Dance Forms

Interesting! Nrityagram Is India’s First Dance Village

Madhurima · June 16, 2020

Miles away from the IT hub of India, there is a village that keeps itself isolated from city life. The hamlet nestles among the last surviving land of the city. Amidst this off-beaten track, there exists culture, rhythm, and tradition. A place where your five senses stay alive! A place where dancers lose themselves in the mid of nature! Nrityagram is not just a Gurukul but the first dance village of India. Here is its introduction.

About Nrityagram: Introducing its cultural aspects

Nrityagram is India’s First Dance Village to Bring Dance and Nature — _{Photo of ‘Nrityagram’ by pupilinblow under CC BY-ND 2.0}

If dance is euphoria, this village celebrates every euphoric sense that this art form comprise. As the name clearly describes, Nrityagram is the dance hamlet in Bangalore. It is the first modern dance Gurukul of the country. The founder Protima Gauri is an Odissi dancer who left Mumbai in the year 1989 and decided to give a new definition to classical dance forms

She who is crazy about dancing will find a natural bliss when performing under the glories of nature. The residential school was founded in 1990. Designed by a reputable architect Gerard da Cunha, the building houses the vernacular architectural design. Much to the knowledge, Indian vernacular architecture is functional and purposed for rural areas. It includes local materials as the raw products for building.

Words from the Founder

When asked about the dance village, Protima Gauri described it as a community of dancers in the forsaking place in the mid of nature. Nothing exists here, except for dance. The place teaches you how to you connect your daily chores with dance. You eat, pray, love, live, imagine, and talk – dance. It is the first dance village of India where you leave your bad qualities behind only to purify your soul through dance.

Dance is a meditation and therapy for them. Small-mindedness, jealousy, and greed, do not have a place in the hearts of dancers in Nrityagram. They believe in supporting each other in the dancing journey and becoming a proficient professional. If you’ve been there, you already know that it’s none other than Nrityagram. And, if you don’t have any idea of the village, here’s taking you in the loop. For a crazy dance lover, she finds her inner peace of mind in the village. Let’s see how you can visit.

A tour to the dance village

Let’s first talk about the tour. It will be a self-guided one. Yes, you can bring a small group to share your thoughts with them. You need to book a tour of 45 minutes. You get the chance to see the campus, watch rehearsals, and explore. If you want to book a ticket for the private performance, then you get a chance to watch Odissi performance for 15 minutes. Also, you can come in a small group to enjoy the diversifying heritage in the studio. You get to watch the respectable performers as well as Gurus of the dance village.

Some dos

Do fix an appointment and visit between 10 am to 2 pm from Tuesday to Saturday
For Sundays, you do not need an appointment
Do not address dancers when they are practising or in the dance hall and have patience
Do visit their official site in case of any query

Some don’ts

Do not take photographs inside
Do not take any videos
The campus is not available for film-shooting
The campus does not offer rental services, so ask the office for rents in close proximity to the place

Summing up

From Lynne Fernandez to Surupa Sen, the journey of this dance village could not be anything more fantastic without these two personalities. While the former one is a famous actress and light designer, the latter is the first student of this Gurukul. Their first international journey in New York made them receive rave feedback. It wins praises from fans and true lovers of dance. Well, you can know further by paying a visit!

_{Featured Photo of ‘Nrityagram’ by pupilinblow under CC BY-ND 2.0}

World’s Largest Folk Dance Form: Here’s What Nati Dance Defines

Madhurima · April 7, 2020

You might be a dance enthusiast, and apparently can do everything for your passion. But if you don’t have a fair idea of what Nati Dance is all about, you are losing out on a lot of dance elements! Guinness book sings high praises by including its name as world’s largest folk dance. A traditional form of dance, it’s ever intriguing in terms of colors, number of participants, and its root. , being the place rooting out this dance form, includes it as one of the most traditional dance forms to be included in many cultural programs. Here’s an insight of what Nati defines in accordance with a dance’s perspectives.

Introducing Nati Dance Form

Having similar elements as that of a Raas Lila, Nati simply defines the graceful components to honor Gopis and their Lord Krishna. It also represents some entertaining plays in Chandravali. According to Nati dance history, it was supposedly a rule that only men would be the performers. But as modernization emerged, Nati celebrates feminism in all equal terms of both men and women.

