Sunday, March 29, 2009

THE ART OF INDIAN TRADITIONAL DANCE

Indian classical dance is a relatively new umbrella term for various codified art forms rooted in Natya, the sacred Hindu musical theatres styles, whose theory can be traced back to the Natya Shastra of Bharata Muni (400 BC). These are:
Dances performed inside the sanctum of the temple according to the rituals were called Agama Nartanam. This was a spiritual dance form.
Dances performed in royal courts to the accompaniment of classical music were called Carnatakam. This was an intellectual art form.
Darbari Aattam form of dance appealed more to the commoners and it educated them about their religion, culture and social life. These dances were performed outside the temple precincts in the courtyards. - Wikipedia-


The world of Indian dance is rather wide, similar to its music. Since, it is tremendously extensive, I would best segregate it into two categories, that are, the North India Classical Dance and the South Indian Classical Dance.

Below are the examples of:


North Indian Classical Dance

Bhangra


Kathak



Manipuri



Dandiya










South Indian Classical Dance

Bharata Natyam



Kathakali


Pulikali / Kadavukali



Kuchipudi




Mayilattam / Mayuri Nritya


Odissi












2 comments:

  1. Dear sheila
    I do enjoy and appreciate the indian classical dance thanks to Ramli Ibrahim Odissi and Bharata Natyam performance. I realize now it is not easy to really master the steps. How about you ? Can you dance?

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  2. Dear Datin Norizan,
    Honestly, I've never attended dance classes or learned any sort of dance. But surprisingly, I was rather astonished and pleasantly surprised at how Datin suggested that I should champion on Dance, mainly Indian traditional dance. I always loved dancing and look at it as a wonderful past time! Well.. My college (Aminuddin Baki) recently threw us a Dinner of Appreciation (ABADI) so my friends and I grabbed the opportunity to perform a comedy semi-classical dance. It contains elements of Odissi too! I am sure to upload it here on my blog once I've received the video.
    Thank You Datin!
    -Sheelaa-

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