Learning Objectives

• Identify and distinguish between nṛtta (pure dance) and nṛtya (expressive dance) elements in performances.
• Demonstrate eagerness to learn about the eight major dance forms of India.
• Show curiosity and interest in notable dance personalities and their contributions to the field of dance.

Chapter 11: Pan Indian Dance Forms

Learning Outcomes

• Identifies and distinguishes between nṛtta (pure dance) and nṛtya (expressive dance) elements in a performance.
• Demonstrates eagerness to learn about the eight major dance forms of India.
• Shows curiosity in learning about notable dance personalities and their contributions.

Major Dance Forms of India

1. Bharatanatyam
   • Origin: Tamil Nadu
   • Characteristics: Geometric movements, strong footwork, expressive gestures.
   • Posture: Aramandi (half-sitting position).
2. Kathak
   • Origin: Northern India (Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan)
   • Characteristics: Storytelling through gestures, intricate footwork, swift spins.
   • Posture: Sama sthana (feet together or slight v-shape).
3. Kathakali
   • Origin: Kerala
   • Characteristics: Colorful storytelling, stylized expressions, heavy makeup.
   • Posture: Atimandala (deep, grounded stance).
4. Kuchipudi
   • Origin: Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
   • Characteristics: Dance-drama tradition, expressive dance with spoken word.
   • Posture: Similar to Bharatanatyam's aramandi.
5. Manipuri
   • Origin: Manipur
   • Characteristics: Soft, flowing movements, raas leela stories.
   • Posture: Feet together, circular movements.
6. Mohiniyattam
   • Origin: Kerala
   • Characteristics: Graceful, flowing movements, performed by women.
   • Posture: Changes between low and medium positions.
7. Odissi
   • Origin: Odisha
   • Characteristics: Smooth, flowing dance with tribhanga pose.
   • Posture: Chauka (half-sitting pose).
8. Sattriya
   • Origin: Assam
   • Characteristics: Strong and gentle movements, storytelling through actions.
   • Posture: Purusha (male) and prakriti (female).

Notable Personalities in Dance Forms

• Bharatanatyam: C. V. Chandrashekhar, Rasheswar Saikia
• Kathak: Sitara Devi, Guru Bipin Singh
• Kathakali: Kalamandalam Gopi
• Kuchipudi: Vempati Chinna Satyam
• Manipuri: Kalamandalam Leelamma
• Mohiniyattam: Kelu Charan Mohapatra
• Odissi: Not specified
• Sattriya: Not specified

Folk Dance Traditions

• Nagaland: Ao Naga tribe dances during festivals like Moatsu Mong and Tsungrem Mong.
• Chhattisgarh: Panthi dance, Gaud Maria dance, Karma dance, Suwa Danda dance, Gedi dance.

Activities

• Create a comparative chart of the dance forms based on their distinctive features.
• Learn about important dance personalities and invite a local dancer for a workshop.