Beyond Bollywood: Discovering The Majesty Of India’s Classical Dance Forms

India is a country well-known for various reasons making it unique: a chaotic blend of diverse cuisines, deep cultural roots, vibrant festivals, breathtaking natural beauty, historical landmarks, and various forms of arts give India its due recognition in the world. Even among the various forms of arts, Indian dances have been making waves on the global stage. Widespread use of the internet and the ease of travel have allowed various Indian artists to reach every part of the world and spread their magic.

For many people abroad, Indian dances are flashy body movements under the moonlit sky, among the mustard fields and love songs. This preconceived notion is established because the Indian film industry, or Bollywood, has expanded its market exponentially promoting a certain kind of thought or image about contemporary dance. However, if you take time to look deeper and trace its roots, Indian dance art can be traced back to century-old traditions. These vibrant and expressive art forms are choreographed on mythologies and devoted to deities on various festivals.

1. Bharatnatyam: The Oldest Dance Heritage

Bharatnatyam is one of the oldest classical dance forms of India, and has its origin rooted in the temples of Tamil Nadu. A Sanskrit text of performance art, Natya Shastra, has acted as its theoretical foundation. Intricate footwork, expressive hand gestures called mudras, vibrant costumes and a wide range of facial expressions are its trademark characteristics. Stories of Bharatnatyam dances narrate the glory of Indian mythologies, epic tales and stories of devotions like Mahabharat and Ramayan. The rhythmic beats of the accompanying music guide the dancer through a series of movements that convey emotions, tales of gods and goddesses, and spiritual devotion.

2. Kathak: A North Indian Odyssey

Kathak is a dance form with its origin rooted in the northern regions of India. Its dynamic footwork and swift spins are able to create a mesmerizing scene for the audience. Similar to other dance forms of India, kathak too consists of rhythmic movements, a wide range of expressions, and various elements of storytelling of myths and glorious past. The dance form of kathak includes both classical and contemporary variations, which makes it very easy to adapt to various themes. The elements of abhinaya, the art of expressing emotions through facial expressions and body language give Kathak its unique flair. Throughout history, it has evolved into a dynamic and expressive dance form that reflects the synthesis of cultural influences over the centuries.

3. Kuchipudi: Dance-Drama from Andhra Pradesh

In the vibrant state of Andhra Pradesh, Kuchipudi stands out as a dance-drama form that seamlessly blends classical dance of India with theatrical elements. Performers in Kuchipudi don colorful costumes and often depict mythological stories through a combination of expressive gestures and vibrant dance movements. But what sets Kuchipudi apart is its use of props like plates and pots, which gives this dance its unique flavor to the performances. Kuchipudi dance is a perfect blend of dance and drama, and it has been enchanting the audience for centuries. Through this dance, performers not only showcase their technical prowess but also engage in storytelling, bringing characters to life through their movements and expressions.

4. Odissi: Fluidity and Grace from Odisha

Hailing from the coastal state of Odisha, Odissi is a classical dance form that captivates with its lyrical movements, fluid postures, and storytelling through dance. The influence of the culture and traditions of Odisha can be easily felt in the graceful dance of Odissi. This dance is said to be a devoted form of art which is depicted in the temple walls of Odisha and retells the stories of Hindu mythologies, especially the divine love between Radha Rani and Lord Krishna. Odissi dancers create a visually stunning and captivating look by wearing intricate jewelry and colorful costumes. They especially highlight their body language and facial features that play an important role in delivering the vibes of the story being retold.

5. Mohiniyattam: The Dance of the Enchantress

From the lush landscapes of Kerala emerges Mohiniyattam, a classical dance form known for its graceful and feminine movements. Mohiniyattam is the dance of the enchantress, therefore it is full of alluring body movements, and charming body language to captivate the audience. This dance form is full of themes of love and devotion and dancers use the white and gold motif to enhance the visual appeal. Mohiniyattam dance consists of subtle facial expressions, graceful body movements and flowing footwork that follows the rhythm of the music. This combination creates a mesmerizing performance of art that captivates the attention of its audience. Mohiniyattam is a celebration of the divine feminine, and each performance is a poetic expression of emotions and storytelling.

6. Manipuri: Enchanting Rhythms from the Northeast

In the northeastern state of Manipur, the classical dance form known as Manipuri has flourished throughout the years. Unlike other forms of classical dance, Manipuri dance is performed in groups, where dancers gather in a circular formation and sway with the local instruments providing a musical backdrop. Its gentle and circular movements create a visually stunning scenario, while the soulful music and lyrics breathe life into it. Manipuri dance is heavily inspired by Vaishnav beliefs, which is why it is a celebration of spirituality, love for nature and mythologies. Its unique traditional costumes, distinctive jewelry and rhythmic drumming pattern sets Manipuri dance apart from the rest of the Indian classical dances.

7. Sattriya: The Dance of Assam’s Monasteries

Hailing from the state of Assam, Sattriya is a classical dance form associated with the Vaishnavite monasteries known as Sattras.  Sattriya dance is a diverse form of art consisting of various themes of mythologies, devotion and nature. With its unique footwork, rhyme patterns and fluid expressions, this dance has been appealing to its audience. Similar to Manipuri, Sattriya is a dance performed in groups and promotes a culture of cooperation and community. The dancers adorn themselves in traditional Assamese clothing and give life to the tales of devotion, sacrifice and love, showcasing the heritage of Assam perfectly.

know More about classical dances of India that are more than dazzling performances; it is a window to the rich cultural heritage of the country and represents the spiritual and artistic nuances that have been passed down through generations. Each dance form has its unique style, costumes, and narrative traditions, contributing to the tapestry of India’s classical arts.