Dance: Hidden Language of Soul

India is a country rich culture heritage along with music and dance forms such as traditional, classical, folk and tribal style. These wonderful traditional dances of India have taken birth during the ancient times and are considered as the mother art of classical dances. These Classical Dances of India includes Bharatanatyam, which is the oldest form of the classical dance in the country and one of the Most Popular Classical Dance in India and ancient in Natya Shastra.
Bharatanatyam
Bharatanatyam is the traditional dance form of Tamil Nadu in southern India. It has arised back to the Natyashastra; it is an ancient appreciation on theatre written by the mythic priest Bharata. Originally Bharatanatyam is a temple dance for women, often used to express Hindu religious stories and devotions. This was not commonly seen on the public stages until the 20th century. The dance movements of Bharatanatyam are marked by bent legs, while feet keep rhythm. Hands are also used in a series of mudras, or symbolic hand gestures, to express a story.
Kathakali

Kathakali has also come from southern parts of India, around the state of Kerala. Like Bharatanatyam, Kathakali is also a religious dance form. It draws originality from the Ramayana and stories from Shaiva traditions. Kathakali is traditionally performed by only males, even for female roles. The costumes and makeup of performers are especially intricate, with faces painted like masks.
Kathak
Kathak is the dance form of northern India, and is considered as a dance of love. It is performed by both males and females. The movements of dance involves complex footwork highlighted by bells tied around the ankles and stylized gestures acquired from normal body language. It was generated by Kathakas, professional storytellers who used a mixture of dance, song, and drama. Like other Indian dances it also started as a temple dance, but soon it has moved into the courts of ruling houses.
Manipuri
Manipuri has originated from Manipur in northeastern India. It has its origin in that state’s folk traditions and rituals, and often shows scenes from the life incidences of lord Krishna. Unlike Manipuri dance is distinguished by smooth and elegant moves. Female roles are especially moves in the arms and hands, while male roles try to have more forceful movements. The dance may be conducted by narrative chanting and choral singing.

By: Saksham Gupta
Content: https://www.britannica.com/list/6-classical-dances-of-india