Classical Dance Forms And Its Impact On Kids

India has a rich history of classical dance forms. Dance forms in India roots back to ‘Natya Shastra’ one of the ancient books on art and literature penned by Sage Bharata around 500 BC. The rich history of Indian dance forms was evident even during the Indus Valley Civilisation. Archaeological excavations in Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa unearthed figurines depict that dance played a major role in the social life of people in that period.

Reviving Indian Classical Dance Forms

In recent years the younger generation seems to have a lost interest towards Indian dance forms. It’s natural as they seem to have a very short attention span and need more patience to learn or appreciate the art form which requires discipline. They are more interested in a 60 seconds reel than watching a dance performance that is detailed and is a story in itself. But there are some who do show a keen interest in classical dance forms in India. Classical dance in Indian society is not just rhythmic movements but a form of devotion.

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The motive of Indian classical dance is Rasanubhuti i.e. evoking emotions or rasas. The navrasa or nine rasas emoting romance, humour, misery, wrath, valour, fear, disgust, surprise and peace helps kids control their bodies, and express their emotions better. These dance forms introduce children to the country’s rich culture and heritage and they develop confidence and a deeper connection to their roots. Ministry of Culture, India has recognised nine classical dances of India

Bharatanatyam

• Origin: Bharatnayam originated from the temples of the state of Tamil Nadu.

• About: It has a lot of hand-eye movements to express emotions. There are many mudras (hand/finger gestures), abhinaya (facial expressions), and padams (narrative dances) in this dance form. Bharatanatyam gives emphasis to padartha abhinaya i.e. using body movements and facial expressions to bring life and meaning to every word in the performance.

• Benefits: The abhinaya and navarasas in Bharatanatyam help the dancers to express their inner emotions. Regular practice of Bharatanatyam regulates emotional well-being. The leg moments in dance performance strengthen the muscles at the back of the thighs.

• Famous Bharatanatyam dancers: Mallika Sarabhai, Yamini Krishnamurthy and Uday Shankar.

Manipuri Dance

• Origin: Manipuri dance originated from the northeastern state of Manipur.

• About: Manipuri dance is associated with devotion and prayer. The dance form traditionally has delicate, rhythmic and smooth movements. The footwork in this dance form does not involve hitting the floor hard while dancing. This saves the dancer from getting hurt even after a long duration of practice.

• Benefits: The smooth and flowing movements in the dance form help dancers achieve grace, control over their bodies, and a peaceful state of mind.

• Famous Manipuri dancers: Yumlembam Gambhini Devi, Guru Bipin Sinha, Darshana Jhaver.

Kathak

• Origin: Kathak originated from the North-Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.

• About: Dance performance in kathak involves tatkar or fast footwork, chakkar or spins, bhava or expression and abhinaya or acting.

• Benefits: The strong and fast work in the dance performance helps the dancer release his/ her suppressed anger and frustration through rhythmic movements. The rhythmic leg movements control the sound of multiple ghungroos to the sound of one ghungroo. It teaches children the importance of focus and concentration.

• Famous Kathak dancers: Pandit Birju Maharaj, Svetlana Tulasi, Sunayana Hazarlal Agarwal.

Odissi

• Origin: The dance form Odissi originated from the state of Odisha.

• About: Dance postures in Odissi involve taking tribhangi stances where the body bends in different directions at the knees, hips and shoulders. The range of movementsPioneers in Chhau: in this dance form includes approximately 36 leg movements, seven spins, and a variety of expressive gestures.

• Benefits: This dance form has multiple forms of sitting, walking, jumping and raising of the body that is similar to therapy for the body. As per research, Odissi dancers have better-functioning lungs and greater muscular control of the waist.

• Famous Odissi dancers: Kelucharan Mohapatra, Kumkum Mohanty, Sonal Mansingh.

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Kathakali

• Origin: The classical dance form of Kathakali originated in the state of Kerala.

• About: Kathakali is a dynamic dance form that combines facial expressions, and rhythmic movements of hands, legs, and body. It also involves dramatic enactment with mudras and vocal and instrumental accompaniment. The performers shift their body weight during the movement of leg extensions followed by intricate facial gestures. Kathakali uniquely emphasises muscular strength, enhancing its powerful performances.

• Benefits: Kathakali dance involves intricate facial movements and stretching of facial muscles which is like a facial therapy for the performers. The rigorous training in Kathakali enhances flexibility, balance, and bodily control. Additionally, wearing the heavy Kathakali costume regularly contributes to physical strength in dancers.

• Pioneers in Kathakali: Kanak Rele, Kalamandalam Gopi, Kottakkal Sivaraman.

Mohiniattam

• Origin: Mohiniattam is also a classical dance form from Kerala.

• About: Mohiniattam is derived from the word ‘mohini' which refers to a woman who can hypnotise with her beauty. This is a dance form of enchantment. It celebrates feminine beauty through graceful movements.

• Benefits: Performers in Mohiniattam move their body gently from side to side, showing strength and control in different muscles. The movements involving the balancing of the body, emoting expression, and stretching of muscles feel like therapy to the body.

• Famous Mohiniattam dancers: Smitha Rajan, Sunanda Nair, Jolly Mathew.

Kuchipudi

• Origin: Kuchipudi originated from the south Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.

• About: The movements in this dance form are fast, lively, and unpredictable. It focuses on vachika abhinaya or dialogue-based dance themes with an emphasis on detailed expressions by the dancers.

• Benefits: The elegant and smooth dance movements have therapeutic effects on the performer. The postures and movements in this dance form lower the level of stress, strengthen the muscles and evokes self-consciousness in the dancer.

• Famous Kuchhipudi dancers: Vempati Chinna Satyam, Yamini Reddy, Haleem Khan.

Sattriya

• Origin: Sattriya is a classical dance form of the northeastern state of Assam.

• About: Sattriya is a unique style of classical Indian dance. It has its own language of hand gestures, footwork, movement, and expression. Sattriya's repertoire revolves around devotion to the almighty.

• Benefits: This dance form has different stances for male and female dancers. Purush Pak position during the dance, while girls use the Prakriti Pak posture. The rigorous training, intricate footwork, detailed hand gestures and expression improves the physical fitness and the mental focus of the performer. The deep-rooted connection with spirituality fosters a sense of cultural identity in the dancers.

• Famous Sattriya dancers: Guru Jatin Goswami, Sharodi Saikia, Anwesha Mahanta.

Chhau

• Origin: Chaau dance originated in eastern India. It thrives in three regional styles: Purulia Chau (Bengal), Seraikella Chau (Jharkhand), and Mayurbhanj Chau (Odisha).

• About: The steps of this dance form are a mixture of martial, folk and temple traditions. The Chhau dancer plays the role of the almighty, hunter, animal, bird, night or flower and performs various sketches or plots in the annual Chaitra Parva festival. The Chhau dancers pass on this art to male members of their family to carry on their family tradition.

• Benefits: Chhau dancers develop physical strength as their dancing techniques involve elements of martial arts. This dance form helps to tone muscles, and burn calories. It also improves blood circulation, lower blood pressure, and reduces the risk of heart disease through energetic movements and stretches.

• Pioneers in Chhau: Banabali Das,Rajendra Pattanayak,Upendra Biswal.

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Introducing kids to the fusion of Indian classical and western dance forms can be an exciting way to explore dance. Combining Bharatanatyam with Ballet can create a captivating performance that highlights the beauty of both styles. Kids can add their own twist by using an Ed Sheeran track, in their Kathak performances for instance to create an interesting and modern performance while maintaining their cultural identity.