The striking land of diversity – India is home to various languages, beautiful cultures, costumes, food or lifestyle. The natural dimension of this land is so different that one can explore here everything.
Each of the Indian states appears by unparalleled culture and many of them have a definite type of dance form to perform. There are 8 distinct classical dance forms in India, which has got recognition through Sangeet Natak Akademi.
The Sangeet Natak Akademi recognises eight styles of Indian classical dance: Bharatanatyam, Kathak , Kathakali , Mohiniyattam, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Odissi and Sattriya.
So let’s take a snap shot on India’s famous eight classical dance forms and their origin & meaning
1 – Bharata Natyam
Bharata Natyam, which emerged in Tamil Nadu in South India, is considered the oldest Indian classical dance form still practiced.
Although the dance form itself is old, the name Bharata Natyam has only been used since the 20th century.
2 – Odissi
Odissi originated in Odisha, East India. Although its origins date back 2000 years, like. Odissi as danced today is a reconstruction.
One of the most distinguishing features of the Odissi dance is the tribhangi or “three part” posture. The themes addressed in Odissi are almost completely divine. Most are concerning the god Krishna and his beloved Radha.
3 – Mohiniyattam
Founded in Kerala, it follows that Lasya style described in Natya Shastra. It is mainly and strictly the traditional solo dance, performed only by women.
4-Kuchipudi
This form rise in the Brahmins of Kuchipudi (A village in AP). It has developed as a Dance drama from the 15th century.
5-Sattriya
It is dance-drama performance art with origins in the Krishna-cantered Vaishnavism monasteries of ASSAM.
6-Kathak
Kathak is a traditional narrative dance from North India. The dance is originally a religious dance form, Kathak evolved during the Islamic period into a form intended more for fun
7- Kathakali
Kathakali is an up-to-date matched to another Indian classical dance form; it emerged in the 18th century in Kerala South India. It is a form of danced drama; in the Malayalam language Katha means “story” and kali means “game” or “play”.
8 -Kuchipudi
Kuchipudi introduced in a remote area in the south Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.
So these are the best 8 classical dance that present India’s culture and history and every dance form have its unique nature & attributes which distinguishes them from one another.
Contact Sameer (SAM) at THE SAM STUDIO, he is highly motivated and knowledgeable dance trainer with more than 11 years of experience. Contact for bollywood bhangra dance classes in Vasant Kunj New Delhi.