Nati Dance Music and Costumes

The dance form that was earlier considered to be male-oriented practice has now given women an opportunity to bring out their graces through their performances. The costume of men and women varies differently. For a man, he should wear a decorated cap, sashes, swirling tunics, and a colorful churidaar. While a woman also requires wearing these costumes, the prominence of tunki and chanki (what’s best referred to as ornaments) cannot be ignored! Music wise, Nati celebrates itself to the tune of Karnal, Narsingha, Dhol, Nagara, and Shennai.

Cultural Significance of Nati Dance

If you ever visit the Hidimba Devi temple in the midst of Manali’s cedar trees, you will hear about this form of dance. The temple celebrates the glorified dance form as an annual practice, where different rituals and cultures combine together and become one religion. That’s one specialty of this folk dance.

Nevertheless, this Indian Folklore dance form of northern part of India is of paramount cultural importance. Being an oldest form of dance in the region, it stands tall as one of the most relieving & joyous dance forms in the world. The dance postures have sheer connection to the affectionate nature and get symbolized in multiple frames.

Its Different Forms

The dance form is also an aboriginal art form of the cultural of Himachal Pradesh. It has multiple sub forms such as Mahasuvi Nati, Lahauli Nati, Sirmour Nati, as well as Kinnauri Nati. It’s popular for the New Year’s celebration referred to as Losai.

Sirmour Nati, out of all Nati dance forms, happens to be quite popular amongst locals as well as other Indian parts. It’s a traditional dance that originates from Shimla and Kullu regions of HP. The dance is performed in groups encouraging a hefty number figure. Surprisingly, this form is also rewarded in parts of Chandigarh too. Calling it one of the top traditional folk dance forms would never be an exaggeration.

It is, thus, believed that the folk dance that originates from the heart of Himachal needs special place in every dancer’s heart and soul. Being culturally diversifying, this form of dance gives you reasons to cherish the livelihood while performing it. While you might get several videos on this form online, a visit to Himachal might give your wow moments enjoying to the beat of Dhol or Shennai and enjoying your Nati dance moments.

Featured Photo of ‘Dancing with flair’ by Simply CVR under CC BY-ND 2.0

Bacha Nagma Dance – A Popular Folk Dance of Kashmir

kuntala · October 30, 2019

Kashmir, a paradise on Earth, hosts one of the serene beauty of Mother Nature. Together with its intriguing and captivating charm, it also puts forward a land enriched with prolific tradition and culture. The folk dances of Kashmir upholds the rich art and heritage of its historical values. Bacha Nagma is a very popular folk dance performed by the young boys of Kashmir. The main purpose behind the dance form to express jubilance during the harvest season.

The distinctive feature of Bacha Nagma dance is the boys perform while being dressed up like a girl. The dance occupies a special place in the folklore of Kashmir. It is performed during parties and get-together where people socialize with each other. During festivals and religious occasions too, the dance is conducted with grace and grandeur. The audience is entertained by the jubilant movements of the performers accompanied by very loud music.

The Performance

Though the main reason for presenting the Bacha Nagma dance is to celebrate the harvest season in Kashmir, in modern times it is performed on many auspicious occasions or social gatherings. It highlights the spirit of the people of Kashmir to uplift and carries on the heritage of the place.

It is amazing to watch the young boys appearing in the stage camouflaged within the attire of a girl. They wear long skirts in vibrant colours. Their face is beautifully adorned to represent that of a girl. The dancers move around the dance stage with wonderful dignified movements. The poised nature of the dance, simple yet lively, enthralls the audience. The music is loud and is an inherent part of the dance form. Without the music, the performance does not attain its exquisite charm and sophistication.

Bacha is a word colloquial language, the meaning of which is a kid or a small boy. Nagma on the other hand is known as celebration. Hence it is basically a celebration of the dancers who are mainly kids or young boys.

How is the dance performed?

The dance is usually performed by highly skilled and brilliant young performers. Each one of them is competent and accomplished in their genre of dance. Their proficiency in executing the dance is well appreciated and admired by many tourists and the locals. The dancers follow the Hafiza pattern of the dance. They receive adequate and expert training to adopt the Hafiza dance form of Kashmir.

