Classical dances of India

Classical dances.

It is particularly problematic to talk of classical Indian dance. The problem stems partly from the definition of the word "classical", and partly from the nature of the Indian dance forms.

We will use three simple benchmarks to determine whether something is "classical". The first benchmark is age. The second is its ability to cross ethnic boundaries, and third is class associations.

Age is the first benchmark to come to anyone's mind. It is generally acknowledged that for something to be considered classical, it must have great age. This seems simple at first, but it begs the obvious question of how one determines age. Clearly every performance exists in the here-and-now, so the performance itself cannot be used. Although the performance may not be used to determine age, we might consider using the genre. This would be acceptable to many people; however if this is used, it is surprising how recently some genre have developed. For instance Bharat Natyam as it is thought of today, only goes back to the early 20th century! Since the genre also produces ages which are not acceptable in traditional Indian world views, most Indians would use the tradition to define age. (The relationship between performance, genre, and tradition will be discussed later.) Bharatnatyam
Bharatnatyam is the oldest of all the classical dance forms in India. It is believed to be nearly 3000 years old. It originated and is mainly practised in the present day region of Tamilnadu. Bharatnatyam derives its name from the Bharata's Natya Shastra - the earliest treatise on dance and drama.
Kathak
Kathak is a unique classical dance form in the sense that it originated in north India. Literally meaning `to tell a story' it originated from the story telling manners of the nomadic bards of ancient northern India known as Kathaks. These bards were Vaishnava devotees and recounted tales from the life of lord Krishna in temples and village squares. The recital was embellished with hand gestures and facial expressions.
Kathakali
Classical dance of Kathakali originated some 500 years ago in the present day state of Kerala. Literally meaning `story-play', this dance form re-enacts stories from the Hindu epics such as the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. It is a group dance and a typical Kathakali troupe includes actors, singers, drummers, make-up artists and costumers.
Kuchipudi
Kuchipudi is the classical dance form of the state of Andhra Pradesh. It derives its name from the village of Kachelapuram near Vijaywada, where it developed as a result of Bhakti movement in seventh century A.D. Sidhendra Yogi is believed to be the formulator of the Kuchipudi dance form.
Manipuri
Manipuri dance is an all-encompassing term, which includes all the dance forms of the northeastern state of Manipur. Though there are many myths and legends associated with the Manipuri dance it is widely believed that Lord Krishna and his beloved Radha were the original authors of this dance.
Mohiniattam
Mohiniattam is the feminine dance form of Kerala. Its literal meaning is `mesmerizing woman'. Legend has it that lord Vishnu under the guise of enchanting Mohini seduced `Asuras' to regain Amrit (nectar) on the occasion of churning of the ocean. Mohiniattam signifies the dance of enchanters that causes destruction of the wicked and brings delight and pleasure to the good.