DANCE | INDIAN DANCE | CLASSICAL DANCE | KUCHIPUDI

KUCHIPUDI

Kuchipudi  is one of the eleven major Indian classical dances. It originated in a village named Kuchipudi in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.

Kuchipudi is a dance-drama performance, with its roots in the ancient Hindu Sanskrit text of Natya Shastra. It developed as a religious art linked to traveling bards, temples and spiritual beliefs, like all major classical dances of India. Evidence of Kuchipudi's existence in an older version are found in copper inscriptions of the 10th century, and by the 15th century in texts such as the Machupalli Kaifat. Kuchipudi tradition holds that Tirtha Narayana Yati – a sanyassin of Advaita Vedanta persuasion, and his disciple, an orphan named Siddhendra Yogi, founded and systematized the modern version of Kuchipudi in the 17th century. Kuchipudi largely developed as a Hindu god Krishna-oriented Vai shnavism tradition, and it is most closely related to Bhagavata Mela performance art found in Tamil Nadu.

The Kuchipudi performance usually begins with an invocation. Then, each costumed actor is introduced, their role stated, and they then perform a short preliminary dance set to music (dharavu). Next, the performance presents pure dance (nritta). This is followed with by the expressive part of the performance (nritya), where rhythmic hand gestures help convey the story. Vocal and instrumental Carnatic music in the Telugu language accompanies the performance. The typical musical instruments in Kuchipudi are mridangam, cymbals, veena, flute and the tambura.

The popularity of Kuchipudi has grown within India, and it is performed worldwide.

Costumes

The traditional Kuchipudi was performed by all males troupe. A dancer in a male role would be in Angivastra, also known as Bagalbandi, wear a dhoti (a single pleated piece of cloth hanging down from the waist).A dancer in a female role would wear a Sari with light makeup.

Modern productions retain the male dress, but are more elaborate and Bharatanatyam-like for the female roles. Women artists wear a brilliantly colorful Sari (or a body fitting dress) with a pleated fan stitched in front to help highlight the exacting footwork. The end of the wrapped Sari is held fast under a light metallic (golden or brass) belt at waist. A Kuchipudi artist braids her hair somewhat differently than a Bharatanatyam artist, to reflect the regional traditions, yet wearing flowers are common. Both have symbolic elements embedded in their hair and face jewelry, such as the Vedic symbolisms for the sun and the moon, the soul and the nature, and she sometimes sets her hairdo in the tribhuvana style which represents the three worlds. Her jewelry may include hair jewelry, ear, nose, armlets, necklaces and often a leather anklet piece with little bells (ghungroo). The forehead has a round red bindi or a symmetric tillaka, while the eyes are typically ringed with black collyrium to ease the viewing of expressions by the audience.

Some special Kuchipudi plays may include unusual costumes and theatrics, such as round bottom water pot balanced on the head, dancing with gymnastics or stilt athletics. Other plays may include wing props, a transparent head sheet, or peacock feathered crown to identify the actor playing Krishna.

Repertoire

The repertoire of Kuchipudi, like all major classical Indian dance forms, follows the three categories of performance in the ancient Hindu text Natya Shastra. These are Nritta, Nritya and Natya.

• The Nritta performance is abstract, fast and rhythmic aspect of the dance. The viewer is presented with pure movement in Nritta, wherein the emphasis is the beauty in motion, form, speed, range and pattern. This part of the repertoire has no interpretative aspect, no telling of story. It is a technical performance, and aims to engage the senses (prakriti) of the audience.

• The Nritya is slower and expressive aspect of the dance that attempts to communicate feelings, storyline particularly with spiritual themes in Hindu dance traditions. In a nritya, the dance-acting expands to include silent expression of words through gestures and body motion set to musical notes. The Kuchipudi actor articulates a story (particularly of Krishna) or a spiritual message. This part of a repertoire is more than sensory enjoyment, it aims to engage the emotions and mind of the viewer.

• The Natyam is a play, typically a team performance, but can be acted out by a solo performer where the dancer uses certain standardized body movements to indicate a new character in the underlying story. A Natya incorporates the elements of a Nritya. Kuchipudi, in its history relied on a team a dance-actors, while in modern times Kuchipudi productions include solo or duo performances.