Hafiza is also a popular dance form in Kashmir performed by the girls. It is mainly performed during weddings and marriage parties. The dance form is elegant and graceful. It showcases the stylish movement of the dancers as the smoothly sway themselves with the musical beats.

The songs accompanied by the dance is also a delight to hear. The songs are sung by the young boys with sweet voices which astonishes the audience. Some of the songs are written in Sufi Kalam. Sufi Kalam is a song form, dedicated to the divine power and spirit. While other songs contain lyrics that resemble the Persian style of literature. Nowadays the lyrics are composed to represent a fun theme or a comedy to allure the observers. The change and modification have been brought in to mingle with the modern thoughts of the new generation.

Many tourists take pleasure in attending the Bacha Nagma dance as part of their bucket list while visiting the heaven of Earth, Kashmir. The history of the dance is said to date back several years ago. It is essentially performed by a group of seven members or less. One of the dancers is empowered to be the lead singer while others follow him in chorus.

Historical Significance

Bacha Gyavaun is another name by which the dance is also well known in certain parts of Kashmir. There is a belief among the locals that the concept of the boys dancing in female attire has a historical significance which dates back during the rule of the Mughal emperor, Akbar. After Kashmir was captured by Akbar, he made an attempt to diminish the gallantry of the men residing in the place. In this attempt, he enforced the men to dress up like the women to prevent them from disclosing their heroism and bravery.

Few studies by eminent academic personnel reveal that the dance form was promoted by the Afghans in Kabul. The dancers not only wear the dress of a woman but they also beautify themselves with various ornaments and jewelry. The dance movements are performed with such dignity and expertise that it is almost impossible to distinguish the boys with that of the dance performances of girls. It is a distinct credit of the young boys, dancing and singing simultaneously with the music.

Though in the modern era, there has been several alterations in the song and the dance, yet it is essential to respect the old traditional dance form and enliven it.

Featured Photo of ‘Photo WA-1916L’ by Public.Resource.Org under CC BY 2.0

Choliya Dance – A Lively Folk Dance Of Kumaon, Uttarakhand

kuntala · October 29, 2019

Kumaon is a place in Uttarakhand, which has a unique way of celebrating weddings. A special and unique dance is performed at the weddings called the Choliya dance. It a form of folk dance popular in Kumaon and performed with swords and shields. The performers adorn themselves with colourful attires and dance in pairs. The men folk of Kumaon participate in the dance, accompanying the bride riding on a horse. Bagpipes are used for music and dancers sing with loud voices coupled with rhythmic claps.

The History behind the Choliya Dance

The dance is said to be more than 1000 years old. It first originated in the kingdom of Khasiya Rajputs, also known as the Khas tribes. The kingdom is a part of Khas Desh, a region in the Himalayas, Nepal. The Khas were warriors who used to conduct marriages with sword points. The tribes followed the traditions and customs of the Rajputs. Nowadays the Rajputs had kept alive the old culture by performing the Choliya dance during weddings.

The Exclusivities of the Choliya Dance

The group of performers consists of 8 dancers and 14 musicians. The musical instruments used are the drums and traditional Kumaon Ransing and Turi. The drums are played by the Harijans and the other two instruments are played by the Jogis and the Bairagis. Pair of the Scottish Bagpipe, known as Masakbeen in colloquial language, is also used. It is a unique attempt to fuse Scottish culture into the Indian tradition. The musicians play the traditional Kumaon flutes too like the twin flute and nine note flute.

The dancers demonstrate various sword-fighting techniques accompanied by the rhythmic beats of the music. It is an enthralling experience to watch the energy level of the performers and their skilled movements. The movements are amazingly synchronized as the dancers skip and circle around with vigour and zeal. The entire place gleams with energy and lively songs, music, and dances.

Another attraction is a red flag present at the marriage ceremonies. The flag is very huge, triangular in shape and is embellished with figures of animals. The expression on the animals symbolizes the different human feelings associated with war. It is a combination of fear, astonishment, happiness, pride, and honour.

