DANCE…..

DANCE…..

Is life…
Interpreted in a hundred forms,
Evoked in a thousand rhythms,
Painted in a million gestures…
And expressed in endless emotions….

Dance, along with music, has always dynamically expressed the spirit and personality of every culture. Dance is a global language.

In kerala we have our own dance forms:

1. KUTIYATTAM:
One of the most remarkable traditions of the world theater. It is an artistic tradition that goes beyond 2000 years. It is the only ancient form of Sanskrit theater, which has kept alive its vibrant tradition till date. Kutiyatom is recognized by the UNESCO as one of the master pieces of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity…..It is a unique theater form that takes you to a world of scintillating colour immaculate dramatics and captivating orchestra.

2. MOHINIYATTAM:
Literally interpreted as the dance of Mohini, the celestial enchantress of Hindu mythology is the female classical solo dance of Kerala. Noted for its graceful and sensuous movements with no tense footwork, Mohiniyattam reminds one of the gentle swaying of the green paddy fields and coconut fronds that dot the length and breadth of kerala.

3. KATHAKALI:
This 400 year old, worlde renowned classical dance form of kerala combines facets of ballet, opera, mosque and pantomime. Kathankali explicates events and stories from the Indian epics and puranas, with an unparalled array of colour, music, drama and dance. Accompanied by facial expressions and sophisticated sign languages called mudras the characters in Kathakali are discernable through make up and costume, which transform them both mentally and physically into the characters they portray.

4. NANGIARKOOTHU:
An offshoot of Kutiyattam, it is a solo performance with an antiquity of 800 years. Nangiarkoothu is the sole domain of female artists known as Nangiars, the female members of Nambiar community. The stories for the performance are taken from the text Sree Krishna Charitam, depecting the life of Lord Krishna. During the performance, the actress presents the long winded stories of Lord Krishna through handgestures, facial expressions and body movements to the accompaniment of the resonant Mozhaavu…

5. OTTAMTHULLAL:
It is a typical solo dance performance that has themes from the puranas, which also relates to aspects of everyday life, often satirising the evils in societies. It owes its genesis to Kunchan Nambiar, an eminent poet of Kerala. In Ottam Thullal, the performer sings and dances to the sounding of the cymbals and beating of the drum and acts the incidents narrated in the song.

And now from other states:

6. BHARATANATYAM:
This 2000 year old dance form is poetry in motion. The dance is full of unfettered rhythmic movements and expressions, which is devotional in spirit, highly stylized and sophisticated in technique. The musical components of Bharatanatyam uses Sanskrit, Telegu and Kannada besides Tamil. Symmetrical lines of the body, escuberant laps and bends contrasting with subtle neck and eye movements, and crisp, intricate footwork are the hallmarks of Bharatanatyam.

7. KUTCHIPUDI:
Kuchipudi dance hails from the village of Kuchelapuri or Kuchelapuram in the Krishna Distirict of Andhra Pradesh and has a history of nearby two millennia. Since its origin, it has remained a continuous and living dance traditon of A.P. Its geneses, like most Indian classical dances is associated with religions and for a long time was presented only at temples. Kuchipudi involves brisk and rhythmic footwork with gestures and subtle facial expressions forming part of acting.

8. MANIPURI:
The dance Manipuri takes its name from the North Eastern State of India, Manipur. It is perhaps the only classical dance of India that has completely dedicated its prowess to highlight the many elements of devotion and eternal love, which is the epicenter of relationship between Lord Krishna and his Beloved Radha. The prevalent ambiance during a Manipuri Performance is very much devotional. The richly bedecked costumes, graceful moments, gentle strides make Manipuri a delightful lyrical recitation.

9. ODISSI:
This enchanting classical dance form of orissa, traces its origin to the temple dances of the ‘Deva Dasis; (temple dancers) An unparalleled grace and bewitching charm makes odissi a performers delight, often attaining postures to a sculptors delight. Odissi diligently portrays the aesthetic charm of ;Natya’(acting) and the brilliance of Nritta (dance) Taking most of its themes from Jayadevas ‘Geeta Govinda’, which is replete with elements of love and devotion, odissi serves as the ideal abode for its espression.

