dances of india

1. Dances of India
Classical Dance, Folk Dance, Dance
Drama

2. • India is an enormous country with diverse tradition and incredible
history.
• The origin of Indian Dances & Theatre is still obscure, but it is certain
that dramatic performances have been a part of Indian culture for a very
long time indeed.
• Structures discovered at Sitabena and Jogimara in Sarguja (Chhattisgarh)
are believed to be among the world’s oldest theatres.
• India’s dances and drama differ from place to place. Dance forms from
north to south have very different styles. Kathak in the north and
Kathakali in the south have almost nothing in common.
• Each dance has its unique expression and style.
• Theatre, too, has had different artists who contributed extraordinarily to
Indian cinema. Indian cinema has also witnessed transformation in its
trend and style with the passage of time.

3. Indian Dance Forms
The principles of Indian classical dance – whatever the style may be – originate in
the Natyashastra by Bharata Muni.
• Natya is an amalgamation of music, drama and dance.
• Many bronze sculptures of a dancing girl, dating back to the Harappan
civilization, and engravings of community dancing at Bhimbetka tell the
importance of dance as a means of social entertainment.
According to Natya Shastra, there are two aspects of Indian classical dance: Lasya
and Tandava.
An act is basically broken into three elements:
• Nritta: These are the basic dance steps and performed rhythmically.
• Natya: This refers to the narration of a story through dance styles.
• Nritya: This refers to the feelings and emotions evoked through dance.

4. Further, there are nine rasas or emotions which are expressed through dance:
• Shringara: for love.
• Roudra: for anger.
• Bibhatsa: for disgust.
• Veera: for heroism.
• Shaant: for peace and tranquility.
• Haasya: for laughter and comedy.
• Karuna: for tragedy.
• Bhayanak: for horror.
• Adbhuta: for wonder.
Classical Dance
There are 8 recognizes dance forms as classical dances:
Bharatanatyam
Kuchipudi
Kathakali
Mohiniattam
Odissi
Manipuri
Kathak
Sattriya

5. Bharatanatyam
• This dance is performed in Tamil Nadu. The word ‘Natyam’ means dance in Tamil
and the name Bharatanatyam comes from Bharat Muni.
• The origin of this dance form can be traced back to ‘sadir’- the solo dance
performance of temple dancers or devadasis in Tamil Nadu. With the weakening of
the Devadasi system which had degenerated with time, the art became almost
extinct.
• Some very prominent personalities such as Rukmini Devi Arundale contributed
extraordinarily to Bharatanatyam and gave it global recognition.
• Bharatanatyam is commonly also referred to as Tanjorenatyam.
• In this dance equal importance is given to lasya and tandava. Sometimes it is also
referred to as fire dance because of some of its movements resembling to that of a
dancing flame.
• Famous proponents of Bharatanatyam are Mallika Sarabhai, Lakshmi Vishwanathan
and Padma Subramaniam.

6. Kuchipudi
• This dance was traditionally performed in Kuchelapuram or Kuseelavapuri
(colloquially known as Kuchipudi) in Andhra Pradesh.
• With the advent of Vaishnavism, This dance was performed at the temples.
• The dancers of this dance came to be known as Bhagwathalus and the stories of
Bhagvatpurana became the part of recitals.
• The dance was initially started at the villages and was restricted there until the
advent of twentieth century.
• This dance is generally a team performance and involves difficult foot
movements. This dance has its own features and includes all the three
components: Nritya, Nritta, Natya.
• Principal exponents include Raja and radha Reddy, Swapnasundari and Chitra
Krishnamurthy.

7. Kathakali
• The two dance forms, Ramanattam and Krishnattam which were performed in the
temples of Kerala, became the source of Kathakali.
• The word Kathakali comes from ‘Katha’ which means story and ‘Kali’ which
means drama.
• This dance is closely related to Koodiyattam and other ancient martial art
performance.
• Very few props are used in a performance and the dancers wear a lot of stylistic
makeup. Kathakali is essentially a performance by an all-male troupe.
• The colours used for the makeup have the following significance:
 Green: divinity, nobility, virtue.
 Red patches beside the nose indicate royalty.
 Black: used to indicate evil and wickedness.
 Yellow: for saints and women.
 Completely red painted face: evil.
 White beard: indicates beings with high consciousness and divinity.
• Guru Kanchi Kurup was the first Kathakali artist to come into prominence.