Dance | Indian dance | Classical dance | Kathak

KATHAK

Kathak (कथक) is the Hindi name for one of the eight major forms of Indian classical dance. The origin of Kathak is traditionally attributed to the traveling bards of ancient northern India known as Kathakars or storytellers. The term Kathak is derived from the Vedic Sanskrit word Katha which means "story", and Kathaka which means "the one who tells a story", or "to do with stories". Wandering Kathakars communicated stories from the great epics and ancient mythology through dance, songs and music in a manner similar to early Greek theatre. Kathak dancers tell various stories through their hand movements and footwork, but most importantly through their facial expressions. Kathak evolved during the Bhakti movement, particularly by incorporating the childhood and stories of the Hindu god Krishna, as well as independently in the courts of north Indian kingdoms.

Kathak is found in three distinct forms, called "gharanas", named after the cities where the Kathak dance tradition evolved – Jaipur, Banaras and Lucknow. While the Jaipur gharana focuses more on the foot movements, the Banaras and Lucknow gharanas focus more on facial expressions and graceful hand movements. Stylistically, the Kathak dance form emphasizes rhythmic foot movements, adorned with small bells (Ghungroo), and the movement harmonized to the music. The legs and torso are generally straight, and the story is told through a developed vocabulary based on the gestures of arms and upper body movement, facial expressions, stage movements, bends and turns. The main focus of the dance becomes the eyes and the foot movements. The eyes work as a medium of communication of the story the dancer is trying to communicate. With the eyebrows the dancer gives various facial expressions. The difference between the sub-traditions is the relative emphasis between acting versus footwork, with Lucknow style emphasizing acting and Jaipur style famed for its spectacular footwork.

Kathak Duet Performance

Kathak Group Performance

kathak rounds

Kathak Facial Expressions

Indian dance | Indian classical Dance | Bharatnatyam

BHARATNATYAM

Bharatanatyam  also historically called Sadir, is a major genre of Indian classical dance that originated in Tamil Nadu.  Traditionally, Bharatanatyam has been a solo dance that was performed exclusively by women, and it expressed South Indian religious themes and spiritual ideas, particularly of Shaivism, Vaishnavism and Shaktism.

Bharatnatyam be the oldest classical dance tradition of India.

Bharatanatyam style is noted for its fixed upper torso, legs bent or knees flexed out combined with spectacular footwork, a sophisticated vocabulary of sign language based on gestures of hands, eyes and face muscles. The dance is accompanied by music and a singer, and typically her guru is present as the director and conductor of the performance and art. The dance has traditionally been a form of an interpretive narration of mythical legends and spiritual ideas from the Hindu texts. 

Bharatanatyam remained exclusive to Hindu temples through the 19th century. It was banned by the colonial British government in 1910, but the Indian community protested against the ban and expanded it outside the temples in the 20th century. Modern stage productions of Bharatanatyam have incorporated technical performances, pure dance based on non-religious ideas and fusion themes.

INDIAN CLASSICAL DANCE

Indian classical dance, or Shastriya Nritya, is an umbrella term for various performance arts rooted in religious Hindu musical theatrestyles, whose theory and practice can be traced to the Sanskrit text Natya Shastra.

The number of recognized classical dances range from eight to more, depending on the source and scholar. The Sangeet Natak Akademi recognizes eight – Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Kathakali, Sattriya, Manipuri and Mohiniyattam. Scholars such as Drid Williams add Chhau, Yakshagana and Bhagavata Mela to the list. The Culture Ministry of the Government of India includes Chhau in its classical list. These dances are traditionally regional, all of them include music and recitation in local language or Sanskrit, and they represent a unity of core ideas in a diversity of styles, costumes and expression. Indian classical dance is made from India and classical dance is played by various actors.

Dance forms

The Natya Shastra mentions four Pravrittis (traditions, genres) of ancient dance-drama in vogue when it was composed – Avanti (Ujjain, central), Dakshinatya (south), Panchali(north, west) and Odra-Magadhi (Odisha-Bihar-Bengal, east).

Sources differ in their list of Indian classical dance forms. Encyclopædia Britannica mentions six dances. The Sangeet Natak Akademi has given recognition to nine Indian dances.The Indian government's Ministry of Culture includes eleven dance forms.^[34] Scholars such as Drid Williams and others include Chhau, Yaksagana and Bhagavata Melato the eight classical Indian dances in the Sangeet Natak Akademi list.

