classical dance
Indian classical dance is a relatively new umbrella term for various codified art forms rooted in
Natya, the sacred Hindu musical theatre styles, whose theory can be traced back to the Natya
Shastra of Bharata Muni (400 BC).The Indian classical dance styles are basically about the same signs of hands that are 'mudras' used as a common language for expression. Most of these classical dance forms in India were originally executed at the temples for entertaining and invoking different Gods and Goddesses. These dances also serves as an effective medium for carrying forward the mythological stories to the upcoming generations, making them aware and also at the same time entertaining the audience
At present, eight dance styles in India have been conferred with the classical status by the Sangeet Natak Akademi while the Encyclopedia Britannica have recognized six classical schools of dance.
Different dance forms in Indian classical
Bharatanatyam Tamil Nadu
Gaudiya Nritya Bengal
Kathak Uttar Pradesh
Kathakali Kerala
Kuchipudi Andhra Pradesh
Manipur Manipur
Mohiniyattam Kerala
Odissi Orissa
Sattriya Assam
Bharatanatyam, also spelt Bharathanatyam, is a classical dance form of South India, said to be originated in Thanjavoor of Tamil Nadu.
It was known as "Daasiyattam" since performed by Devadasies in temples of Tamil Nadu long ago. The name 'Bharatanatyam' is derived from three basic concepts of Bhava, Raga and Thaala. The modern Bharatanatyam was systematically regularized by well known 'Thanjavoor Brothers', Ponnayya, Chinnayya, Sivanandam and Vativelu.Today Bharata Natyam is one of the most popular and widely performed dance styles and is practiced by male and female dancers all over India. Due to its wide range of movements and postures and the balanced melange of the rhythmic and mimetic aspects lends itself well to experimental and fusion choreography. Degree and Post Graduate courses covering the practice and theory of Bharata Natyam as well as the languages associated with its development are available at major universities of India.for vedios just visit to......
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prQOdTmF8u0
2 GAUDIYA
Gaudiya Nritya is a composite art form. It is enriched with drama, music, poetry, colour and rhythm. The antiquity of Gaudiya Nritya is also based on literature, sculpture and historical evidences. Besides its roots in Natyashastra, its evolution and growth can be traced to the traditions of dance and some of dance forms existing in Gauda Banga. Gaudiya Nritya is an art that is meant primarily for spiritual expression and it was obviously a temple art at the outset. The tradition of Devadasis existed in Bengal from ancient time in temples, till now as the relic of the past we could see Vaishnavite Sevadasis and Nachnis of western part of Bengal.
In the 20th century the traditions were revived and Gaudiya Nritya developed from the Audramagadhi tradition.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkniM75OFeQ
3 Kathak
Kathak is the major classical dance form of northern India. The word kathak means "to tell a story". It is derived from the dance dramas of ancient India. When the patronage shifted from the temples to the royal court, there was a change in the overall emphasis. The emphasis shifted from the telling of religious stories to one of entertainment. Today, the story-telling aspect has been downgraded and the dance is primarily an abstract exploration of rhythm and movement.
Kathak was primarily associated with an institution known as the tawaif. This is a much misunderstood institution of female entertainers, very much like the geisha tradition of Japan. It was a profession which demanded the highest standards of training, intelligence, and most important, civility. It is said that it was common for royalty to send their children to the tawaifs for instruction in etiquette. Unfortunately, when the British consolidated their hold over India during the Victorian era, this great institution was branded as mere prostitution and was outlawed. This set the artform of kathak into a downward spiral that was not reversed until Independence when there was a reawakening in interest in traditional Indian artforms.to know more about kathak ,visit on this site:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PM4o0GrheFI
4. Kathakali
Kathakali is the most well known dance drama from the south Indian state of Kerala. The word Kathakaliliterally means "Story-Play". It is known for its large, elaborate makeup and costumes. The elaborate costumes of Kathakali have become the most recognised icon for Kerala.
The themes of the Kathakali are religious in nature. They typically deal with the Mahabarat, theRamayana and the ancient scriptures known as the Puranas. This is performed in a text which is generally Sanskritised Malayalam.
A Kathakali performance is a major social event. They generally start at dusk and go through out the night. Kathakali is usually performed only by men. Female characters are portrayed by men dressed in women's costume. However, in recent years, women have started to become Kathakali dancers.
Kathakali has a long tradition. It dates back to the 17th century. It was given its present form by Mahakavi Vallathol Narayan Menon, who was the founder of the Kerala Kala Mandalam.
The actors rely very heavily on hand gesture to convey the story. These hand gestures, known asmudra, are common through out much of classical Indian dance.
5 Kuchipudi
Kuchipudi is the classical dance form from the South-East Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It derives its name from the village of Kuchelapuram, a small village about 65 kms from Vijaywada. It is known for its graceful movements and its strong narrative / dramatic character.Kuchipudi flourished as a dramatic form of dance for hundreds of years. It was held in high esteem by the rules of the Deccan. For instance Tana Shah in 1678 granted the lands around Kuchipudi to the Brahmins who performed the dance.Modern Kuchipudi acquired its present form in the 20th century. A number of people were responsible for moving it from the villages to the performance stage. One of the most notable was guru Lakshminarayan Shastry. After him, a number of other luminaries would mould it into its present shape. Some notable names are Vempati Chinna Satyam, C.R. Acharyalu, and Dr. Nataraja Ramakrishna.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM1Km4wpa04
6 MANIPURI
Manipuri is one of the six major classical dances of India. Manipuri dance is indigenous to Manipur, the North eastern state of India. The Manipuri dance style is inextricably woven into the life pattern of Manipuri people. The most striking part of Manipur dance is its colorful decoration, lightness of dancing foot, delicacy of abhinaya (drama), lilting music and poetic charm. The Manipuri dance form is mostly ritualistic and draws heavily from the rich culture of the state of Manipur. Costumes used in the Manipur dance are colorful and the music carries a quaint charm.
anipuri Dance is a common name and envelopes all the dance-forms of Manipur. Thus, Manipuri dance can be called a basket of various dances. According to legends the original creator of Manipuri dance was Radha and Krishna. This Rasa Leela dance is said to be repeated by Shiva and his consort, Goddess Uma in Lasya style (in Manipur). It is interesting to note that the same dance (Rasa-dance) was performed for the third time by two mortal human beings, princess Toibi and Khamba of Manipur. The dance performed by these two lovers is known as Lai Haraoba
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7 MOHINIYATTAM
8 Orissi
The Odissi (Orissi) dance is the Indian classical dance from the Eastern state of Odissa. It has a long, yet broken tradition. Although dance in Odissa may be traced back more than 2000 years, it was brought to near extinction during the colonial period. Therefore, modern Odissi dance is a reconstruction.Odissi dance was held in high esteem before the 17th century. Nobility were known for their patronage of the arts, and it was not unheard of for royalty of both sexes to be accomplished dancers. However, after the 17th century, the social position of dancers began to decline. Dancing girls were considered to be little more than prostitutes, and the "Anti-Nautch" movement of the British brought Odissi dance to near extinction.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCAJwfgC3ko
9 sattriya
The word Sattriya is derived from the word ‘Sattra’, because till then the dance recitals were exclusively practiced within the compounds of a Sattra, a monastery like institution which was the epicentre of the Vaishanvite culture.