8. BHARATNATYAM KUCHIPUDI KATHAKALI

9. Mohiniattam
• This is essentially a solo dance performance by a woman.
• The dance gained prominence under the rulers of Travancore in the state of
Kerala. The word comes from ‘mohini’ which means beautiful woman and ‘attam’
which means dance.
• It narrates the story of the feminine form of Vishnu. The dance symbolises air as
an element. Musical instruments used during a dance performance are drums,
veena, flute and cymbals.
• The dance is accompanied by music and songs. The costume is a very vital part of
the Mohiniattam dance, with white and off white being the principal colours and
a gold coloured border with the dress forming the costume.
• This dance form had sunk into obscurity when Vallathol Narayana Menon made
efforts to revive it.
• It was popularised by Kalyani Amma and actresses Vyjayanthimala and Hema
Malini among others.
• Jayaprabha Menon is one of the best known exponents of this dance form.

10. Odissi
• As the name suggests, Odissi originated in, and is widely practiced in the state of
Odisha.
• The dance is similar to Bharatanatyam in mudras (gestures) and postures to
express emotions.
• A very common feature of the dance is that the lower body is kept static and the
upper body moves.
• During the nritya part, hand gestures play a very vital role in expressing
emotions. The tribhanga posture is innate to Odissi. The ‘chowk’ posture with
hand spread out is used to depict masculinity.
• With the effort of some famous proponents such as Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra,
Charles Fabri, Indrani Rehman, Sanjukta Panigrahi and Sonal Mansingh Odissi
has gained global recognition.

11. Manipuri
• The dance traces its origin to the festival of Lai haraoba.
• During the 15th century, the dance gained prominence with the advent of
Vaishnavism.
• This is a popular dance of Manipur and is generally performed by female dancers
with Krishna as the central theme.
• With the effort of Guru Rabindranath Tagore, the dance came into the limelight as
he introduced it in Shanti Niketan.
• Typically, this is a slow dance which involves gradual movement of body parts.
The women wear a unique long skirt.
• This is a dance form that gives emphasis to devotion rather than sensuality. The
faces are covered with a veil and lesser importance is given to facial expressions.
• The Ras-leela is a recurring theme of Manipuri. Instruments involved in Manipuri
dance are khartals, flute and dhols.
• Some well-known exponents of this dance form are: Guru Bipin Singha, Rajkumar
Singhajit Singh and the Jhaveri sisters.

12. MOHINIATTAM ODISSI MANIPURI

13. Kathak
• Kathak is a traditional dance form from the state of Uttar Pradesh.
• It traces its origins to the Raas-leela performed in Brajbhoomi. The dance derives
its name from the word Kathika which means a ‘story-teller’ who narrates the
story with the help of gestures.
• Lady Leela Sokhey during the 20th century revived Kathak as a dance form.
• Today Kathak is based on Hindustani style of music and is divided into different
gharanas:
• • Lucknow gharana
• • Jaipur gharana
• • Raigarh gharana
• • Banaras gharana
• The competitive play between the dancer and the table player also known as Jugal
bandi is the main charm of the dance.
• To outline the mythological episodes, Gat bhaav is used. There is an introductory
item or Ananda through which the dancer enters the stage.
• Usually a Kathak performance is accompanied with dhrupad music. Famous
proponents of Kathak include Birju Maharaj and Sitara Devi.

14. Sattriya
• It was introduced by Vaishnava saint Sankaradeva in Assam during the 15th
century AD.
• The dance was practiced in Vaishnava monasteries known as Sattaras from where
the dance derived its name.
• The dance is inspired by the Bhakti movement. The dance form is essentially an
amalgamation of various dances prevalent in Assam.
• Instruments used in Sattriya include the dhol, cymbals, flute etc. The female
dancers wear traditional Assamese jewellery, Ghuri and Chador while the male
dancers wear Dhoti and Paguri.
• Today Sattriya has developed into two different streams:
I. Gayan-Bhayanar Naach
II. Kaharmanar Naach.

