The Art of Indian Dance - History and Basics
Classical Indian dance draws to itself attention thanks to a combination in it of an antiquity and the present. This bright action is really old enough, and its history is not as beautiful as the performance. There was Indian dance in Hindu temples. There specially trained girls with the help of the learned movements had to please the gods. It was believed that it was thanks to the dances of these girls that people on earth interacted with the heavens. But over time such peculiar ideas migrated to the homes of wealthy kings and rulers who wanted to have such entertainment in their courts. The rich offered decent girls money in temples for their performances, and they could not abandon such profitable offers. So the character of Indian dance has changed - from religious it has turned into entertainment.
Today, the Hindus themselves consider Indian dance to be a peculiar form of yoga, that is, all the clockwork movements, in their opinion, have a healing effect on the human body. Regular exercises strengthen the muscles of the legs, hands, press, form a correct posture and beautiful gait. Moreover, the dynamics of movements helps improve blood circulation. Classical Indian dance is performed barefoot, which positively affects the formation of feet, which during the dance tricks bend, stretch and massage.
The main plus of Indian dance is the absence of age restrictions. Even in India, the dancers who are already between 50 and 65 years old are more appreciated. But everyone can dance, starting from childhood.
Video of Indian dances
Classical Indian dance has such forms of execution: Kuchipudi, Odissi, Kathak, Bharata Natyam, Mohini Attam, Manipuri, Kathakali. Each form has its own characteristics and differences in the performance of the basic movements.
When Kuchipudi performs, the main emphasis is on the movement of the feet, and then they are supplemented by the rotations of the hands, squats. The goal of the speakers is to attract the viewer to their bare feet and the graceful movements that they perform.
Odissi is more sensual and gentle. It is performed in order to convey to the viewer the feelings of the dancer. The movements here are mostly smooth and slow. Hindu dancers with Odissi flirting with their partners.
Kathak is a classic Indian dance, in which an important role belongs to the game of hands. With the help of a mixture of smooth and dynamic movements of hands, dancers on the stage play their numbers.
Bharata Natyam and Mohini Attam are mostly theatrical numbers. Their performance is a kind of representation of some interesting story: the stories of love, struggle, relations of parents and children. Modern Indian dances have learned many of the movements of these two classical forms.
Manipuri is difficult to imagine in a single performance, although solo numbers in this direction also exist. Manipuri is a classic Indian dance, which is based on synchronism of movements. They are performed under dynamic incendiary melodies.
Kathakali can not be ignored. It is significantly different in performance from all other forms. Firstly, dancers have special costumes: men have wide trousers, and women have skirts that resemble a ballerina pack. Secondly, very often the performances begin with a demonstration of the stage of preparation for the entrance to the stage - dressing up, applying makeup and so on. Thirdly, during the performance of Kathakali, facial expressions are very important, and accent is placed on it.
During the performance of Indian dances an important place is given to the appearance of the actors, especially the make-up, decorations and along. It is difficult to imagine a performer without a ring in her nose - a chalanga, and a lot of bracelets, clips, necklaces.
The color of the costume depends on the purpose of the action. Since Indian dances are original theatrical performances, then the characters differ from each other due to the color of the attire. For example, soldiers are always dressed in costumes of bright orange color, dark garments symbolize negative characters, and bright and light (blue, yellow, green, pink) - positive.
Popular Indian dance mani-mani
Today, one of the most popular modern Indian dances can be considered khatubu (eastern group). During its execution, information is expressed through the use of a certain melody, costume and ornaments. Another no less popular dance of sharara has long and swiftly turned the head of youth. It is performed at concerts and solemn events. Sharar is characterized by smooth movements and a calm rhythm. That's why it's nice to watch dancers - graceful bends of the body can not but enthrall their enthusiastic looks.
And, of course, it is impossible not to mention the world-famous Indian Mani-mani. Its name suggests that often in music the sound of the knocking of coins is heard (as they fall or crumble). Mani-mani is the children's favorite dance. He is often performed at various school concerts. The movements are easy to learn, but they look very organic and beautiful, especially if you correctly beat them with traditional Indian costumes.
It is generally believed that Mani-mani should be performed by a group of girls in the same costumes of the same or different colors. Also girls should have the same hairstyle, be approximately the same height and weight.
Indian dances for children
Throughout the world, the art of Indian dance has attracted children from a very young age, especially girls. Already on the matinees in the kindergarten little girls want to demonstrate their elegance and beauty with the help of musical performances.
Indian dances favorably influence the physical development of children, so many choreographers recommend that parents take a closer look at this group of dances. Especially useful are children with orthopedic problems of foot formation. There are cases of complete cure of the flat-lingual deformation of the foot with the help of Indian dances - this is explained by active foot movements performed barefoot.
Repeating the movements of the arms, legs and hull during the training of the Indian is simple, so children like the fact that they quickly acquire new skills. After a few months of attending classes or even just during online learning of Indian dance, your child will shine on stage in a beautiful suit and arouse admiration from the audience.
Learned to dance Indian motifs, a man, according to legend, finds its purpose. Dance - and you will gain self-confidence!