Classical Dancing

Classical Dance is famous for its unique form of presentation as compared to other dance forms world over. For many individuals, this form of dancing is everything as they have devoted their lifetime to give this form of dancing its full fledged meaning. Classical Dance is the art of ancient Greece and Rome. But its origin falls back to the period between 1300 – 1400 A.D. So, to give this forms of dancing real meaning these forms are taken the shape of individual Dance forms such as:

Bharatnatyam: Bharatnatyam is the most popular dance form in India. This form basically originated from Tamil Nadu. This dance style heavily stresses on hand movements which are again and again used to produce out best of the artist. Thus, the special characteristic of this very dance form are PADAMS or POEMS on the hero-heroine theme.

Kathak: This form of dancing is originated from North India. It has taken form of Kathakalakshepamand Harikatha in Southern India. So far as the costumes and themes of the Kathak are concerned tight churidar pyjama popularly became the formal attire and the focus falls more on the foot movements of the dancer.

Kathakali: This is one dance form which is performed in the temples. This dance when performed is accompanied by drums and vocalists. Moreover, there are three groups actor-dancers, vocalists and percussionists.

The performance for this form of dance commences after sunset and continues till late in the night.





Kuchipudi: It first took off from a hamlet in Andhra Pradesh called Kuchelapuri in the 3rd century.The most popular Kuchipudi dance form is the ‘Pot Dance’ in which a dancer carries on a pot filled with water on her head and feet kept on a crass plate. This part of the dance is worth a watch.

Now-a-days this dance form is popularly performed by majority of women.

Manipuri: The dance which is popular among the north east is Manipuri. King Bhagyachandra of 17th century established Manipuri dance. It is the classical dance from the Manipur region in the North East. The past and origins of this dance are not clear as many myths and legends are linked with it.

So far as the past records are concerned this very dance form falls back to 100 A.D. It is also directly associates to Vaishnav cult of Hinduism. Therefore, Manipuri dance depict events from the life of Lord Vishnu.

Mohiniattam: The words Mohiniattam basically means ‘Mohini’. Mohiniattam is the solo dance which is performed in the remembrance of Lord Vishnu and Krishna.

The dancers perform in groups to give this dance a unique form from others. Thus, the theme of Mohiniattam is love and devotion to god. In this dance, dancers carry on light make-up and simple dresses. Moreover, they (dancers) also performs Jathiswaram, Varnam, Padam and Thillana in a concert.

Odissi: Odissi dance form is directly related to Orissa State. The sun temple in Konark is famous worldover for its dance shows which held there every year.

This form of dancing is supposed to be the earliest surviving forms based on archeological proofs. Odissi in particular is inscribed in inscriptions, in temples and also in dancing hall of the world famous Konark temple.

Odissi is very much closely related to the dance form of Bhartnatyam. The most used mudras and expressions in Bharatnatyam is similar to the Odissi form of dancing too. It also have the base on the Natya Sashtra.