Dance

As an appreciator of arts who has always respected cultures and customs,whether i follow them or not,i find the indian classical dance forms,the most spiritual forms of expression.

INDIAN CLASSICAL DANCE

Acc to the Sangeet Natak Academi in India, 7 forms have been identified as Indian Classical Dances::

1.Bharatanatyam

2.Kuchipudi

3.Kathakali

4.Mohini Attam

5.Odissi

6.Kathak

7.Manipuri

The most ancient ones and the ones that have their origin in Agama Nartanam are Bharatanatyam and Odissi. These two most faithfully adhere to the Natya Shastra.

Kuchipudi and Mohini attam are relatively recent Darbari Aatam forms, just as Kathakali, and the eastern Indian style, Manipuri. Kathak was influenced in the Mughal period by various other dance forms, including Persian Dance.

History:-

Acc to the Hindu Mythology,apart from the four vedas,it is believed that another ‘Natya’ veda was written by the Hindu God ‘Brahma’ which has about 36,000 slokas explaining the significance of natya,ways of performing,types of theatre arts and other relevant topics.Unfortunately,there are no surviving copies of natya veda existant.The oldest surviving text on theater arts in the Natya Shaastra written by the Sage Bharata Muni between 200BC and 200AD

The Natya Shastra is incredibly wide in its scope. It covers stage-design, music, dance, makeup, virtually every aspect of stagecraft. It is very important to the musician because it is the only text which gives such detail about the music and instruments of the period.

Overview:-

Indian classical dance is divided into

• nritta- the rhythmic elements,
• nritya- the combination of rhythm and expression,
• natya- the dramatic element.

To appreciate natya or dance drama, one has to understand and appreciate Indian legends. Most Indian dances take their themes from India’s rich mythology and folk legends. Hindu Gods and Goddesses like Vishnu, Shiva and Lakshmi , Sita are all depicted in these dances. Each dance form also draws inspiration from stories depicting the life and beliefs of the Indians.

That’s it for now.this post will be updated shortly with much more intersting information about dance & isn’t the final posting.