5 Indian Dance Forms That You Can Pursue Now

When it comes to dance, you can learn it at any age. If you haven’t attended dance classes as a child, then do not worry, you can join a class right now and fulfill your dream. You may have to invest a long time to become a professional dancer, but the first step of attending dance classes can be pursued any time. So, now if our motivation is adding to your idea of going to a dance class, then here are 5 classical dance forms that you can start from. These are classical Indian dance forms that requires patience and persistence to learn wholeheartedly.

Bharatanatyam Origin : Tamil Nadu One of the oldest classical dance forms of the country, this was restricted to be performed by women only. Now, the idea has changed and even men take active participation when it comes to Bharatnatyam dance. The unique feature of Bharatnatyam that makes it a tough dance form is, you have to bend your knees to create a spectacular posture. Spiritual ideas of Shiva, Ganesha or Shakti can be expressed beautifully through Bharatnatyam dance form. Kathak Origin : Jaipur, Banaras and Lucknow Kathak is a blend of leg work, facial expression, bends, turns, body movement, gestures and so on. Use of ‘ghungroo’ is important in Kathak dance where the sound of it is used to connect with the music and audience. Eye movement is tough in kathak dance. Altogether, this makes Kathak tough to be learnt. But if you are determined and dedicated then you can fulfill your wish. Manipuri Origin: Mainpur Also called as Jagoi, the costume of this dance form is really breath taking. Women cover their face with veil and upper body movement is very important in this dance. Beat and rhythm is set by kartal and drums. The performances of Manipuri dance are usually drama through which a story is presented for the audience. Usual theme of the manipuri dance is Shaktism, Shaivism, or Raslila. Kuchipudi Origin: Andhra Pradesh Originating from the Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, this is a dance drama form that might take a little long to learn as it involves many instruments like mridangam, cymbals, veena, flute and tambura. Traditionally, a night performance, Kuchipudi can be staged solo or with a team. Previously the dance was only performed by males but now females equally participate. Odissi Origin: Orissa This pre-eminent dance form of India this includes elaborate hand feet movement in a synchronised fashion which you may take time to learn. Odissi dance starts with pushpanjali or an invocation referred to as Managalacharana. It ends with Moksha, aiming to communicate a feeling of emancipation.