Indian classical dance

Bharata Natyam ,a traditional dance of Tamil Nadu

Kuchipudi, a classical dance of Andhra Pradesh

A Mohiniyattam (originated in Kerala) dancer performing

Odissi is originally from Odisha state

A Kathakali (originated in Kerala) dancer performing

Kathak from northern India

Sattriya dance has its origin in the Sattras of Assam

Manipuri dance with scenes from the life of Lord Krishna

Indian classical dance is an umbrella term for various codified art forms rooted in sacred Hindu musical theatre styles whose theory can be traced back to the Natya Shastra of Bharata Muni (400 BCE).

Definitions

Indian classical dances are performed inside the sanctum of the temple according to the rituals called Agama Nartanam. Natya Shastra classifies this type of dance form as margi, or a soul-liberating dance. Dances performed in royal courts to the accompaniment of classical music are called Carnatakam. A Hindu deity is considered a revered royal guest in his temple, and should be offered all of the "sixteen hospitalities", among which are music and dance. The "sixteen hospitalities" please the senses.

The term "classical" (Sanskrit: "Shastriya") was introduced by Sangeet Natak Akademi to denote the Natya Shastra-based performing art styles. Classical dance performances usually feature a story about good and evil. The dance is traditionally presented in a dramatic manner called nritta, which uses "clean" facial expressions and mudrā, or hand gestures, to narrate the story and to demonstrate concepts such as particular objects, weather, aspects of nature and emotions. Classical Indian dance is also known as Natya. Natya includes singing and abhinaya (mime acting). These features are common to all Indian classical styles of dance. In the margi form, Nritta is composed of karanas, while Desi nritta consists mainly of adavus.

Dance forms

The Natya Shastra, written by Bharata Muni, does not mention the name of any classical dance forms recognised today, but listed the four Pravrittis as Dakshinatya, Audramagadhi, Avanti and Panchali.

Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, and Mohiniyattam evolved from the Pravritti form called Dakshinatya.

Audramagadhi represents the regional dance of Audramagadha, comprising the territories of Anga, Banga, the northern part of Kalinga and Vatsa (Sloka is angabangautkalingavatsachaiva audramagadha). This led to the evolution of Odissi in Odisha, Satriya in Assam and Gaudiya Nritya in Bengal. Little is known about the two other forms described by Bharata Muni, Avanti and Panchali.

The Sangeet Natak Akademi has given recognition to eight Indian dance styles. The Akademi holds a Natya Sangam (festival of dance) during which dancers from other classical forms are invited to perform. Sources differ on the listing of Indian classical dance forms. Encyclopædia Britannica mentions six recognised schools. The Indian government's Ministry of Culture has increased the number of dance forms that it accepts as part of Indian classical dance repertory and provides scholarships to young performers for the study of "Indian Classical Dance/Dance Music." It currently confers classical dance status to eleven dance forms. The classical dance forms recognised by the Sangeet Natak Akademi and the Ministry of Culture are as represented below:

Dance form	State(s) of origin	Recognition by Sangeet Natak Akademi	Recognition by Ministry of Culture
Bharatanatyam	Tamil Nadu	Yes	Yes
Chhau	Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand	No	Yes
Gaudiya Nritya	West Bengal	No	No
Kathak	Northern India (Uttar Pradesh)	Yes	Yes
Kathakali	Kerala	Yes	Yes
Kuchipudi	Andhra Pradesh	Yes	Yes
Manipuri	Manipur	Yes	Yes
Mohiniyattam	Kerala	Yes	Yes
Odissi	Odisha	Yes	Yes
Sattriya	Assam	Yes	Yes
Ghoomar	Rajasthan	Yes	Yes
Thang Ta	Manipur	No	Yes

A dance style is classical to the extent that it incorporates Natya Shastra techniques. Some of the styles, such as Kathak, use very few of these elements. Other art dances are yet to be recognised as classical dance. The applicable theories and techniques that can be traced back to the Natya Shastra, are:

1. Andhra Natyam — Andhra Pradesh art dance
2. Vilasini Nrityam/Natyam — Andhra Pradesh art dance
3. Kerala Natanam — Kerala classical dance

Of the recognised dance forms, the only two temple dance styles that have their origin in Natya Shastra and are prescribed by the Agamas are Bharata Natyam and Odissi. These two dances faithfully adhere to the Natya Shastra but currently do not include Vaachikaabhinaya (dialog acts), although some styles of Bharata Natyam, such as Melattur style, prescribe the lip and eye movements that characterize it.

Kuchipudi, which also prescribes the lip movements of Vaachikaabhinaya and Mohiniyattam are relatively recent Darbari Aatam forms as isKathakali. Additionally two eastern Indian styles, Manipuri and Sattriya, are very similar to Vaachikaabhinaya.

Kathak originated as a court dance and some believe it evolved from Lord Krishna's raas lilas, forms of which evolved into the Garba-style dances popular in North India and Gujarat. The style gradually changed during the Mughal period under the influence of Persian dance. One major change is straight legs instead of the bent knees exhibited in most other Indian classical forms. Intricate footwork and spins, as well as abhinaya are its main highlights.

Currently, Sangeet Natak Akademi does not consider the recently reconstructed dance styles of Andhra Pradesh, such as Andhra Natyam and Vilasini Natyam, as "classical." Bharatanrithyam, despite being the dance that most closely follows the Natya Shastra's precepts, is considered as a variety of Bharata Natyam.

Sabha

Sabhas are organisations involved in the promotion of folk art forms in South India. Gana Mukundhapriya is one such Sabha that specializes in folk dances. Various events are held each year to celebrate folk dance.

Further reading

• Revealing the Art of Natyasastra by Narayanan Chittoor Namboodiripad ISBN 9788121512183

External links

• Classical Indian dance at DMOZ