15. Chhau
• The Ministry of culture has recognized 9 classical dances which includes the
above 8 and an additional one- the ‘Chhau’ from East-Central India.
• The Chhau is a form of masked dance which is used to narrate mythological
stories. The word Chhau comes from the word ‘Chhaya’ which means shadow.
• The dance is performed in Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal under the
names-Saraikella Chhau, Mayurbhanj Chhau and Purulia Chhau respectively.
• The artists who perform Mayurbhanj Chhau do not wear masks.

16. KATHAK SATTRIYA CHHAU

17. Folk Dances of India
Apart from the 9 dance forms described above, there are several well-known forms
of
folkdances in India. In fact, India has a wealth of folklore, legends and myths which
combine with songs and dances into a composite art. Here are brief introductions to
some of these:
Garba: This is a very popular folk dance in Gujarat. This dance is performed at the
time of
Navaratri. The word Garba actually comes from “Garbhadweep” which is a lamp
placed inside a perforated earthen pot. The women dance around the lit lamp in a
circular manner with rhythmic clapping.
Mayilattam: This dance is usually performed in the Hindu temples of Kerala and
Tamil Nadu in which young girls are dressed like peacocks, with colorful headgear,
beaks and feathers. The dancer performs on special stilts.

18. GARBA
MAYILATTAM

19. Dandiya Raas: A traditional folk-dance form of Gujarat & Rajasthan, it is an
enthralling, energetic dance performed using dandiya sticks. The dance represents a
mock fight between Durga and Mahishasura, the mighty demonking, and is
nicknamed "The Sword Dance".
Ghoomar: This dance is performed in Rajasthan by the women of Bhil tribe to
worship Goddess Sarasvati. The swirling, colourful skirts and the graceful twirling
movements make this dance form an aesthetically appealing one. The term ‘ghoomna’
describes the twirling movement of the dancers and forms the root that of the word
‘ghoomar’.
Bhangra/ Gidda: The Bhangra is a very vibrant and energetic folk dance performed
by both men and women. The dance is associated with the spring harvest festival
‘Baisakhi’. Men wear a turban on their head as an essential part of their costumes.
Drum beats are used accompanied by vigorous kicks, leaps and bends of the body.
Matki: This is a solo dance performed by women on special occasions like weddings.
In this form, women dressed in sarees or lehengas balance earthen pots on their heads.
It is prevalent in the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh.

20. DANDIYA
GHOOMER

21. BHANGRA
MATKI

22. Jhumar: The dance is performed by tribal communities of Odisha and Jharkhand.
The dancers move around in circles with the musical instrument drum placed at the
centre. The primary emphasis is on recreating the gait of animals and birds.
The two variations are:
1. Janani Jhumar - performed by women
2. Mardana Jhumar – performed by men.
Bihu: The dance is performed in group by both men and women in Assam. It is
associated with the celebration of the Assamese New Year and the spring festival.
The dancers are well
dressed in a traditional colourful Assamese costume.
Rangma/ Bamboo dance: The dance is performed in Nagaland. This is a war dance
of the Nagas. The costumes are colourful, with jewellery and colourful headgear.
The dance is performed by a group of men or women in perfect synchronization
with rhythmic clapping and chanting.
Singhi Chham: The dance is performed in Sikkim with face masks. The dancers
wear furry costumes symbolising the snow lion. It is said to have introduced by
Chador Namgyal, the third Chogyal of Sikkim. It has a religious association with
the peaks of Kanchenjunga and is usually performed during the Panglasool festival.

23. JHUMAR
BIHU

24. RENGMA
SINGHI CHHAM

25. Dance Drama
A fusion of music, dance, drama, stylized speech, and spectacle, folk theatre is a
composite art form with deep roots in local identity and native culture. An
important indigenous tool of interpersonal communication, this form of theater
reflects the social-political realities of its time.
India has a long, rich and illustrious history of folk theatre. In ancient times,
Sanskrit dramas were staged at seasonal festivals or to celebrate special events.
Between the 15th and the 19th centuries, actors and dancers were given special
places of distinction in the courts of several Indian kings.
1. Koodiyattam
One of the oldest traditional theatre forms of India, Koodiyattam follows the
performative principles of the ancient tradition of Sanskrit theatre. However, it has
its own distinctive characteristics that are firmly rooted in the culture of Kerala.
This theatre was traditionally a part of temple rituals performed in sacred theaters,
called Koothambalams. In 2001, Koodiyattam was officially recognized by UNESCO
as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

