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The introduction of dance as an art form to the dramatic art was first suggested by Shiva & Bharatha Muni was trained in this art by Nandikeshwara, Shiva's favourite disciple. From its birth, dance forms have thus been mostly centred around Gods & their leelas, focussing on mythological events. There was the traditional patronage of dance by the court & temples (every gesture became symbolic of an act of worship).
The art form originally practised only in temples, slowly started being acclaimed as divine art forms to be enjoyed by the respectable classes. Several forms of classical dances thrived in India, each region perfecting their own styles. But as in classical music, in spite of all these differences, dance in India could be considered as a whole, for their basis is from one source. Among the various dance forms in vogue in India are Bharatanatyam, Chakiarkoothu, Kathak, Kathakali, Krishnanattam, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Mohiniattam, Odissi, Ottanthullal & Yakshagana. Besides, there are umpteen numbers of folk dances peculiar to various regions 7 sub-cultures. |
