India Tourism >> Culture of India >> Dances
Information about various dance forms in India
Overview
In India dances are not meant only for entertainment, they are considered as an art to offer highest devotion to God. Temples were main centers for the growth of different styles of Dances in India. South India where temples enjoyed immense powers this art reached to the highest extent. Natyashastra is the oldest surviving text of the world on theatre art. Breif information about important classical and folk dances in India is provided below. You can request for the performance of these classical dances during your tour to India, contact our executive for more information.
Kathak (North India)
Classical dance performed in Northern India, which is accompanied by Hindustani music and Pakhadhwaj being main musical instrument. The stories of Epic hero Lord Krishna and his partner Radha are the main theme of this dance. After muslim invasion on India, this dance became one of the major entertainer in the royal courts.
Bharatnatyam (Tamil Nadu- South India)
Bharatnatyam is one of the most popular and purest form of Indian classical dance. Origin of this dance is said to be in Thanjavur (Tanjore) in Tamil Nadu. Bhava, Raga and Thaala are the three basic concepts of Bharatnatyam. Traditional dance teachers are known as Nattuwanars, and the female dancers in the temple called 'Devdasis'. Carnatic classical music is the musical base of Bharatnatyam. The chief musical instruments in Bharata Natyam are the 'Mridangam' and a pair of cymbals. Sometimes Veena, Violin, Ghatam and Flute are also used.
Kathakali (Kerala)
Traditional dance of Kerala which literally means Story play, where climax theme is victory of Virtues over vices. Ramayana and Mahabharata, the two major epics of India are source of stories for this dance. Important feature of Kathakalin dance is elaborate makeup and colourful costumes. There are five types of make ups in Kathakali dance namely Pacha, Kathi, Thadi, Kari and Minukku.
Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh- South India)
The origin of this dance was in Andhra region of South India, which is a blend of folk and classical dance. Kuchipudi is a perfect balance between "Nritta", "Nritya" and "Natya". The Nritta is a rhythmic sequence that concludes a song, the Nritya or "Sabdams" in which the rhythmic passages are followed by interpretations and Natya is a complete dance drama with storyline and characters.
Odissi (Orissa - Eastern India)
Odissi is one of the well established dances of India, whose history dates back to 8Th century AD. Geet-Govindam written by Jaydev in 12Th century is the most elaborate text on music in India, which influences Orissi dance to great extent. Main theme of Odissi dance is Lord Vishnu or Jagannath and his 10 incarnations.
Folk Dances of India
Besides these popular classical dances there are number of folk dances in different parts of the country. Rajasthan the most colourful state of India represents highest number of folk dances, some of the most popular are Kalbelia, Chari, Ghoomer, Fire, Kacchi Gori Dance are great entertainers. Include exclusive folk dance performance in your Rajasthan travel Itineraries. Other folk dances of India are Garba, Bhangra, Manipuri, Tamasha etc.
In India dances are not meant only for entertainment, they are considered as an art to offer highest devotion to God. Temples were main centers for the growth of different styles of Dances in India. South India where temples enjoyed immense powers this art reached to the highest extent. Natyashastra is the oldest surviving text of the world on theatre art. Breif information about important classical and folk dances in India is provided below. You can request for the performance of these classical dances during your tour to India, contact our executive for more information.Kathak (North India)
Classical dance performed in Northern India, which is accompanied by Hindustani music and Pakhadhwaj being main musical instrument. The stories of Epic hero Lord Krishna and his partner Radha are the main theme of this dance. After muslim invasion on India, this dance became one of the major entertainer in the royal courts.Bharatnatyam (Tamil Nadu- South India)
Bharatnatyam is one of the most popular and purest form of Indian classical dance. Origin of this dance is said to be in Thanjavur (Tanjore) in Tamil Nadu. Bhava, Raga and Thaala are the three basic concepts of Bharatnatyam. Traditional dance teachers are known as Nattuwanars, and the female dancers in the temple called 'Devdasis'. Carnatic classical music is the musical base of Bharatnatyam. The chief musical instruments in Bharata Natyam are the 'Mridangam' and a pair of cymbals. Sometimes Veena, Violin, Ghatam and Flute are also used.Kathakali (Kerala)
Traditional dance of Kerala which literally means Story play, where climax theme is victory of Virtues over vices. Ramayana and Mahabharata, the two major epics of India are source of stories for this dance. Important feature of Kathakalin dance is elaborate makeup and colourful costumes. There are five types of make ups in Kathakali dance namely Pacha, Kathi, Thadi, Kari and Minukku.Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh- South India)
The origin of this dance was in Andhra region of South India, which is a blend of folk and classical dance. Kuchipudi is a perfect balance between "Nritta", "Nritya" and "Natya". The Nritta is a rhythmic sequence that concludes a song, the Nritya or "Sabdams" in which the rhythmic passages are followed by interpretations and Natya is a complete dance drama with storyline and characters.Odissi (Orissa - Eastern India)
Odissi is one of the well established dances of India, whose history dates back to 8Th century AD. Geet-Govindam written by Jaydev in 12Th century is the most elaborate text on music in India, which influences Orissi dance to great extent. Main theme of Odissi dance is Lord Vishnu or Jagannath and his 10 incarnations.Folk Dances of India
Besides these popular classical dances there are number of folk dances in different parts of the country. Rajasthan the most colourful state of India represents highest number of folk dances, some of the most popular are Kalbelia, Chari, Ghoomer, Fire, Kacchi Gori Dance are great entertainers. Include exclusive folk dance performance in your Rajasthan travel Itineraries. Other folk dances of India are Garba, Bhangra, Manipuri, Tamasha etc.