Demise of classical dancer Yamini Krishnamurthy
Renowned Indian classical dancer Dr. Yamini Krishnamurthy passes away.She made significant contributions to Indian classical dance, particularly Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi.
About Indian Classical Dance
Indian classical dance is a broad term that encompasses various dance forms originating from different regions of India. Each dance form has its own unique style, costumes, music, and storytelling techniques, often rooted in ancient Indian traditions and scriptures.
The Sangeet Natak Akademi has given recognition to eight Indian dances. The Indian government’s Ministry of Culture includes nine dance forms.
Some of the major Indian classical dance forms:
Bharatanatyam
Bharatanatyam
Origin: Tamil Nadu
Features: Known for its fixed upper torso, bent legs, and intricate footwork, Bharatanatyam incorporates expressive hand gestures (mudras), facial expressions, and complex rhythms. It often tells stories from Hindu mythology.
Originated as Sadir or Dasi Attam in temples.
First traditional dance to become a theatre art.
Follows principles from Bharata’s Natyashastra.
Rich repertoire in Telugu, Tamil, and Sanskrit.
Kathak
Origin: North India
Features: Characterized by intricate footwork, rapid spins, and expressive gestures, Kathak emphasizes storytelling through dance, often accompanied by classical music and poetry.
Connected with Kathakaras or storytellers.
Flourished under Mughal rule.
Features Thumri music genre.
Kathakali
Origin: Kerala
Features: A highly stylized dance-drama known for its elaborate costumes, detailed makeup, and face masks.
Kathakali performances are usually based on Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
“Story play” originating from Kerala.
Characters portrayed with symbolic makeup.
Facial expressions and hand gestures tell the story.
Kuchipudi
Origin: Andhra Pradesh
Features: Combines fast rhythms with fluid movements, often involving intricate footwork and expressive gestures. Kuchipudi typically includes both dance and acting.
Originated from Kuchelapuram village.
Combines speech, mime, and dance.
Features storytelling through mime changes.
Often performed as a dance drama.
Odissi
Origin: Odisha
Features: Known for its grace, fluidity, and sensuality, Odissi includes intricate footwork, expressive gestures, and torso movements. It often depicts themes from Hindu mythology.
Originated as temple dance by female servants.
Revived as a theatre art in the 20th century.
Vaishnava faith intrinsic to its themes.
Soft and graceful movements.
Manipuri
Origin: Manipur
Features: Distinguished by its smooth and graceful movements, Manipuri dance is deeply connected to the region’s folk traditions and religious practices.
It often narrates episodes from the life of Lord Krishna.
Rooted in Vaishnava faith.
Circular and continuous movements.
Subdued facial expressions and gestures.
Divided into Jagoi and cholom styles.
Mohiniyattam
Origin: Kerala
Features: A dance of delicate grace and sensuality, Mohiniyattam emphasizes feminine themes and involves soft, flowing movements.
The dance is typically solo and performed by women.
Named after enchantress Mohini.
No heavy steps, gentle footwork.
Rhythms from Kerala’s music tradition.
Sattriya
Origin: Assam
Features: Originated in the monasteries of Assam, Sattriya combines expressive dance with drama and music.
It often portrays stories from the life of Krishna and other Vaishnavite themes.
Developed in Vaishnava monasteries.
Evolved language of hand gesture and movement.
Adapted as a modern theatre art.
Chhau (Eastern India)
Blend of martial traditions, temple rituals, and folk performance.
Features episodes from epics, folklore, and abstract themes.
Intimately connected with festivals and rituals.
Music ensemble includes indigenous drums and reed pipes.
|
Name |
Origin State |
Performance Type |
Instruments |
|
Bharatanatyam |
Tamil Nadu |
Devotional dance form |
Cymbals, Violin, Veena, Flute, Tanpura as well as Mridangam, etc. |
|
Kathak |
Uttar Pradesh |
Storytelling as well as narration |
Manjira, Sarangi, Harmonium, Tabla, etc. |
|
Odissi |
Odisha |
Temple dance |
Sitar, Violin, Cymbals, Mandala, Flute, Harmonium, etc. |
|
Manipuri |
Manipur |
Religious dance |
Pung (Manipuri classical drum), Pena, Cymbals etc |
|
Mohiniyattam |
Kerala |
Dance of the enchantress |
Idakka, Mridangam, Flute, Veena, Khuzitalam (Cymbals) etc |
|
Kuchipudi |
West Bengal |
Temple dance |
Tambura, Mridangam, Flute, Veena, Cymbals |
|
Kathakali |
Kerala |
Drama dance |
Maddalam, Chenda, Idakka |
|
Sattriya |
Assam |
Ballad, dance and drama |
Shakha (Conch), Harmonium, Tanpura, Violin, Khol, Bahi |
Key Elements of Indian Classical Dance
Abhinaya (Expression): The art of expressing emotions and narratives through facial expressions, hand gestures (mudras), and body movements.
Nritta (Pure Dance): Movements of the body and limbs without any form of expression or storytelling.
Nritya (Expressive Dance): Combines rhythm and expression to narrate a story or convey a message.
Natya (Drama): The dramatic aspect of a dance performance, often involving acting and storytelling.
Importance and Influence
Indian classical dance forms are not only an art form but also a medium of worship and spiritual expression.
They have a significant cultural and historical value, often reflecting the rich heritage and traditions of India.
Western Classical Dance
Ballet: Originating in the Italian Renaissance courts and later developed in France and Russia, ballet is known for its precise and highly formalized set of steps and gestures.
It often tells a story or expresses a theme through dance.
Other Classical Dance Forms
Flamenco: A passionate and expressive dance form from Spain, characterized by its intricate footwork, hand clapping, and guitar music.
Tango: Originating in Argentina, tango is a social dance known for its close embrace, dramatic movements, and syncopated rhythms.
