashtra. It is performed in every corner of Maharashtra.

This Lezim Dance includes Ghuti Lezim, Ghoongroo Lezim, Dakhani Lezim and Palita Lezim.

This dance is occasionally performed in Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat also.

The instruments used in this dance are dhol, tasha and jhanj etc.

Dholu Kunitha, Karnataka

Dholu Kunitha is a drum dance performed by the menfolk of the shepherd community known as Kurubas. This dance is noted for its powerful drumming and vigorous dancing which is replete with acrobatic elements.

The dancers during the course of the performance make attractive formations of all sorts.

The high pitch of tala, tappadi, trumpets, gong and flute reinforce the rich vibrations of dholu. Cheraw or Bamboo (Mizoram)

Also known as the Bamboo Dance, bamboo forms an integral part of this folk form. Two long bamboo staves are kept crosswise and horizontally, parallel to the ground

Male dancers clap the staves, resultantly producing a sharp sound setting the rhythm for the dance. The female dancers, attired in colourful traditional costumes step in and out between bamboos with precise skills

In addition to the musical pattern created by the clapping of bamboo staves, drums and gongs are also used for effect.

Dhol or Pung Cholom (Manipur)

Performed usually on religious occasions to the accompaniment of songs and dhol (large drum). Usually performed during the Yaoshand festival (or the festival of colours). Expresses love and creativity, with an intricate interplay of dhols and fireplay.

Dhol Cholom belongs to the Manipur Sankirtana traditions.

Mayilattam (Tamilnadu)

It is an artistic and religious form of dance performed in the Hindu temples of Tamil Nadu and Kerala in reverence to Lord Subrahmanya.

Dancers wear peacock dress.

The performer dances not on his barefoot but on a tall piece of wood attached at the end of his feet.