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Kathak | Kathakali | Bharata Natyam | Manipuri | Odissi

Kathak

Kathak is the predominant dance of north India. This form of dance gets its name from the word "Katha" (story), since it originated from the devotional recitation of the storytellers or Kathakars who were attached to the temples.

Kathak was initially performed in the temples, in praise of the Lord. With the advent of Mughals, Kathak was introduced in the King's durbar, thus moving this art from devotion to entertainment. The influence of the Mughals is evident in the costumes designed for the performance.

Kathak has two major techniques. They are Nritha, meaning pure dance, and Abhinaya, meaning expressions. The predominant styles of the dance are the intricate footwork and rapid pirouettes. The typical Kathak costume resembles the Mughal miniature paintings. This form of dance is performed by both men and women.

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Kathakali

Kathakali is the traditional dance of the people of Kerala. It is a well-developed dance-drama where the actors depict characters from the Indian mythologies. Kathakali combines dance with dialogue to bring myth and legend to life in the temple courtyards of Kerala.

Kathakali is perfomed with elaborate masks and costumes. The dancers wear huge skirts and headdress, and the make-up is very intricate. Kathakali performances are generally in open air on a stage covered with coarse mats, with brass lamp providing the lighting. The dance is performed to the tune of Chenda, a drum like instrument that produces thundering beats, and the Maddala, which produces a softer and relaxed sound, along with the large bronze cymbal. All these three instruments are used in unison to herald the performance.

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Bharata Natyam

Bharata Natyam is one of the oldest form of dance. This form of dance is based on the ancient text on dance. Bharatha stands for BHAva(mood), RAga(music), and TAla(rhythm), while Natyam stands for Nritta. Movement, mime and music are given equal importance in Bharatha Natyam. A Bharatha Natyam performance is rendered by a solo artist, or a duo, or as a group. Bharatha Natyam is poetry in motion.

A Bharatha Natyam performance involves Alarippu-the invocation of God, Jathi Swaram-a note combination, Shabdam-a combination of notes and lyrics, Varnam-a combination of pure dance and abhinaya, and Thillana-the finale.

The costumes used in a performance are elaborate. The dancers dress in specially designed colorful silk costumes and wear head ornaments, necklaces and bangles. Flowers are wound around their long plait.

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Manipuri

Manipuri is the traditional dance of Manipur. The Manipuris are considered descendants of Gandarva, the legendary musicians and dancers in the celestial court of Lord Indira. The origin of the word Manipuri can be traced to the legends. According to the legend, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are said to have danced in the valleys of Manipur, accompanied by the Gandharvas to the celestial light of the Mani or jewel from the head of the serpent Athishesha.

Manipuri lays emphasis in involving the entire body in the dance other than the facial expression. The principal dance item in Manipuri is Ras, which depicts bhakti rasa. The innumerable escapes of Lord Krishna are depicted in Ras. This form of dance lays emphasis on lyrical grace and delicacy of hand gestures.

The Chooloms is another form of Manipuri, which includes vigorous tandava items and fast rhythms. Choolams involves singing and dancing, directed towards achieving the union of god. In Choolams, Poong Choolam is danced by men holding drums, and Kartal Choolam by both men and women using cymbals in their hands.

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Odissi

Odissi is the traditional dance of the state of Orissa. Originally, this form of dance was performed in the temples as a religious offering, by the Devadasis. Odissi is a dance of divine, human, love and passion. The performance is soft and lyrical depicting the ambience of Orissa and the philosophy of the popular Hindu God, Lord Krishna. Most of the poses of this form of dance are inspired by the temple carvings of Orissa. The dresses worn by the dancers are similar to the sculptures. The dancers wear colorful costumes and traditional silver jewellery. Elaborate ornaments are worn specially on the hips.

Odissi is based on the popular devotion to Lord Krishna and the verses of the Sanskrit play Geet Govindam are used to depict the love and devotion to God. Odissi presents a synthesis of Lasya and Tandava aspects of the Indian Classical Dance. Odissi dance performance involves a balance between pure dance, expressional dance and a combination of acting and dance.

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