other classical dance forms

• Kathakali

  Dance style from Kerala, South West of India. Katha means story and Kali means to play.
• Kathakali

  • Mainly performed by men
  • Dancer begins training at a very young age (around 7 years)
  • Dancer undergoes intensive and rigid training including stages like Kalar, Mai sadhakam, Kaala sadhakam, Mudra sadhakam, Abhinaya sadhakam, Navarasa abhinaya
• Characters portrayed in Kathakali

  • Sathvika patra - Noble and pious characters (Green colour)
  • Raajasika paatra - Wicked characters (Coloured)
  • Taamasika paatra - Horrifying characters (Blank eye make-up)
• Kathakali

  • Uses eye, eyebrows and lips to portray various moods of characters
  • Elaborate eye and facial make-up portrays different characters
• Mohini Aattam

  Traditional art form of Kerala, best suited for women. Lasya (graceful) dominates this style.
• Mohini

  The enchantress who is believed to have deceived Asuras of nectar, burnt demon Bhasmasura to ashes, and attracted Lord Shiva causing the birth of Lord Ayyappa
• Mohini Aattam

  • The attire comprises a white saree with a silk woven jhari border of red/green colour, worn with artistic manifolds in the hair style and white flowers
• Important dance numbers in Mohini Aattam

  • Cholkattu and Pandaaattam
• Kuchipudi

  Classical dance art form that flourishes in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Began in the village of Kuchipudi by a group of Brahmin boys, known as a dance drama form.
• Kuchipudi

  • Performed solely by men
  • Distinct feature is the dancer balancing on a brass plate, carrying water pots on the head and holding lamps in the hands while executing steps
  • Shabdams have become popular, which are a test of dancing skills
• Important and challenging choices of traditional Kuchipudi performances

  • Bhasara kalapam
  • Parada charitra
• Kathak

  Classical dance style from Uttar Pradesh, North India. The word Kathak originates from Kathaakar or storytellers, where Katha means story and Kar means artists/narrators.
• Kathak

  • Had its beginning in the temples of North India
  • With the advent of Mughal Empire, Kathak dancing migrated from temples to royal courts
  • Under royal patronage, especially of Akbar's regime and later at Jahangir, Kathak was developed into a highly technical and stylized form, placing emphasis on footwork and lines/spins
• Major styles or gharanas of Kathak

  • Gwalior Gharana
  • Jaipur Gharana
  • Lucknow Gharana
  • Banaras Gharana
  • Raigarh Gharana
• Terms of a Kathak repertoire

  • Amad
  • Thaat
  • Toda
  • Tukda
  • Paran
  • Chakkardar
  • Tatkaar
• Odissi

  Classical dance style that hails from the state of Orissa. Odissi was performed in the temples of Orissa as a religious rite and offering by the Devadasis and Gotipuas.
• According to a monument of 3rd century BC in Ranigarh caves, Odissi was one of the most ancient dance forms
• Important items of Odissi repertoire

  • Bhoomi pranaam
  • Mighnaraja shlokas
  • Batu nritya
  • Svarapalavi
  • Saabhinaya Moksha
• Manipuri

  School of dance that originated from the state of Manipur, closely linked to the pattern of daily life of the folk there. Usually performed in a group, drawing themes from the life of Krishna.
• The slogans of the king Khowai Thampa proclaim that this art form was in practice since 154 AD
• Types of Raas in Manipuri

  • Nritta Raas
  • Nritya Raas
  • Kuncha Raas
  • Maha Raas
• Masculine martial art forms of Manipuri style

  • Poong Cholar
  • Kartaal Cholan
• Rabindra Nath Tagore revived and rejuvenated the Manipuri art form that was losing its glory with the advent of British in India
• The techniques of most of these classical Indian dance forms can be traced back to the rules laid down in the Natya Shastra