26. 2. Yakshagana
Yakshagana is a popular folk theatre form of Karnataka with a long history of nearly
four hundred years. It is a unique harmony of musical tradition, eye-catching
costumes, and authentic styles of dance, improvised gestures and acting, with its
extemporaneous dialogue holding a wide appeal. The themes are generally derived
from the mythological stories and epics. Traditionally presented from dusk to dawn,
this folk theatre is predominantly seen in the coastal districts of Karnataka.
3. Swang
A popular folk theatre form in Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, Swang is
centered around music. In this folk theatre, religious stories and folk tales are
enacted and sung by a group of a dozen or so artistes. Characterized by loud
rendering of dialogues and songs (a legacy of its open air performances in the
past), Swang has two important styles – one that belong to Rohtak (performed in the
Bangru language)and the other that belongs to Haathras (performed in the
Brajbhasha language).

27. 4. Bhand Paather
The centuries old traditional theatre form of Kashmir, bhand pather is a unique
combination of dance, music and acting. Satire, wit and parody are commonly used
in this folk drama that incorporates local mythological legends and contemporary
social commentary. Traditionally, the performances begin in the evening with a
ritualistic dance called chhok. The play unfolds gradually after this and ends in the
early hours of the morning. Interestingly,the performers or bhands dance to the tune
of specific instruments like the mukam, swarnai, dhol and nagara.
5. Ankiya Naat Bhaona
Bhaona is a presentation of the Ankiya Naat, a one-act play that has its roots in rural
Assam. A creation of Srimanta Sankardeva (an Assamese saint-scholar), these plays
were written in Brajavali, a unique Assamese-Maithili mixed language, and are
primarily centered on Hindu diety, Krishna. The dialogues, costumes, ornaments,
entry and foot movements of bhaona are unique and set this theatre form apart from
others in India.

28. 6. Tamasha
A traditional folk theatre form of Maharashtra, tamasha flourished in the courts of
Maratha rulers of the 18th and 19th centuries and attained its artistic peak during
the reign of Baji Rao II . It has evolved from the folk forms such as gondhal,
jagran and kirtan. Unlike other theatre forms, in tamasha, the female actress is the
lead performer and the chief exponent of dance in the play. Classical music, the
lightning fast footwork of the lavani dance, and vivid gestures of the
performers gives this folk theatre a distinctive charachter.
7. Therukoothu
A unique form of rural entertainment in Tamil Nadu, therukoothu literally means
street theatre. Some influence of classical Sanskrit drama on it is apparent.
Performed in the open, mostly during temple festivals in villages, this theatre
primarily draws from mythological stories and epics. The performance includes
lively dances and songs sung in a high pitch by the male actors (even the female
roles are played by males) who wear wide colorful costumes, sparkling shoulder
plates, elaborate head-dresses and thick bright make-up.

29. 8. Jatra
The jatra, also popular in Orissa and eastern Bihar, originated in Bengal in the 15th
century as a result of the Bhakti movement – it was initially known as Krishna
jatra due to Chaitanya’s (spiritual founder of Gaudiya Vaishnavism) influence. Over
the years, the jatra repertoire swelled with love stories and socio-political themes.
While initially this theatre was primarily musical, today, jatra performances consists
mainly of action-packed dialogues with few songs.
9. Bhavai
Bhavai is the traditional theatre form of the Kutch and Katiawar region of
Gujarat. Subtle social criticism laced with humour is the speciality of this theatre that
also uses instruments like the bhungal, pakhaawaj, rabaab, sarangi and manjeera. This
folk theatre is as much a dramatic form of entertainment as it is a kind of ritual
offering made to the Hindu goddess, Amba. The genesis of bhavai is traced back to a
14th century Brahmin priest, Asaita Thakar, who is believed to have written as many
as 360 bhavai performances out of which only 60 survive today.

