Indian Dances

Indian dances

India shows a variety of dances which can be seen in various parts of the country. These dances are performed differently and are an important aspect in Indian dance because they bring the past in the present by telling us about ancient Indian history. Besides entertainment these dances are knowledgble. The Indian dance are divided in two types Indian classical dance and Indian folk dance. The Indian classical dance comprises of : Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Mohini attam, Manipuri and kathakali. The Indian folk dance contains Bhangra and special dance observed in regional festives. Besides giving us knowledge and entertaintment, these forms of dances shows unity in the diversity among people.

Bharat Natyam was originated in a script called the Natya Shastra. This manuscript was written by Sage Bharata around 4000 B.C. This dance is first used to show energy and emotions and is one of the oldest form of dance among classical Indian dance. In this form of classical Indian dance called Bharata Natyam, performers can convey beliefs, legends, and ideas through movements, gestures, and expressions put to song. Bharat Natyam is the alternative way of storytelling, which has similar ideas to that which student read in today's literature. It tells about the ancient literature of India.

The Kathak dance derives its name from the community of Kathaks who are custodians of the art. The words Kathak and Kathakali are derived from katha meaning storytelling and kali meaning play. The Kathak means storytelling and Kathakali, story play. Kathak dancing performed by a dancer who stands and moves and lasya (the aspect) in which the dancer kneels or remains immobile the whole time except for the (gat) a descriptive passage, performed in a gentle rhythm and tells stories with his expressive powers only, with his face and hands. For kathakali special massage is given to the feet. The Kathakali technique of using the face expression is a pure marvel of accomplishment. Some ancient masters of this dance have such control of their facial muscles that they can laugh with one side and cry with the other. It is therefore understood that Indian dancing is not just physical movements of hands and legs; it is a form of physical art with body and mind for both men and women alike as well as a form of worship to the Almighty Divine Gods.

Kuchipudi, a form of Indian classical dance, is the dance drama evolved into solo. In this the movement pattern are flowly and rounded. The performance usually begins with some stage rites, after then character comes on to the stage and introduces him/herself with a daru (a small composition of both song and dance) to introduce the identity, set the mood, of the character in the drama. The drama then begins. The dance is accompanied by song and the singer is accompanied by instument. Ornaments worn by the artists are made of a light weight wood.

Manipuri dance is one of the major Indian classical dance forms. It originates from Manipur, a state in North-East India. The traditional Manipuri dance consists of lyrical and graceful movements. Tbe aim is to make rounded movements and avoid any jerks, sharp edges or straight lines. This gives soft appearance

to Manipuri dance. Of course, behind this soft impressioon lies a tough body control. In this dance, the dancer's feet should never strike the ground hard enough to interfere with the delicate flow of movemets. Every time the dancer puts down his or her feet, even during vigorous steps, it is the front part of the feet which touch the ground first. The ankle and knee joints are used as shock absorbers. Manipuri dancers do not