MANIPURI

Among the classical categories the cult of Radha and Krishna particularly "RASALILA" is a highly evolved dance drama choreographed on vaishnavite padavalis. The song is composed by eminent Bengali poets and some Manipuri gurus.It is the highest expression of artistic genius , devotion and excellence of Manipuris.Sometimes the cymbals {Kartal or Manjira} and double headed drum {Pung or Manipuri mridang} of Sankirtan is incorporated into the visual performance.

ODISSI

The ODISSI tradition existed in three schools : Mahari ; Nartaki and Gotipua.
Maharis were Orissan devadasies or temple girls.Their name deriving from Maha {great} and Nari{Woman}.Thus Mahri means the chosen one.This especially denotes those at the temple of Jagannath Puri.Let us peep into the grandeur of The Lord at puri who is none other than Lord Krishna in company of his brother and sister.The lord is considered as Purushotham , the Lord of the universe or the supreme personality of the universe.Also known as Dham , it is one of the Holy Kshetras of India including temples at Rameshwaram , Dwaraka and Badrinath.

KUCHIPUDI

Another unique feature of Kuchipudi is the Tarangam , in which the performer dances on the edges of a brass plate , executing complicated rhythmic patterns with dexterity , while sometimes also balancing a pot of water on the head.There is a beautiful legend behind the origin of this beautiful dance form.As we know Kuchelapuram is a small town around 65 km from Vijayawada.

BHARATA NATYAM

Without giving an introductiion to "Natyashastra" it may look very incomplete to move forward into the various aspects of this beautiful artform.Bharata Natyashastra is a detailed treatise and handbook on dramatic artform that deals with all aspects of classical sanskrit theatre or Bharatanatyam.It is believed to have been written by the mythic Brahamn sage and priest Bharata sometime between{1st century BCE-3rd century CE.Its many chapters contain detailed summary about all the diverse arts that encompass other Indian classical genres like drama,dance,music ,poetics and general aesthetics.The book exhorts that the indian classical drama is a vehicle for religious enlightenment.

KATHAKALI

Kathakali is performed to a live musical accompaniment.The accompanists stand on the stage a little away from the performing artists.The make is elaborate and much stylised along with colourful costumes that it is almost impossible to recognise the artist in normal clothes even if you have watched him perform one whole night.Kathakali's means of communication are very structured.So,one certainly needs to have a clear idea of the form to understand or follow a performance.

MOHINIYATTAM

As we look back to the origin of MOHINIYATTAM , it can also be adjudged as a temple dance performed by the devadasies.I t also has elements of Koothu and Kootiyattam in it.Mohiniyattam is a drama in dance and verse.It also has influence of Bharatanatyam and Kathakali in it.This artform was formulated in the court of Swathithirunal by Vadivelu ,one of the Tanjavur quartet.

KATHAK

Kathak is a dance of communication reflecting the total philosophy of life.It adheres to tradition yet,at the same time it develops in new directions.Kathak is a vehicle for all emotions.It is universal in concept,unlike other Indian classical dances,it absorbs other cultures.It was when the dance reached the Mughal courts after the 16th century that Kathak began to acquire its distinctive shape and features.