India
has thousands of year old tradition of fine arts and classical and folk
music and dances. Some of the world-famous dance forms that originated
and evolved in India are Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi,
Manipuri, Mohiniattam and Odissi. All these dance forms use basically
the same 'mudras' or signs of hand as a common language of expression
and were originally performed in the temples to entertain various Gods
and Goddesses. They were also effective in carrying forward the various
mythological stories from generation to generation while entertaining
the audiences. It eventually became a part of 'Natya Shashtra', as
propounded by Sage Bharata to compile and forge some rules and
regulations of entertaining arts.With time, the classical dances evolved to include the expressions and themes from social life and experiences. Lord Shiva is said to be the 'Nataraja' meaning 'King of All Dances', who is said to perform the Cosmic Dance that delicately balances life and death and all that is happening in the Universe in harmonious cycles. Bharatnatyam, popular in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, is said to be revealed by Lord Brahma to Bharata. Kathak is the art to tell a story and is a form of North Indian classical dance. Later, it became courtly entertainment.
Kathakali from Kerala makes use of colorful masks and costumes and belongs to Kerala. Kuchipudi is the dance drama of Andhra Pradesh that combines Natya, Nritta and Nritya. Manipuri, as the name suggests, is from Manipur, the Northeastern state of India, and is a combination of many dances prevalent in the region. Mohiniattam from Kerala is a solo female dance and is known for its rhythmic and unbroken flow of the body movements. Odissi from Orissa is a dance of love, joy and intense passion.