30. 10. Dashavtaar
Dashavatar is a folk theatre form practiced by farmers of the Konkan coast,
especially in the Sindhudurg district of of Maharashtra and the North Goa
district of Goa. In dashavatar, the performers personify the ten incarnations of
Vishnu, the Hindu God Vishnu of preservation and creativity –
Matsya (fish), Kurma (tortoise), Varaha (boar), Narsimha (lion-
man), Vaman (dwarf), Parashuram, Rama, Krishna, Buddha and Kalki. It is
traditionally performed after midnight during the annual festival of the village
deity. Apart from stylized make-up, the dashavatar performers also wear masks of
wood and papier mache. The performance is accompanied by three musical
instruments: a paddle harmonium, tabla and zanj (cymbals).
11. Karyala
A traditional folk theatre form of Himachal Pradesh, karyala is normally
performed around the Dussehra festival, i.e. in October-November. With local
variants all over Himachal Pradesh (banthada in Mandi, budechhu in Sirmaur
and bhagtu in Kangra), karyala generally derives its theme from the daily life and
concerns of the villagers. The open-air performance is prefaced by virtuoso
drumming, uses minimal props and often incorporates dance and comic acts.

31. 12. Ramman
Ramman is a ritual theatre that is a part of a religious festival in the Garhwal
region of Uttarakhand. Every year in late April, the twin villages of Saloor-Dungra
in the state of Uttarakhand (northern India) celebrate a religious festival in honour
of the village deity, Bhumiyal Devta. An eponymous art form unique to these
villages (it is neither replicated nor performed anywhere else in the
country), ramman is made up of highly complex rituals that involve the recitation of
a version of the epic Ramayana and various legends. This is also accompanied by
the performance of local songs and masked dances.

32. India’s Most Celebrated Dance Festivals.
In India, the calendar of every state is full of only religious events and festivals.”
If you think so, you are not absolutely right. Indian states boast of culturally rich
dance and music festivals, held in different times of the year. The most celebrated
music and dance festivals of India are held at seaside temples, historical sites of
architecture ruins and shrines in the cave. The interface between art and history,
these festivals are cultural celebrations, ceremonious galas and spectacular events,
in the open air atmosphere.
The most famous dance festivals of India are:-
Bamnia Chhau Dance Festival, West Bengal
Purulia district in West Bengal is home to one of the sub-genres of the Chhau folk
dance (the other two being Seraikela of Jharkhand and Mayurbhanj of Odisha). A
form of dance-drama in style, executed through energetic dancing and martial
arts like movements, it is also noted for the use of handcrafted, colourful masks
by the dancers. While Chhau dance programmes are common during the Chaitra
Parab festival held in the Chhota Nagpur belt of Eastern India, you can attend
the dance festival held in the Bamnia village in Purulia (about six hours drive
from Kolkata). You can also visit the Charida village, located nearby, to see the
mask artists at work. In 2015, the festival will be held from December 22-28.

33. Khajuraho Dance Festival, Madhya Pradesh
One of the earliest dance festivals to be promoted by any tourism body,
the Khajuraho Dance Festival is now a great crowd puller. You have to book
accommodation months ahead for the festival usually held in February. Exponents
of the various Indian dance forms perform here with the exquisitely carved
temples serving as a background. Khajuraho is connected to Agra, Varanasi, etc.,
by air and through Satna and Jhansi by train with the rest of the country. In 2016,
the festival will be held from February 20-26.
Konark Dance Festival, Odisha
There are two dance festivals held in Konark, Odisha. The year’s first festival is
held from February 19-23, organised by the Konark Natya Mandap. The second
festival, organised by the state tourism department, is held from December 1-5.
Both classical and folk dancers from all over India participate in these festivals. A
great opportunity to see Odisha’s own dance forms, viz., odissi, gotipua and
Mayurbhanj chhau. Konark is known for its 13th century Sun Temple, a UNESCO
World Heritage Site. It is 65km away from Bhubaneshwar (nearest airport) and
about 35km from Puri (via the Marine Drive).