Attires of the Choliya Dance

The performers usually adorn themselves to portray the picture of a warrior. They imitate the brave Kshatriya Rajputs. The upper part of the body is covered by the Chola which is quite long, almost reaching the knees. The bottom part of the dress is the Churidar Pyjama. Two belts are used in the dress, one is the cross belt and the other is placed surrounding the waist. The head gear used is a colourful intricately designed turban.

The dancers paint their faces with sandalwood paste, colloquially known as the Chandan. Vermillion is also used to beautify the face, imparting a reddish tinge. The men wear ear rings to further enrich the grace and elegance. Before the onset of the dance, they prepare themselves with the sword and the shield of bronze.

Types of Choliya Dance

There are nine different types of Choliya dance. The segregation is mainly done based on the movements of the dancers. Each dance type is characterized by a unique motion. In the Johar valley, the dance type is known as Shauka Shaili. The dancers often engage in mock sword fights through the dance form of Saraanv. The vigorous war dance is named as Rann Nritya. The type Veerangana is significant in portraying the image of a brave lady. To depict the ray of light for victory in a war, the dancers perform the dance type Depanshu. The other types of Choliya dance are Choliya Baja, Sarankar, Paitan Baja and Bisu Nritya.

Almora and Champawat are two prominent districts of Uttarakhand. The Choliya dancers reside in these two areas. In the modern era, this dance is conducted even during any religious ceremonies. It is even held in the famous Pushkar camel fair in Rajasthan. The dancers travel from these two districts to different parts of Uttarakhand to participate and entertain the audience with their skilled performance.

The local people believe that Choliya dance wards off the evil spirit and hence it is customary to perform the dance in auspicious occassions to shield against the demons. They felt that demons target newly married couples. The dance will prevent the demons from approaching the couple and keep them happy and peaceful.

The Choliya dance is prominent in different regions of Kumaon, the most popular being the districts of Champawat and Almora which glorifies in offering the best dancers. The other regions were the dance is quite famous are Bageshwar, Garhwal, and Pithoragarh. The dance form has now become quite well-known in various parts of Nothern India. People crowd at the Pushkar camel fair too to watch the lively performances of the dancers.

Featured Photo of ‘Garbyal women rehearsing traditional dance before leaving for the main parade.’ by garbyal under CC BY-SA 2.0

The Exotic Tribal Dances Of North East India

kuntala · October 26, 2019

North East India comprising of the states of Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Sikkim, host some of the most popular tribal and folk dances of India. These dance forms foster a sense of unity and display the rich cultural traditions and heritage.

People from different tribes assemble in groups during festivals and perform the dances for fun and frolic. The synchronization and bonding within the performers are to be immensely appreciated and admired. In this article, you can enlighten yourself with the different tribal dance forms of northeastern India and the unique value associated with each of them.

Photo of ‘Explore 4/14/08!’ by savoryexposure under CC BY-SA 2.0

Tribal Dances of Arunachal Pradesh

Almost all the festivals of the state of Arunachal Pradesh are accompanied by traditional and tribal dance and music. Men and women in equal numbers participate in the dances with enthusiasm.

The most spectacular dance of the state is called “Bardo Chham”. The key focus of this dance form is the masks of animals or demons worn by the performers. The masks depict twelve different animals. The objective of the dance is to ward off evil power from the world and the lives of human beings to spread peace and harmony everywhere. The dance is especially famous among the tribes of Sherdukpen. The attractive feature of the dance is brightly coloured attires, adorning the performers as they skillfully sway along in groups. The stories illustrated through the dance, essentially portray the tales of Lord Buddha.

“Wancho Dance” is another enthralling dance of the state performed by both men and women. Mainly performed by the Wancho tribe, the unique feature of the dance form is the way swords are waved by the men. Men and women take turns in singing as well as in dancing. The dancers usually put on their traditional attire while performing during the festivals or any religious occasions.

The third most important dance of the state is “Buiya Dance”. It is performed mainly by the women folk while the men folk support by playing cymbals and drums. The dance form is popular among the tribes of Digaru Mishmis and solely performed for entertainment and fun.

There are four other tribal dances in Arunachal Pradesh, namely the Aji Lamu dance performed by the Monpa tribe, Chalo dance performed by the Nocte tribe, Hiirii Khaniing dance performed by Apatani tribe and the Ponung dance performed by the Adi tribe.