The classical dance forms recognised by the Sangeet Natak Akademi and the Ministry of Culture are:

• Bharatanatyam, from Tamil Nadu
• Kathak, from Northern and Western India
• Kathakali, from Kerala
• Kuchipudi, from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
• Odissi, from Odisha
• Sattriya, from Assam
• Manipuri, from Manipur
• Mohiniyattam, from Kerala
• Chhau, from Jharkhand, West Bengal and Odisha
• Oyilattam, from Tamil Nadu
• 

  Bharatanatyam
 
• 

  Kathak
 
• 

  Kathakali
 
• 

  Kuchipudi
 
• 

  Odissi
 
• 

  Sattriya
 
• 

  Manipuri
• 

  Mohiniyattam

INDIAN DANCES

Dance in india include classical, semiclassical, folk and tribal.

DANCE IN INDIA

Dance in India comprises numerous styles of dances, generally classified as classical or folk. As with other aspects of Indian culture, different forms of dances originated in different parts of India, developed according to the local traditions and also imbibed elements from other parts of the country.

Sangeet Natya Academy, the national academy for performing arts in India, recognizes eight traditional dances as Indian classical dances, while other sources and scholars recognize more. These have roots in the Sanskrit text Natya Shastra, and the religious performance arts of Hinduism.

Folk dances are numerous in number and style and vary according to the local tradition of the respective state, ethnic or geographic regions. Contemporary dances include refined and experimental fusions of classical, folk and Western forms. Dancing traditions of India have influence not only over the dances in the whole of South Asia, but on the dancing forms of South East Asia as well. Dances in Indian films like Bollywood Dance for Hindi films, are often noted for freeform expression of dance and hold a significant presence in popular culture of the Indian subcontinent.

TOP 10 TYPES OF DANCES IN THE WORLD 

1. Ballet Dancing

Tutus, pointe shoes and men in tights are what instantly what come to mind when someone speaks of ballet. It is so much more than that. Said to be the most difficult genre to master, ballet is also the core of all dance. Usually set to orchestrated music (but is not limited too), ballet is a poised style of dance and is the basis of many other forms. Ballet is often the first dance style a child will experience as they begin their dance training. Ballet shoes are worn until the dancers feet have developed enough strength to progress into pointe shoes. This is often around the age of 12 and only after the students have been given permission by their teacher. Ballet is an excellent teaching tool for all dancers as it is a complex mixture of technique, coordination and musicality.

2. Tap Dancing

Tap is best described as "musical feet". Tap is a form of dance where dancers use their feet as percussive instruments. They wear shoes specially designed with metal plates on the toe and heel. These are called taps, labeling the shoes as Tap Shoes. There are many different styles of tapping however the two most noted are Rhythm Tap and Broadway Tap. Rhythm Tap is more musically driven, where as Broadway Tap is more dance and movement oriented. Tap is great for fostering rhythm in dancers.

3. Jazz

Jazz is the most popular style of dance amongst dancers. Jazz embodies many aspects of dance. It has been influenced by ballet, modern, tap, hip-hop, African dance and many more styles. Jazz pulls from all dance styles mixing them together to create a high energy style that knows no boundaries. Jazz is most often set to up beat popular songs of the time. Jazz shoes are worn for this style and are typically a leather split sole allowing the dancers foot more freedom to bend and move. Due to the upbeat music, power packed moves and limitless style, it isn’t hard to see why this is the most popular dance style!

4. Modern Dance

Modern was said to be developed as a rebellion against classical ballet. Since then it has come into its own. Built on concepts of rawness, modern dance focuses on the dancers strong relationship with the floor, concepts of contraction & release and the connectivity of breath and , movement. Modern can be performed in bare feet, or with a half-sole type of shoe that will allow a great amount of freedom in the foot while providing protection from the floor. Dance Paws, FootUndeez, and half sole Twylas are some of the most popular styles worn in modern. Though developed out of the distaste for classical ballet, modern and ballet are closely linked in the complexity of technique, coordination and musicality.

5. Lyrical

The basis of lyrical is ballet but also encompasses both jazz and modern. It is expressive, simultaneously subtle and dynamic.  It focuses on conveying musicality and emotion through movement. It is usually set to popular songs and is based around feelings and emotions. Lyrical is often danced wearing Twyla’s, Dance Paws, FootUndeez or bare feet. Though proper dance techniques are important, the true heart of lyrical is found in its expressive nature.

