MANIPURI

MYTH AND ORIGIN: The movements of the body, feet and facial expressions in the Manipuri dance are extremely delicate and aspire to exhibit complete devotion and gracefulness. This is applicable only for the female dancers. On the other hand the performance by the male counterparts is fully charged with enthusiasm and vigour. Its usually accompanied with props like drum , sticks etc. More than the classical inclinatin it depicts more of ritual movements .

Contrary to other classical dance forms the origin of MANIPURI dance is shrouded in mystery. Hence many myths and legends have been associated with the same. The Manipuris consider themselves to be the descendants of the Gandharvas , who were the legendary musicians and dancers in the celestials court of the Gods(INDRA) .Thus this dnce form belongs to the valley people who call themselves METIES and trace their distant past to the vedic times.