This document provides an overview of the seven major classical dances of India: Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, and Mohiniattam. For each dance, it describes the dance's origins, key elements of performances, and distinguishing characteristics. The document aims to concisely introduce the different classical dance forms that make up India's rich dance heritage.

1. Classical Dances of India
presented by
p.sreeramathayalan
civil dept
922014103065

2. Types of Classical Dances
•Bharatanatyam
•Kathak
•Kathakali
•Odissi
•Kuchipudi
•Manipuri
•Mohiniattam

3. Bharatanatyam

4.  barathanatiyam
 Comes from the words
Bhava (expression), Raga (music),
Tala (rhythm) and Natya (classical
theater)
 Originates in South India
 Performance
Consists of multiple items
Nritta– pure dance movements
Abhinaya– dramatic art of
storytelling
Nritya– combination of nritta &
abhinaya

5. Kathak

6.  kathak
 Derived from Katha (story) and Katthaka
(who tells stories)
 Originates from North India.
 3 main gharanas or schools:
Lucknow, Jaipur & Benares
 Performance
Progresses from slow to fast pieces
Footwork & spins

7. Kathakali

8.  kathakali
 Originates from Kerala state
 Attractive make-up of
characters and elaborate
costumes
 Performance
Combination of 5 elements-
Natyam (expression), Nritham
(dance), Nrithyam
(enactment), Geetham (vocal)
and Vadyam (instruments)

9. Odissi

10.  odissi
 Originates from Orissa
 Schools of Odissi
Mahari, Nartaki & Gotipua
 Main Emphasis-
Tribhangi- independent movement of
head, chest
Chauka- basic square stance
 Music – Odissi music

11. Kuchipudi

12.  kuchipudi
 Originates from Andhra Pradesh state in
South India
 Shares many common elements with
Bharatanatyam
 Unique Kuchipudi dance-
Tarangam- dancer dances on plate with diyas
in the hands and vessel of water on the head

13. Manipuri

14.  manipuri
 Originates from Manipur state
 Performance
Movements are subtle and aim at
devotion and grace
Rounded movements without jerks
and sharp lines
Dancers feet never strike the ground
hard

15. Mohiniattam

16.  mohiniattam
 Comes from the words-
Mohini- temptress and
Attam- dance
 Graceful dance performed only
by women
 Influences from Bharatanatyam
and Kathakali

17. Thank You