10. KATHAK:
Kathak carries the quaint charm of folk arts and a happy synthesis of Hindu and Muslim traditions. A centuries of old dance form moulded in time from a temple ritual to a rich and colourful courtly entertainment. Intricate footwork and rapid pirouettes are the dominant and most endearing features of Kathak.

11. YAKSHAGANA:
True to its name, Yakshagana (the music of celestial beings) is a 400 year old dance form born in costal Karnataka, South India, that enchants the discerning viewers with its blissful charm. This traditional theatre form or dance opera emphasis distinctive make up and footwork than actual dance. An intriguing amalgam of colour, rhythm, song and gestures, yakshagana is a cherished cultural art.

12. SATRIYA:
Characterized by its elegant simplicity, satriya traces its origins to Majuli, an island in the middle of the Brahmaputra river in Assam, North-East India. A 15th century discovery of Mahapurush Sankaradeva, the Vaishnavi saint, ‘Satriya’ was created synchronizing the tenants of Natya sastra and the ancient kumruki dance. Combining discipline, physical demands and the alluring grace of classical dance, satriya is a unique dance form.

These are just the 12 individual dance forms. Then there are

INDIA AND FOLK DANCE:
There is really no such genre as folk dancing. Rather, there is a large body of unrelated non-classical dance forms. The only thing common among these dance forms is their rural origins.

Many folk dances are performed by ordinary people rather than professional dancers. It is very usual that on special occasions, the villagers will gather and sing and dance, accompanying themselves on a variety of folk instruments. Such special occasions include harvesting, planting, marriages and religious holidays.
Sometimes the folk dances are performed by professionals. There is the institution of the folk theatre. Professional musicians, actors and dancers travel from village to village performing their dance dramas. This seems to be a rural extension of the ancient theatrical tradition found in the Natya Shastra. However, it appears to have degenerated into a rural tradition. One example of the folk theatre is the Yaksha Gana of Karnatika.

It would be more correct to divide these folk dances into two categories: folk and tribal. The difference between the two is cultural. Folk dances are the rural extensions of the larger Indian population. Examples are the Bhangra and the Garba. However, the tribal dances are performed by India's aboriginal populations. These people, known as adivasi, have a culture which is very distinct from the larger Indian population. Attempting to relate Indian tribal dances with Indian folk dances is very much like trying to relate the dances of the Cherokee Indians to the "Cotton Eyed Joe". A common example of a tribal dance is the Santhali
It may be academically desirable to separate tribal from simple folk dances, however this is generally not done. Artists do not concern themselves with these academic matters. Therefore the following list does not make any distinctions.
The following is a very short and incomplete list of folk and tribal dances.

In kerala we have dances like:
Thiruvathirakalli, Karshakanrithyam, Upana, Margamkalli

Dances from other parts of India:

Bathakamma
A folk dance of Andhra Pradesh.
Bihu
Bihu is a folk dance from Assam. It is a very brisk and aggressive dance performed by both boys and girls.
Bagurumba
This is a folk dance from Assam. It is performed by the Bodos and is known for its colourful attire.
Bhangra
This is a folk dance from the Northwest Indian state of Punjab. It is a lively, powerful dance.
Chah Baganar Jumur Nach
This is a Dance from Assam. It is a dance of the tea gardens.
Changu
The changu dance is a folk dance found in Odissa and Andhra Pradesh. It derives its name from the changu, which is a simple tambourine (daf) that is used to accompany this dance.
Dandaria
A folk dance of Andhra Pradesh.
Dasakathia
This is a folk theatre of Odissa. It is performed by a pair of performers who entertain the audience with dance, songs, and stories.
Dhamal
A folk dance of Andhra Pradesh.
Gair
This is a dance of Rajasthan. It is performed by groups of dancers moving in and out with an almost military precision.
Garba
This is a folk dance from Gujarat. It is traditionally danced at marriages and during the time of Navaratri.
Geendad
This is a folk dance of Rajasthan. It is very similar to the Gair.
Ghoomar
This is a folk dance of Rajasthan. It derives its name from its characteristic pirouettes.
Ghanta Patua
This is a folk dance of Odissa. Its name is derived from the large brass gongs known as ghanta. It is performed in the Hindu month of Chaitra. This dance is most notable because it is performed on stilts.
Gobbi
A folk dance of Andhra Pradesh.
Jhoomar
This is a dance of the Mundas and Mahantas of Odissa.
Kacchhi Ghodhi
This is a folk dance of Rajasthan that is performed with a dummy horse.
Kandhei
(see Sakhi Nata)
Kavadi
This is a folk dance of Tamil Nadu. It is played with a wooden pole upon which are tied two pots. The stick is then balanced upon the shoulder.
Karagam
This is a folk dance of Tamil Nadu. It is played with a pot balanced on the head.
Kela Keluni
This is a dance performed by the Kelas of Odissa.
Mathuri
A folk dance of Andhra Pradesh.
Raas
This is a folk dance from Gujarat. It is traditionally danced at marriages and during the time of Navaratri.
Sakhi Nata
This is the puppet dance of Odissa.
Terahtali
This is a folk dance of Rajasthan. It is performed by women while they are seated.
Therukoothu
This is a folk theatre from the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
Yaksha Gana
This is a folk theatre from the south Indian state of Karnatika.