34. Mamallapuram Dance Festival, Tamil Nadu
Mamallapuram, a beach town, at a distance of 60km from Chennai, is known for its
8th century shore temples. In December-January, a dance festival is held here where
notable exponents of the various Indian dance forms – bharatanatyam, kathak,
kuchipudi, etc. – perform. The richly sculpted temples form a fitting backdrop to
the event.
Ellora Ajanta Dance Festival, Maharashtra
Held in the month of January, Ellora Ajanta Dance Festival is an interface between
culture and history of India. The historic Ajanta and Ellora caves of Aurangabad are
in the spotlight during the festival. Organized by Aurangabad Festival Committee
in collaboration with Maharashtra Tourism Development at Soneri Mahal, the
festival presents the best of classical and folk dance forms in a blend. The glittering
beauty of the festival and the splendid architecture of Soneri Mahal make a rare
spectacle to behold with wonder. The regional art and craft of Maharashtra is also
exhibited at the festival site.

35. Mukteshwar Dance Festival, Odisha
Located in Bhubaneswar, the 10th century temple, is the venue of the annual odissi
dance festival organised by the state tourism and cultural departments. Usually, the
festival is held in the middle of January. Bhubaneswar is connected to the major
cities of India by air and rail. It can be the base for visiting some of Odisha’s biggest
attractions, viz. Puri, Konark and Chilika Lake.
Natyanjali Festival, Tamil Nadu
The five-day dance festival is held in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu. Organised in
honour of the presiding deity, Lord Nataraja (Shiva in his dancing avatar), it begins
on the Maha Shivaratri day with the more than a thousand year old temple as the
background. The 108 poses of the Bharatanatyam is carved on the temple’s eastern
gateway. Chidambaram is about 220km away from Chennai.
Taj Mahotsav
Taj Mahotsav is one of the most cherished cultural festivals of India, admired by the
foreigners and locals alike. Held every year, between February and March, it is a ten
day feast of classical dances, folk art and light music. This grand carnival takes place
in Shilpgram, a place located very close to the Taj Mahal, Agra. Taj Mahotsav is an
ode to the rich cultural heritage of Uttar Pradesh.

36. Nishagandhi Dance Festival, Kerala
The dance festival is held in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, usually towards the end
of January. Classical dancers from all over India participate in this festival. Musical
concerts are also organised. In 2015, a Kathakali fest and a food festival were added
attractions.
Sirpur Music and Dance Festival, Chhattisgarh
One of the youngest performing arts festival of the country, the festival is held at the
temple town of Sirpur in Chhattisgarh. Organised adjacent to the 7th century
Laksman Temple, the festival consists of dance performances, and vocal and
instrumental music. It is usually held in January. Sirpur is situated 78km from
Raipur.
Hampi Dance Utsav
Organized during the month of October and November, Hampi festival is one of the
major tourist attractions of Karnataka, a southern state of India. The festival, which
features an scintillating performances of dance, drama and music, is organized
amidst the rocks and ruins that date back to hundreds of years.

37. Elephanta Dance Festival, Maharashtra
Among the dance and music festivals of India, Elephanta Festival is a cultural pride
of Maharashtra. The festival is held in the cave shrine of Lord Shiva on Elephanta
Island, a 10 km boat drive from the Gateway of India in Mumbai Harbor.
Illumined with the interplay of various lights, the Lord Shiva temple in the caves of
Elephanta Island comes alive as a seat of art and culture, in the month of March
every year. Since its inception in 1989 by the Maharashtra Tourism Development
Corporation, Elephanta Dance Festival celebrates the folk dance form of each Indian
state.
Modhera Dance Festival, Gujarat
Gujarat does not lag behind other states of India when it comes to claiming fame for
art, culture and history. Modhera Dance Festival, an annual cultural phenomenon
in Mehsana district of the state, is held at the Sun Temple, an architectural
excellence that belongs to the regime of the Solanki King Bhimdev I. Though
lying in ruins, the temple exudes its historical charms when the surrounding is
illumined for the festival. Dance and music performances by traditionally clad
artists add to the spell of the atmosphere. Modhera Dance Festival is held in the
month of January.

38. The various programmes aimed to preserve and promote dance :-
• Award to Young Talented Artists
• Guru Shishya Parampara
• Theatre Rejuvenation
• Research & Documentation
• National Cultural Exchange Programme (NCEP)
• Hold Compititions
• Organize festivals on international levels.
• Promote on social Media etc