6. Hip Hop

Hip Hop is an urban dance style also known as Street Dance. Hip Hop is edgy, raw and intense. Hip Hop is mostly danced to hip hop, urban, and rap music. What sets Hip Hop apart from most dance genres is that it is often freestyle in nature and does not follow a vocabulary. Hip Hop is a stylf of dance that is open to personal expression. Hip Hop is the founder of popping, locking and crumping. High top sneakers, funky bright sneakers, and traditinal Hip Hop shoes are worn.

7. Contemporary

Contemporary dance embodies ballet, modern, jazz and lyrical. It uses technique such as ballet as its fundamentals and creates many more greater movements that do not adhere to the strict rules of ballet and modern. There are different categories of contemporary dance such as Contemporary Ballet and Contemporary Jazz. Contemporary dance is often danced to all types of music and in bare feet with non-traditional costumes.

8. Highland Dancing

Highland dance was developed in the Gaelic Highlands of Scotland and should not be confused with Scottish Country Dancing. Highland dancing requires a lot of stamina , as well as arm and leg strength. Many people may compare Scottish highland dance to Irish dance but, Irish dance is progressive and Highland dancing is traditional. Ballet shoes may be worn on younger dancers, however the traditional Ghillies are often requested. The eyelets found on Highland shoes are flat with metal rings.

9. Line Dancing

Line Dancing is a social dance that is made up of a sequence of steps that is repeated. Line dancing is associated with country-western music and dance.  Line dancing is a solo dance that is danced in a straight line, a circle or in a “follow the leader” pattern. Footwear is decided by the dancer and is if often cowboy boots for the men and heels for the women. Many women choose to wear a Cuban heel shoe as it offers great support and is the perfect heel height for any age!

10. Irish Dancing

Irish dancing originated from Ireland and can be divided into performance and social dances. Made famous by Riverdance it is best recognized by its rapid leg and foot movements while the body and arms are kept largely stationary. Irish soft shoes and hard shoes are worn. They type of shoe is dependant on the style of Irish dance. Irish dancers are also known for their bold-colour, and intricately detailed dance costumes.

Historical facts on dance

Facts of Dance

• Around 30 thousand people are employed in UK dance industry today, maintaining around 200 dance companies.

• First archeological proof of dance comes from the 9 thousand year old cave paintings in India.
• One of the earliest uses of structured dance was introduced in religious ceremonies that told the stories of ancient myths and gods. Egyptian priests used this kind of visual storytelling in their rituals.
• Ancient Egyptians used dancing for both entertainment and religion.
• Dance represented important parts of many Greek and Roman religious ceremonies.
• Ancient Greeks and Romans annually celebrated their wine gods Dionysus and Bacchus with several days long festivities filled with alcohol, song and dance.
• History of European medieval dance is fragmented and limited, but is believed that simple folk dances were widespread among common and wealthy classes.
• Modern dance history in Europe started with Renaissance, when many new dances were invented. After that, periods of Baroque, post French Revolution, Elizabethan era, World War 1, Prohibition, Ragtime and pre-WW2 brought many new waves of dance styles.
• Waltz, one of the most popular dances today came into popularity in mid-19th century by the efforts of the famous composer Johann Strauss, but its origins can be traced even to the distant 16th century.
• At first, waltz was performed with arm's length between male and female dances. The shocking transition to the close embrace happened only after English Queen Victoria fell in love with the dance and forced this change.
• Even people in wheelchairs can dance! Such dancing is very popular in Europe where there are even competitions in Latin dances with special wheelchair choreographies.
• Professional dance is today regarded as one of the most demanding physical abilities and sports. According to studies, 80% of all professional dances have at least one major injury during their career and staggering 93% of all dance teachers were forced into that position after career ending injury.
• High amount of injuries in professional dancing is induced by high levels of fatigue, little time for rest, inadequate healing techniques and high stress levels. All those factors can produce burn out periods when dancers have decreased strength, coordination, cognitive and immune functions.
• Lion Dance is one of the most popular religious and ceremonious dances in China and surrounding countries of Taiwan, Korea and Japan. This dance can signify bringing of good fortune, ward of evil spirits and be an excellent showcase in martial arts proficiency.