Western Dancing

Folk dance is a term used to describe a large number of dances, mostly of European origin. Types of folk dance include clogging, English country dance, international folk dance, Irish dance, Maypole dance, Morris dance, Nordic polska dance, Ball de bastons, square dance, and sword dance. Some choreographed dances such as contra dance, Israeli folk dance, Scottish country dance, and modern Western square dance, are called folk dances, though this is not true in the strictest sense. Country dance overlaps with contemporary folk dance and ballroom dance. Most country dances and ballroom dances originated from folk dances, with gradual refinement over the years
East began to move West with the pioneers. Worldly pleasures such as dancing were often frowned upon, and when not altogether banned, were designed to keep contact and spontaneity at a minimum. Consequently, it was the minuet, cotillion, pattern dances, courtly processions, and "safe" folk dances that were favored by the early settlers.

Modern western dance is part of this global language and its roots run wide and deep. They can be traced to the taverns of Ireland and to the ballrooms of Europe, to the Czarist palaces of Russia and further back still to the fluid tribal rituals of Africa. Representatives from all of these cultures brought their native dances when they landed in America. Widely differing peoples who had little or no exposure to one another gathered and danced on common ground.
The western population included such groups as Poles, Germans, French, Irish, Jews, Scandinavians, Czechs and Russians and each still enjoyed their own folk dances, but many found common refuge in the polka. New hybrids were also developed, creating offspring such as the Varsouvianna and the Two Step. German settlers in El Paso, Texas developed the Schottische and line dances which were important precursors of modern western dances such as the Cotton-Eyed Joe.
By the turn of the century carnivals, minstrel shows, medicine shows and eventually vaudeville routines frequently showcased Black dancers or White imitators. The Black dance style was referred to as "jazz" or "eccentric dancing". These fast, gyrating, acrobatic and tap dances had names like the Turkey Trot, Grizzly Bear, Kangaroo Dip and Chicken Scratch.

Throughout the 1920's, radio brought music to the whole nation. Chicago radio station WLS began broadcasting the "National Barn Dance" in 1924. A year later the now famous "Grand Ole Opry" from Nashville was initiated.

In the late 1920's, George "Shorty" Snowden brought the entire Savoy Ballroom audience to its feet with his rapid, break-away solo steps. Charles Lindbergh had crossed the Atlantic in 1927 in one dramatic "hop", and when Snowden was asked what his dance was called, he replied, the "Lindy Hop".

A new musical tempo could be heard after the Second Word War. Be-bop, a kind of wild and dizzying swing offshoot popular in big cities quickly gave birth to "pop" music. Rockabilly arrived in the '50's and by the middle of the decade had become known as rock 'n roll
Couple dancing regained popularity in the mid 1970's with the emergence of Disco. In the late 1970's as Disco died and country music continued to rise in rapid popularity, a resurgence of interest in western dance emerged. Older dancers suddenly became models for a new generation.

Ballet is academic dance form and technique which is taught in ballet schools according to specific methods. There are many ballet schools around the world that specialize in various styles of ballet and different techniques offered. Works of dance choreographed using this technique are called ballets, and usually include dance, mime, acting, and music (usually orchestral but occasionally vocal). Ballet is best known for its unique features and techniques, such as pointe work, turn-out of the legs; its graceful, flowing, precise movements; and its ethereal qualities.

Now that swing is back, people are dancing with a smile, a hat and a friendly attitude!