MANIPURI

Manipuri dance is claimed to be one of the most modest ,softest and mildest , but one of the most meaningful dances of the world.Its purely religious and its aim is a spiritual experience.The most obliging aspect of Manipuri culture is that it has retained the ancient ritual based dances and folk dances along with the later developed classical Manipuri dance style.

ODISSI

Odissi dance has a long , but broken tradition.Although dance in Odissa{Orissa} may be traced back more than 2000 years,it was brought to near extinction during the colonial period.The modern Odissi dance is actually a reconstruction of the older form.Dancers are found depicted in the hills of Udayagiri{near Bhubaneshwar} dating back to the 1st century BC.Ihe Natya shastra speaks of the dance from this region and refers to it as Odra Magadhi.

KUCHIPUDI

Kuchipudi today is performed either as a solo or group presentation,but historically it was performed as a dance drama ,with several dancers taking different roles.The themes are mostly derived from the scriptures and mythology and the portrayal of certain characters is a central motif of this dance form.One such example is Satyabhama,the colourful second consort of Lord Krishna.

BHARATA NATYAM

An important matter that we have to keep in mind is that "BHARATA NATYAM" is a term just more than half a century old.The original version of the same called "SADIR" has certainly been influenced by the "NATYASAHSTRA" the ancient sanskrit text of dramatology.The "Natyashastra" is believed to have been created in the 2nd century B.C.

MOHINIYATTAM

In the second story the Lord appears as Mohini to save Lord Shivafrom the demon Bhasmasura.Hence we understand that the name Mohini may have been coined after Lord Vishnu . and the main themes of the dance is love{sringara} and devotion{bhakti} to god.The striking feature of this dance form is the much stylish and arresting hairdo along with the white kasavu bordered attire , which elivates the dance to a totally different level.

KATHAKALI

Kathakali is spectacular,colourful,exaggerated and out of the world.The audience sit spell bound at many occasions..!!!The memory lingers on...I still feel the chill of witnessing a "kathakali" repertoire when i was just 8 years old in an open ground.
Kathakali performances narrate many popular portionsfrom Hindu mythology.Most performances are based on Mahabharata,Ramayana,Bhagavatha purana etc.Hence vaishnavite themes occupy a promonent place.There are ofcourse performances based on shaivite themes also.

KATHAK

This dance form traces its origin to the nomadic bards of the ancient northern India.These bards performed mainly in village squares and temple courtyards.They told stories from mythology and moral tales from scripturs embellishing their recitals with hand gestures and facial expressions.The stories were enlivened with instrumental and vocal music along with stylized gestures.

MANIPURI

The state of Manipur is tucked away in the north-eastern corner of India surrounded by mountains and geographically isolated from the mainland India.Hence this dance form developed its own specific aesthetics,values ,conventions and ethics.The cult of Radha and Krishna popularly known as the RASALILA is central to its themes.The attire of Krishna is spectacular with its peacock feathers..

ODISSI

This classical dance form is unique from the other classical dances due to the feature called "Tribhangi"..{literally three parts break}.The independent movement of head,chest and pelvis.Another striking feature is the basic square stance known as "Chauka".

KUCHIPUDI

The technique of Kuchipudi makes use of fast rhythmic foot work and sculpturesque body movements, stylized mime using hand gestures and subtle facial expressions.There is more realistic acting which occasionally is accompanied with dialogues spoken by the dancers.Kuchipudi today is performed either as a solo or group presentation.

BHARATA NATYAM

Bharata natyam is one of the oldest dance forms of India.It was nurtured in the temples and courtsof Southern India since ancient times.There is an interesting mythological story behind the origin of this art form.This art form was known as "sadir" till the 19th century.It was performed by the Devadasies in temples.Under the Devasi system women were dedicated to the temples to serve the deity as dancers and musicians forming part of the elaborate rituals.

KATHAKALI

Kathakali is a theatre form of Kerala involving many artistes playing different roles.It is not a solo art form.In the yesterdays only men performed this form donning both male and female roles.Presently there are female performers too,thought not in large numbers.Kathakali is very elaborate , specific and well defined in its make-up technique and costume designing.

MOHINIYATTAM

The term literally means the " The dance of the enchantress". Mohini is the enchantress.There are two stories in our mythology which throw some light to the naming of this artform.In both Lord Vishnu is disguised as Mohini.In one Lord appears as Mohini to lure the asuras{Demons}away from the amrita{nectar of immortality} obtained during the churning of palazhi{Ocean of milk}.