CLASSICAL DANCE FORMS OF INDIA - Bharathanatyam and Mohiniyattam

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 Classical Dance Forms of India

The dance forms of India has its own ethnicity and its own style. Having originated from different geographical locations, these dance forms have taken a stand for themselves. There are 8 major dance forms prevailing at present:

Bharathanatyam, from Tamil Nadu,

Mohiniyattam, from Kerala,

Kathakali from Kerala ,

Kuchipudi, from Andhra Pradesh,

Kathak, from Uttar Pradesh,

Odissi, from Odisha,

Manipuri, from Manipur,    

Sattriya, from Assam.

 

BHARATHANATYAM


 

 Having originated from Tamilnadu, Bharathanatyam has an etymology of an ancient language, Sanskrit, derived by joining 2 words, "BHARATHA" and "NATYAM".

Bharatha is a mnemonic containing "Bha" meaning Bhavas / Emotions, "Ra" meaning Raga / Melody and "Tha" meaning Thalam / Rhythm. In a nutshell, Bharathanatyam means a dance that expresses Bhava, Raga and Thala.

Bharathanatyam consists of six portions:

  • Alaarippu
  • Jathiswaram
  • Shabdham
  • Varnam
  • Padham
  • Thillana

The Bharatanatyam dress worn by Bharatanatyam dancers is traditionally adorned with robes consisting of elaborate tailor-made saris. The front of the sari is decorated with a specially pleated fabric that will open in a fan-like pattern when the dancer bends her knees or displays her more intricate footwork. The artist will also typically wear leather straps (called Ghunghru in Hindi, Salangai in Tamil and Chilanga in Malayalam) around her ankles so the audience may hear, as well as see, her foot movements. 

Some of the famous Bharathanatyam dancers are: 

  • Rukmini Devi Arundale
  • Padma Subrahmanyam
  • Mrinalini Sarabhai
  • Shobana
  • Sudha Chandran
     

MOHINIYATTAM


 

Mohiniyattam is an Indian classical dance form that showcases the graceful, gentle, and cunning aspects of the female form. It is traditionally and primarily performed by women but has been studied and performed by people of all genders.

The meaning of Mohiniyattam begins with the figure Mohini, the female avatar of Vishnu. Mohini is a supreme enchantress who uses her femininity to gain the advantage of good against evil. This style of dance evolved in Kerala, whose temple structures are the earliest manifestations of feminine Mohiniyattam poses. 

Today, the practice and performance of the Mohiniyattam dance remain a vital point of the culture.This beautiful dance form consists of 5 parts namelt:

  • Cholkettu
  • Jathiswaram
  • Varnam
  • Padham
  • Thillana

Mohiniyattam dancers are adorned in traditional costume and makeup, including a white and gold-bordered Kasavu saree and gold bangle bracelets or earrings. The attire of this practice is derived from the traditional attire of the Kerala people. Makeup and hair arrangements are standardized, as well, to promote and emphasize dramatic facial expressions.

Some of the famous Mohiniyattam dancers are:

  • Sunanda Nair
  • Kalamandalam Kalyanikutty Amma
  • Jayaprabha Menon
  • Pallavi Krishnan
  • Gopika Varma 


CONCLUSION:

 Dance serves as an integral part of every society. Classical dance shows the rich culture and heritage of both ancient and modern India. Promoting and protecting our culture remains our obligation to our nation.


Credits: 

  • https://www.ipassio.com/wiki/dance/indian-classical-dance/bharatanatyam
  • https://www.ipassio.com/wiki/dance/indian-classical-dance/mohiniyattam
  • https://techhubinfo.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/mohiniyattam1.jpg
  • https://i.pinimg.com/236x/bd/4f/3c/bd4f3cc1a157916f8707d8b94a11b789.jpg


From the blogger:

I sincerely hope you guys enjoyed my blog and further believe that you stay tuned for further exploration and investigation into the other dance forms.

~ Nandhanaa Santhosh

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