CLASSICAL DANCES OF INDIA

Bharat Muni’s book Natyasastra finds the first mention of dances. According to it
dances have two aspects namely Tandava and Lasya.
In India classical dances are declared by Sangeet Natak Academy.

1. Bharatanatyam (Tamil Nadu):

– Key Aspects: Combines Tandava (movement & rhythm) and Lasya (grace, bhava & rasa).
-Components: Natya (dramatic element), Nritta (basic dance movements), Nritya (expressional component).
– Rasas: Love, Heroism, Pathos, Humour, Anger, Fear, Disgust, Wonder, Peace.
-Notable Text: “Natya Shastra” by Bharat Muni.

2. Kathak (North India):
-Key Aspects: Emphasizes storytelling.
-Performance: Solo, focused on footwork and poetry recitation.
-Musical Connection: Associated with Hindustani music.
-Prominent Figures: Birju Maharaj, Sitara Devi.

3. Kathakali (Kerala):
-Key Aspects: A blend of dance, music, and acting.
-Costumes: Elaborate makeup and costumes.
-Character Depiction: Different facial colours signify character traits.
-Eminent Artists: Ramankutty Nair, Kalamandalam Gopi.

4. Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh):
-Performance Styles: Group dance-drama and solo items.
-Costumes: Ornate attire and jewellery.
-Solo Items: Manduka Shabdam, Balgopala Taranga, Tala Chitra Nritya.
-Notable Dancers: Yamini Krishnamurthy, Raja Reddy

5. Mohiniyattam (Kerala):
-Characteristics: Solo dance form, circular movements, subtle expressions.
-Influences: Elements from Bharatanatyam and Kathakali.
-Costumes: Kasavu saree of Kerala.
-Prominent Artists: Sunanda Nair, Pallavi Krishnan.

6. Odissi (Odisha):
-Themes: Lore’s of Lord Vishnu and Gita Govinda verses.
-Postures: Tribhanga and Chowk.
-Similarities: Mudras and expressions akin to Bharatanatyam.
-Renowned Performers: Sonal Mansingh, Kelucharan Mohapatra.

7. Sattriya (Assam):
-Religious Origin: Introduced by Vaishnava saint Sankaradeva.
-Characteristics: Governed by strict principles in hastamudras, footwork, and music.
-Streams: Bhaona-related and independent dance numbers.
-Distinct Dances: Chali (graceful), Jhumura (vigorous).

8. Manipuri (Manipur):
-Traditional and Ritualistic: Associated with rituals and festivals.
– Key Dance: Lai Haraoba (creation of the world).
– Popular Forms: Ras, Sankirtana, Thang-Ta.
-Musical Accompaniment: Pung and Kartal for male dancers.

Along with these eight dances CHHAU dance is also identified as classical dance by Ministry of Culture
https://www.indiaculture.gov.in/dance