Dances of India

FESTIVALS AND CELEBRATIONS, MUSIC AND DANCE FORM THE LIFELINE OF ALL THE INDIANS. ALMOST EVERY STATE OF INDIA HAS A DANCE FORM OF ITS OWN. HOWEVER THE MOST POPULAR AMONG THESE ARE :

1. MANIPURI –
A classical dance form from the North – Eastern Indian state of Manipur. Renowned for its well pronounced grace the dance form is based on the love legends of Lord Krishna. Other dance forms include Dhol Cholam & Pung Cholam.

2. BHARATNATYAM :
It is the most well known classical dance with its origin in the fusion of cultures of three southern Indian States of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamilnadu.

3. KATHAK –
A classical dance marked by its rhythm, from northern India and was quite popular with the Nawabs of Awadh and the Mughals.

4. BHAWAI: -
It is a folk dance from Rajasthan involving a gaiety of colour and skill. In this dance veiled women dances balance up to seven or nine earthen pitchers on their heads as they dance nimbly, pirouetting and then swaying with the soles of their feet perched on top of a glass, or on the edge of a sword and there is a sense of cutting edge suspense to the performance.

5. KATHAKALI :-
A famous classical dance from Kerala, known for its elaborate make up, grand costumes and intricate eye and hand movements.

6. ODISSI :-
A classical dance from the state of Orissa and was generally performed in the temples.

7. BHANGRA :-
It is the most popular dance from the state of Punjab but does not require much of practice and easy to learn.

8. GARBA :-
It is a group dance from the state of Gujarat and performed by women and is generally performed on marriages.

Among all the dances listed above the first six are quite difficult to learn and require years of practice and generally the students of these dances start learning at a very young age say at the age of five. There are many other forms of dances as well among which Ghoomar from Rajasthan is very popular. It is a community dance of the Rajputs, performed by the women of the house and traditionally out of bounds for men. All women, whether old or young , participate in the dance, which can continue for hours in to the night. Then there is a fire dance from Bikaner and Churu. These dancers perform on a large bed of flaming coals.

One can enjoy these dances during their stay at Delhi, every day there is a dance show at parsi Anjuman Hall, New Delhi and the show starts at 7 P.M. The cost is US $ 12 per person including transport from Hotel. Also one can enjoy Rajasthani dances during their stay at Jaipur.