The document provides an overview of several classical dances from India, including Bharatnatyam, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, and Odissi. It discusses the origins and key characteristics of each dance form. Bharatnatyam originated from the Natya Shastra text and focuses on spiritual symbolism through hand gestures. Kathakali developed in Kerala and uses elaborate costumes and masks to depict stories from epics through complex hand motions. Kuchipudi began as a devotional dance in Andhra Pradesh. Odissi was originally performed by boys in temples in northern India and resembles Indian sculpture through its bending poses.

1. History of Dance In India

3. Bharatnatyam What are the four Vedas? Who is Brahma? This Bharata Natyam dancer's right hand is in the Katakamukha Hasta, the 3 joined fingers symbolizing the sacred syllable Aum. The left hand's fingers are in Alapadma Hasta, the rotating lotus of spiritual light. The eyes are directed towards the Supreme Lord. The left leg is lifted, symbolizing the swift ascent of the consciousness in one step from the Earth to the Heaven. Video Samples of Bharatnatyam

4. Kathakali Kathakali has its origin in the courts of the kings of Kerala . It is one of the most refined and most scientific dance forms of Kerala. Its present form is not more than 300 years old. This art demands complete control over every part of the body. Kathakali draws heavily from drama, utilising elaborate masks and costumes. The stories or attakathas , which are depicted via Kathakali are selected from epics and mythologies. These are written in a highly Sanskritised verse form in Malayalam. Here, the dancer expresses himself through highly complicated mudras , closely following the text being sung.

5. Kathakali Kathakali Videos