Indian Traditions of Performing Arts - Indian Dance

1. Lavani:

• Lavani is derived from the word Lavanya, which means 'beauty.'
• This form is a combination of dance and music that deals with a wide range of topics such as society, religion, politics, romance, and so on.
• Lavani is a traditional song and dance performed to the beat of the dholki drum.

Lavani Dance Form

2. Koli: 

• Koli is the Maharashtra dance form of the Koli fisher folk.
• The community has a distinct identity as well as lively dances.
• The dance incorporates elements associated with this community, such as the wave movements and the net casting movement as if catching fish.
• Koli is performed in this state by women and men, who divide themselves into two groups.
• They depict the boat rowing movement in the Koli dance.

Koli Dance Form

3. Tarpa Dance:

• 'Tarpa' is amongst the most attractive dance forms of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, especially at Silvassa.
• It is done by the men and women, at night, during the month of September, on Diwali, during the harvest season.
• The musical instrument called Tarpa is utilized in this dance form, which is made from palm leaves, bamboo, and gourd.

Tarpa Dance Form

• State: Tamilnadu 
• Bharatanatyam has evolved into a significant component of temple rites.

2. Kathak:

• State: U.P., Rajasthan 
• Krishna leela and the stories related to Lord Shiva was the theme of Kathak.
• Kathak dance form was promoted by the Muslim rulers in the medieval period.

Kathak

3. Kathakali:

• State: Kerala 
• Ramayana and Mahabharata tales are told in Yakshagana, a type of Kathakali.

Kathakali

4. Odissi:

• State: Orissa 
• Odissi performances are connected to Lord Jagannath worship. 

Odissi

5. Kuchipudi:

• State: Andhra Pradesh 
• A Kuchipudi performance begins much like a religious act, with water sprinkling, lighting incense, and invoking god’s blessings.

Kuchipudi

6. Manipuri 

• State: Manipur
• Performance Manipuri is mostly related to the stories of Krishna and his Leela (exploits).
• Manipuri dance was also performed for religious purposes.

Manipuri 

7. Mohiniyattam:

• State: Kerala 
• Mohiniattam developed as an important aspect of the rituals in temples.

Mohiniyattam

8. Sattriya:

• State: Assam
•  Introduced in the 15th century A.D
• Mahapurusha Sankaradeva, an eminent Vaishnava saint and Assamese reformer served as a potent vehicle for the spread of the Vaishnava faith.

Sattriya