Traditional dance forms of India

Dance is more than a simple way of performing a sequence of steps based upon the rhythm of music originating from any musical instrument.

India is home to many such dance forms which have been appreciated all over the world. Some of them have even been categorized as the most difficult ones in today’s world.

Odissi - speaking the culture of Odisha

One such known dance is still alive in the state of Odisha, more commonly goes by the name Orissa. Originating from its roots and the cultural value of the region, the dance form has been given the name ‘Odissi’.

Odissi is the classical dance form of Odisha and is still practiced. It symbolises the element of water.

It was originally performed by the maharis who were temple dancers back in time. Later a group of boys named Gotipua were trained in this art. They performed in front of people in temples and also for public entertainment.

Facial expressions, hand gestures and body movements in Odissi, together from the unique style of performance. They are used to convey a certain feeling, an emotion or one of the nine rasas through one particular dance performance.

The use of mudras is similar to another famous dance form of the nation, Bharatnatyam which is popular in the state of Tamil Nadu, southern India.

The dancers create intricate geometrical shapes and patterns with their body. Hence, it is known as “mobile sculpture”. The techniques of movement are built around the two basic postures of the Chowk and theTribhanga.

The chowk is a position imitating a square - a very masculine stance with the weight of the body equally balanced whereas the tribhanga is a very feminine stance where the body is deflected at the neck, torso and the knees.

Musical instruments which are used making Odissi complete are pakhwaj, sitar, manjira and flute.

Kathak - The multi state dance form

Another well-known dance form of the country which is not state confined is Kathak.

It is a traditional dance form of Uttar Pradesh and also has its roots in central India. Its traces of origin date back to the time Ras Leela of Brajbhoomi. It derives its name from “kathika” od ‘kathakars’ meaning story tellers.

The dance form is characterized by intricate footworks and is generally accompanied with dhrupad music.

It is the only Indian classical dance having a synthesis of Hindu and Muslim traditions. Kathak is also known for the development of different gharanas which mainly constitute of Lucknow, Jaipur, Raigarh and Banaras, as it is the only classical dance based on Hindustani style of music.

Other famous proponents of this dance from are Birju Maharaj, Lacchu Maharaj, Sitara Devi and Damayanti Joshi.

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