Classical Dance Essay

Classical dance traditions of India

There are different dance forms originated in different parts of India and are developed according to local traditions and culture. According to Sangeet Natak Akademy which is the national academy for performing arts, there are eight Indian classical dances.

The 8 classical dance styles of India are :-

Dance form State(s) of origin

Bharatanatyam

Tamil Nadu

Kathak

North Indian States

Kathakali

Kerala

Kuchipudi

Andhra Pradesh

Manipuri

Manipur

Mohiniyattam

Kerala

Odissi

Orissa

Sattriya

Assam

BHARATANATYAM

Bharatanatyam is one of the eight classical dance forms of India and it is originated in the temples of southern India. This art form is used by Devadasi system from generations. Here, Devdasi women serves the God as the dancers and rituals part is performed by the musicians. This dance form is not for performing on the stage and outside of the temple but only in the temple.Here, Nattuvanars who are the male gurus plays the most important part as these male gurus teach the Devadasis in the temple.

This dance form is practised by both males and females all over the country and outside.This dance form has large variety of movements and postures and rhythmic aspects take this dance form to next level.

INSTRUMENTS USE IN BHARATNATYAM

The instruments which are used in Bharatnatyam are Mridangam, Violin, Veena, Flute and Talam.

KATHAK

This dance form originates from poets of ancient India known as story tellers also called as Kathaks. These poets uses hand gestures and facial expressions to describe there stories through dance in temples and village squares and are specialized in counting moral tales from the scriptures present there.It is a high class theatre and this dance ...

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...ara Deva, a saint poet of the 15th century started the institution to bring harmony to the state, through music, paintings, drawings, religion and prayers.

Celbate monks perform these dances as there is a tradition in namghar, which is prayer hall. The white costumes are also beautiful wear by the dancers, turbans, head gears and performs dance, creates soundscapes, patterns of the floors. Khol playing and different designs.The music to this dance is provided by patital, crymbals, khol drum along with beautiful songs playing in the background. Now a days young female dancers learn and perform this dance form.

The dresses wear by the dancers here are made up of silk or pat which is produced in Assam only. And ornaments are also based on traditional designs of Asssam.

INSTRUMENTS USE IN SATTRIYA

This instruments used in this dance form are Violin,cymbals and Khol.