Dances of India
Dance and music traditions have a rich and long history throughout South East Asia from the Vedic period to the 21st century. India, "the cradle of civilization" is home to innumerable classical art forms and hundreds of folk art forms from time immemorial. These art forms grew, flourished and evolved to the present day through many centuries and generations of dancers in a tradition of Guru-Shishya parampara or teacher-student system. Sustaining the tradition and inviting the new, this is a constant stream closely intertwined with the history of India.
Classical Dance Forms
Classical dance forms are characterized by its structure, tradition and creativity brought in by legendary performers through the ages demanding extremely strict regimen of practice and perfection. The classical dance forms of India are Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, Odissi, Mohiniattam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Yakshagana and ancient Sanskrit Dance Theater form named Koodiyattam, an art form recognized by UNESCO as a masterpiece of intangible heritage.
"Natya Shastra" is the comprehensive Sanskrit treatise on dance and many performing arts spanning throughout South East Asia. Spiritual dancing tradition originating from the temples and king's courts are now nurtured by innumerable dedicated dancers of all ages.
"Natya Shastra" is the comprehensive Sanskrit treatise on dance and many performing arts spanning throughout South East Asia. Spiritual dancing tradition originating from the temples and king's courts are now nurtured by innumerable dedicated dancers of all ages.
Bharatanatyam
Bharatanatyam is one of the oldest classical dance forms of the world originated in the temples of South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Known as "Sadir Attam" in the earlier stages, contributions, research and foresight of stalwarts like the Thanjavur Quartet, Rukmini Devi Arundale, Dr.Padma Subramaniam brought structure, dignity and popularity to the art form through their relentless efforts. From a temple art Bharatanatyam has grown and evolved into one of the most popular performing art celebrated by female and male dancers around the world.
Lord Shiva is believed to be the originator of all performing arts, also worshiped as Nataraja, the King of Dance.
Lord Shiva is believed to be the originator of all performing arts, also worshiped as Nataraja, the King of Dance.
Koodiyattam
Kathakali
Legendary Performance
Artist: Kalamandalam Vasu Pisharodi Singer: Kalamandalam Hyderali
Artist: Kalamandalam Vasu Pisharodi Singer: Kalamandalam Hyderali