Whenever someone thinks of India, one of the first things that come to their mind is the Indian dance. These Indian dances are so many and they are all so different from one another. India is most often associated with Bollywood dances but the real Indian dances are the Classical dances. These classical dances are there in Indian culture from time immemorial. They have been applauded and praised many dignitaries of the world and now has gained a name and fame for itself. Today Indian classical dance are taught and danced not only in India but also overseas. Not just Indians but even the people from other foreign cultures are gaining interest in Indian classical dances. These are very popular all over the world and with the help of the latest technology; it can be learned through various trusted websites.
There are many different forms of classical dances in India, one such is the Kathakali dance that originated in the state of Kerala. It is probably the most elaborate dance forms where the dancers explain a tale of past through their dance form and their facial expression. It is quite scary for the dancer’s face is completely painted with bright green colour and it topped with other various colours. Then they wear a head gear on their head which is again very elaborate. They look almost like puppets with their make ups and their gestures. It is the most common form of classical dance of Kerala. It is more of a drama that is explained with a dance for the word Kathakali literally means story-play. The gestures are accurate and their hand movements tell us that it needed a lot of practice and experience. Those who visit Kerala are mesmerized by this never seen before act. This is truly unique to Kerala and can’t be found anywhere else on earth a dance with such genuinity. Most of the time Kathakali explains the tales from Mahabharata or Ramayana and such other puranas. When a Kathakali dance takes place it becomes a major event anywhere in India and it is very expensive to attend to such shows.
Similarly there is another classical dance of Kerala that has gained respect and love from people all over the world. It is called the Mohiniyattam. It is performed by a girl unlike Kathakali where other male and female partners are present. This dance too originated in Kerala and it is very closely related to Bharatnatyam which is another classical dance form of India. This type of dance was actually originated in temples where the Devadasis used to perform them. It portrays the feminine love in its myriad forms – carnal, devotional and maternal – with accent more on Lasya and Bhava. The costumes and ornaments of the dancer is very much similar to that of the female dance in Kathakali.
These two are the most famous classical dance of Kerala but there are many more dance forms that still hasn’t gained nationwide popularity. These two Kerala classical dances have almost become a trademark for Kerala.
