Classical dances of India

Classical Dances of India.

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 (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. Scholars such as Drid Williams and others include Chhau, Yaksagana and Bhagavata Mela to 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 Uttar Pradesh

Kathakali, from Kerala

Kuchipudi, from Andhra Pradesh

Odissi, from Odisha

Sattriya, from Assam

Manipuri, from Manipur

Mohiniyattam, from Kerala

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Folk Dances of Kerala

Chavittukali is a folk dance form similar to Kolkali, the only difference being that it does not require sticks as in Kolkali. The Ullada, Oorali, Cherumar and Kanakkaar communities perform this dance. Normally there are no percussion instruments used in the background, but there are local variations in this dance form, based on the community which performs it. It is said that the Oorali community uses instruments to accompany the songs while the rest of the communities do not.

The performers that are usually ten or twelve in number can go up to 30 or more in temple festivals. The leader of the group is referred to as Guruvan. The other performers are called Kalimakkal. The area where the dance is performed is called Kalivattom. A traditional lamp called Nilavilakku is lit at the centre, around which the dancers gather in a circle and dance.

This dance form is usually performed during festivals like Onam, Vishu or at temple fairs. The artistes wear no special make-up or costumes. The dance progresses with hand gestures, clapping and rhythmic steps in a circle. Both men and women participate in this folk dance.