India is world famous for its classical Indian dances. Indian classical dances showcase types of expression such as “Love, Mirth, Pity or Tender, Anger or Wrath, Heroism, Terror or Fear, Astonishment or Surprise, Tranquility or Peace, Disgust. These are the kinds of emotions felt by humans. This has been accepted worldwide in varied art forms however most significantly, Indian classical dance forms have adopted Natyashashtra. Popular Indian classical dances are – Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Manipuri, Mohiniyattam, Kathak, Kathakali and Sattriya.
Odissi- Odissi is one of the popular traditional Indian dances from Orissa. It is almost two thousand years old. Orissa a State in the Eastern part of India has a great cultural history.ODISSI is popular for its unique dance style, costumes and jewellery. It upholds its tradition till date.
Odissi dance jewellery are Allaka (head piece on which the tikka hangs),Earrings, couple necklaces- a smaller necklace worn close to the neck and a longer necklace with a hanging pendant,Tikka (forehead ornament),Two sets of bangles, Waste belt,anklets,bun flower.
Kathak- Kathak is among the six significant traditional dances of India and one of the most dynamic cinema arts in the world. The meaning of kathak is “to tell a story”. Kathak dance is the combination of both Hindu and Muslim cultures. Hence, kathak has two kinds of costumes.
Kathakali- Kathakali as the name suggests, is story telling by expressions of face, body movements and mudras (hand gestures)The body movements of Kathakali are derived from Kalaripayattu, the traditional self-defense art from Kerala.
Manipuri- Manipuri is a classical dance of Manipur in North-East of India. The people of the land were called Meithei who performed the ritual dance. The culture of Manipur is worshiping their God through dance and this worshiping tradition of dance continues till today.
Mohiniyattam- Mohiniyattam is a classical dance form of Kerala. Meaning of Mohiniyattam is dance of the Enchantress. The costumes includes white sari embellished with golden Zari work along with gold ornaments. The dresses used in dance are sober and attractive.
Bharatnatyam- Bharatnatyam is one of the classical dances of India. One of the most popular classical dances of India. This dance originated from the Tamil Nadu State.
Kuchipudi- Kuchipudi is a traditional dance style from Andhra Pradesh. Kuchipudi dancers wear similar dresses that look identical to Bharatnatyam dance costumes. Kuchipudi dancers make up and dresses are the unique characteristics. Women dancers wear the head ornament, neck ornament. Most of the ornaments worn by the artists are made of a light weight wood, known as Boorugu.