Classical dance is an Indian dance form. It is a very famous form of dance and people are gaining interest in this. Other countries have started this form of dance to support the concept Indians have regarding this particular form of dance. However, classical dance is a traditional dance which enlightening the feelings, emotions or sentiments through dance drama, poetry or song. This form is portrayed by dignity, poise and precision of movement. Classical dance is elaborated by various formal gestures, steps, and poses.

Classical dance requires a lot of grace and your posture has to be perfect. In classical dance, every movement done should flow elegantly when executed. It is really hard and requires a lot of training and practice to become master in this dance form. Dancers usually perform classical when doing solos or when portraying a story. Classical dances can only be performed by trained dancers who know each and every technique of it and who have studied their form for many years. Classical dances have very particular meanings for its every step which is known as “Mudras”.

In India, we have thousands of year old tradition of fine arts and classical music and dances. All these classical dance forms use basically the same ‘mudras’ or signs of hand as a common language of expression. Before, it was originally perform in the temples to entertain various Gods and Goddesses. They are also effective in carrying forward the various mythological stories from generation to generation while entertaining the audiences.

Do you want to know about NIOS Admission?

Types of Classical Dances

Some of the world-famous classical dance forms that originated and evolved in India are Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Manipuri and Odissi.

• Bharatnatyam: Bharatnatyam is one of the most popular classical Indian dance forms. Bharatnatyam is a dance of Tamil Nadu, it is more popular in South Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Originally it is a temple dance for women, Bharatanatyam often is used to express Hindu religious stories and devotions.
• Kathak: Kathak is one of the most important classical dance forms of India. The Kathak dance originated in North Indian states and it was very similar to the Bharatnatyam dance form. The movements of Kathak dance include intricate footwork accented by bells worn around the ankles and stylized gestures adapted from normal body language.
• Kathakali: Kathakali dance form comes from southwestern India, around the state of Kerala. The word Kathakali literally means “Story-Play”. Kathakali dance is especially known for its heavy, elaborate makeup and costumes. In fact, the colorful and fascinating costumes of Kathakali have become the most recognized symbol of Kerala.
• Kuchipudi: Kuchipudi is a classical dance form which is originated in South India. Unlike the other classical dance forms mentioned, Kuchipudi requires talent in both dancing and singing.
• Manipuri: Manipuri is one of the six major classical dance forms of India. Manipuri dance is originated in Manipur, the Northeastern state of India. The most striking part of Manipuri dance is its colorful decoration, lightness of dancing foot, the delicacy of drama, lilting music and poetic charm.
• Odissi: Odissi is one of the famous classical Indian dance forms comes from Orissa state. It is a highly inspire, passionate, ecstatic and sensuous dance form. Odissi dance is a very complex and expressive dance form, with over fifty mudras (symbolic hand gestures) commonly used.