Indian Classical Dances

 

 

Indian Classical Dances

 

Dance in India comprises the varied styles of dances and 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. These dance forms emerged from Indian traditions, epics and historical-mythology.

Sangeet Natak Akademi, recognizes EIGHT distinctive traditional dances as Indian Classical Dances. These are: 

•      Bharatanatyam- TN

 

•       Kathak- UP

 

•       Kathakali- Kerala

 

•      Kuchipudi- AP

 

•       Manipuri-Manipur

 

•      Mohiniyattam - Kerala

 

•       Odissi –Odisha

 

•      Sattriya -Assam

 

 

HISTORY AND MYTHOLOGY

In India all forms of art have a sacred origin and the inner experience of the soul finds its highest expression in music and dance.  Lord Shiva as Nataraja is its manifesting principle. Shiva manifests Tandava (masculine form) Parvati manifests Lasya (feminine form). Natya Shastra and Abhinaya Darpana tells us that, Lord Brahma created dance upon request of the Gods and it became known as the fifth Veda

 

CREATION OF NATYA VEDA

 

Prior to the creation of the Natya Veda, Brahma entered a Yogic trance and..

 

•      He drew literature from the Rig Veda,

 

•      Song from the Sama Veda,

 

•      Abhinaya or expression from the Yajur Veda and

 

•      Rasa or aesthetic experience from Atharva Veda.

 

These aspects are the four main constituents of the Natya Veda.

 

SIGNIFICANCE OF NATARAJA

 

Dance of Shiva is the dance of life as it represents all functions of Shiva as the creator, preserver and destroyer.  Abhaya& varadha hastham instill courage and bless with benevolence  Damaru & agni hastam represent creation& dissolution.  The upraised left foot represents blessing bestowed by the Lord and under the right foot is Muyalagan, which signifies triumph over ego.

 

ABHINAYA

Abhi” means “towards” – with the root “Ni” meaning “to lead”- (audience and performer) towards a particular state of being or feeling. 

 Four aspects namely:

 

•      Aangika: expression through body (sharira), face (mukha) and movement (cheshta).

 

•      Vachika: through words, literature and drama;

 

•      Aahaarya: through decorations of make-up, jewellery & costumes

 

Saathvika: acting out and manifesting different state of the mind & feelings

 

“angikam bhuvanam yasya vachicam sarva vangmayam aharyam chandra taradi tam vande satvikam shivam”

   -- We bow to Him the benevolent One, whose limbs are the world, whose song and poetry are the essence of all language, and who is adorned with the moon and the stars.

 

NAVARASA - EVOKING THE NINE EMOTIONAL ATTITUDES

 

1.     Shringara (erotic love),

 

2.      Haasya (humour & laughter),

 

3.      Karuna (compassion),

 

4.     Roudra (anger),

 

5.     Veera (heroism),

 

6.      Bhaya (fearful terror),

 

7.     Bheebatsa (disgust),

 

8.      Adbhuta (awe)

 

9.      Shanta (peacefulness).

 

 Emotional catharsis – cleansing negative aspects of emotions and sublimation for higher emotions of Divine Bhakti.  A type of psychological preventive therapy – helps develop positive emotional intelligence.