Which Dances Represent Indian culture | Their states of origin

6 Classical dance forms that represent Indian culture and are more than a dance performance

By Intimate Viewpoint

Dance has been of great importance in Indian culture. The different types of dance forms in India reflect the uniqueness of the culture of India. Out of these various dance forms, 6 classical dances are very famous in the entire world.

The "Sangeet Natak Academy" recently endowed classical status on these Indian classical dances.

* Bharat Natyam- It is one of the popular dance forms in India. It originated in Tamil Nadu in the South of India.

Bharat Natyam is beautified by beautiful body movements and gestures known as "Mudras". Mudras consist of hand gestures, leg movements, and facial expressions.

In the olden days, this classical dance was greatly encouraged in the court of kings and Badshah. It is recognized as a respectable dance form.

* Kathakali - Kathakali is a classical dance form of Kerala. It is based on storytelling. The story of Ramayana, Krishna Leela, Shiv, and Vishnu is told through facial expressions body movements, and hand and leg gestures.

Kathakali is performed by wearing a unique costume and face mask known as "Kathakali Besham" which represents the uniqueness of this specific dance form. Green paint is applied on the visual part of the body like the face and hands. Which makes this dance form more unique. 

The dance is performed on a music which includes only the vocals it is known as Soppanam.

* Kathak - It is a dance form of Uttar Pradesh in the North of India. Kathak is the classical dance form that used to adorn the courts of the Emperor and Maharajas in the olden days. 

It is a respectable dance form that presents the culture of India. It is also performed by wearing a specific, traditional costume like other classical dances. The Ghungroos or the ankle bells are a must while the dance is being performed traditionally.

The word "Kathak" came from the word "Katha" which means story. The love stories of Lord Krishna and Radha are told in this dance form.

* Manipuri - As the name 'Manipuri' clean the name of the state 'Manipur' from where the dance originated. It is one of the classical dances which has also its own specific costumes. Manipuri dance is performed by both men and women and represents Raslila, (the love story of Lord Krishna and Radha).

* Odissi - It is one of the prominent classical dances which represent the culture and tradition of Odissa. It originated in the ancient temples of Odisha in the East of India. This dance form consists of 'Mudras' the gesture of hands and legs and facial expressions. The dance form represents the story of Lord Shiv and Surya.

* Kuchipudi - Kuchipudi is one of the classical dances which originated from a village of Andhra Pradesh named 'Kuchipudi'. This dance form is performed by wearing a special costume and with light makeup. Kuchipudi dance does not consider only simple dance but it is considered a whole religious procedure that begins with some rituals and is dedicated to God.