Study Notes on Classical Dance and Artists of India

Indian Classical Dance Overview

  • Indian Dance Categories

    • Indian dance is divided into two main categories:

    • Classical Dance (शास्त्रीय नृत्य)

      • Dances that originated from the classical period of Indian culture are called "Classical Dances".

    • Folk Dance (लोक नृत्य)

      • Folk dances depict the culture of the people of a region or community.

Classification of Classical Dances

  • Numbers of Classical Dances:

    • According to Sangeet Natak Academy:

    • Number of classical dances is 8.

    • According to Ministry of Culture:

    • Number of classical dances is 9.

    • The 9th classical dance is Chhau.

Historical Context of Classical Dance

  • Classical dance forms are described in Natyashastra, which is written by Bharat Muni.

    • Natyashastra is referred to as the "Pancham Veda" (the Fifth Veda).

Major Classical Dances of India

  1. Bharatanatyam

    • Origin: Tamil Nadu

    • Historical Name: Sadir

  2. Mohiniyattam

    • Origin: Kerala

  3. Kathak

    • Origin: Uttar Pradesh

  4. Odissi

    • Origin: Odisha

  5. Manipuri

    • Origin: Manipur

  6. Kuchipudi

    • Origin: Andhra Pradesh

  7. Kathakali

    • Origin: Kerala

  8. Sattriya

    • Origin: Assam

  9. Chhau

    • Origin: Jharkhand

Details of Bharatanatyam

  • Bharatanatyam is the oldest classical dance form of India.

Components of Bharatanatyam

  • Alaripu:

    • This portion includes poetry and serves as a warm-up segment.

  • Jatiswaram:

    • Dancers demonstrate their knowledge and skill in this section.

  • Shabdam:

    • Dramatic expressions are depicted here.

  • Varnam:

    • Different forms of dance categories are presented in this section.

  • Padam:

    • Contains a seven-line prayer.

  • Tillana:

    • Showcases various aspects of a woman's beauty.

Themes in Bharatanatyam

  • Bharatanatyam expresses the religious themes of South India and the spiritual ideas of Shaivism.

Styles of Bharatanatyam

  1. Meluthar Style

  2. Padanallur Style

  3. Kalakshetra Style

  4. Tanjore Style

  5. Vazhuvar Style

  6. Mysore Style

  7. Kalamandalam Style

Prominent Artists in Indian Classical Dance

  • Yamini Krishnamurthy

    • Awards:

    • Padma Shri (1968)

    • Padma Bhushan (2001)

    • Padma Vibhushan (2016)

  • Sonal Mansingh

    • State: Mumbai, Maharashtra

    • Awards:

    • Padma Bhushan (1992)

    • Padma Vibhushan (2003)

    • Youngest dancer to receive Padma Vibhushan

    • Lifetime Achievement Award at Sangeet Natak Academy Awards in November 2019

Additional Notable Artists

  • Rukmini Devi Arundale

  • Leela Samson

  • Mrinalini Sarabhai

  • Padma Subrahmanyam

  • Bissano Ram Gopal

  • Padmini Ramachandran

  • Vyjayanti Mala

  • Malavika Sarukkai

  • M. K. Saroja

Additional Individuals in Indian Classical Dance

  • Komal Vardhan

  • T. Bala Saraswathi

  • Shanta VP

  • Meenakshi Srinivasan

  • R. Mudhukannammal

  • Geeta Chandran

  • Anand Shankar Jayant

Characteristics of Kuchipudi

  • Kuchipudi dance is performed with Targam.

Conclusion/Final Notes

  • The richness of Indian Classical Dance encompasses a diversity of styles, forms, and regional influences.

  • It holds significant cultural and historical importance, reflecting the values and traditions of Indian society.