Tribal Dances of Assam

In the festive occasions, the Assamese people of all genders and ages form groups in circles or in rows to sing and dance with the rhythmic beats of pipes and drums. The most ancient dance form of Assam is known as “Ojapali” where the key performer is called Oja. Usually, the dance form represents stories complemented with musical tunes and beats. The stories are mainly from Hindu mythology.

“Bagurumba” is a dance form popular among the Bodo tribal people. It is mainly performed by the women folk of Assam. Song and music accompany the dance depicting stories of plants, animals, insects and the other natural constituents like air, water, wind, rain. The dance is essentially performed during the festivals or any religious ceremonies.

The tribes who work in the different tea estates in Assam, traditionally perform a dance called “Jhumur”. The dance is mainly performed by the women folk were place their hands at each other back, while moving synchronously in a rhythmic motion. It is said to re-energize the tribal workers with renewed force and motivation.

Tribal Dances of Meghalaya

Meghalaya is a state embellished by the scintillating beauty of Mother Nature. The tribal dances of the state are mostly centered around the flora and fauna of the panoramic atmosphere.

The “Nongkram Dance” is one of the stunning and enthralling performance by the tribes of Meghalaya. The tribes mostly dwell in the famous Khasi Hills. It is performed by both the men and the women folk. The dance exhibits tremendous amount of energy and enthusiasm. The tribes dedicate their faith and respect to the deity through their dance forms. The dance is mainly performed during the autumn months when the fields flourish with the rich harvest.

The “Laho Dance” has gained prominence among the Pnar tribal people. It is also performed by both men and women. The men stand at the sides and the women in between during the performance. The dance popular among the Garo tribes of Meghalaya is known as “Wangala Dance”.

“Shad Suk Mynsiem” is the popular dance festival in Meghalaya. Men and women (especially the unmarried girls) assemble in groups to perform in the dance festival. The festival allures people from different parts of the state to witness the spectacular presentations of the dancers.

Tribal Dances of Tripura

The state of Tripura is renowned for exclusive dance forms performed by the different tribal communities. The unique among them is the “Hojagiri Dance” executed by the women and girls of the state. The dance is eminent among the Reang community. The dancers balance lighted earthen lamps on their heads while standing on a pitcher made of clay. It is astonishing to watch the stupendous balancing power of the performers. The men play different types of musical instruments to accompany the women. The synchronous movement of the dancers along with the music and the balance amazes the audience. The dance is mainly conducted during Dussehra, Durga Puja, and Laxmi Puja.

The “Bizu Dance” and the “Hai-Hak Dance” are accomplished by the Chakma and Halam community of Tripura respectively. It is delightful to observe the scintillating movement of the dancers as they sway along with the musical beats. “Basanta Raas” is also another fascinating dance performed by the Hindu Manipuris, dwelling in the state.

Tribal Dances of Manipur

Manipur offers a wide spread variety of music and dance forms for entertainment and refreshment from the daily humdrum of life. The locals enchant themselves with songs and dances. The most popular dance is the “Dhol Cholom” where the key musical instrument is the drum. It is performed by the men folk, who demonstrate gymnastic stunts as they play the drums. The dance is usually conducted during Holi.

Tribal Dances of Mizoram

In Mizoram, the dances are majorly performed during festivals or any religious ceremonies. Both men and women folk participate in the dances in groups. The dances and songs are accompanied by the beats of the traditional musical instruments like the drums and the gongs.

The state of Mizoram is distinguished for the famous “Bamboo Dance”. The dancers skillfully dance within vertical and horizontal movements of bamboo staves. The men usually move the bamboo staves while the women dance in between them, ensuring not to be clenched within the staves. It is a bewildering experience to watch the expertise of the performers and their concentration and dedication.

There are two other dance forms in Mizoram, the “Chawnglaizawn Dance” and “Zangtalam Dance” performed by the Pawi tribe and Paite tribe respectively.

Tribal Dances of Nagaland

In Nagaland, the dances demonstrate cheerfulness and amusement as the dancers move along sith liveliness and vigour through their performances. The local tribes are full of exuberance and enthusiasm. The distinct feature of the dances from Nagaland is an exclusive movement of the legs.

The prominent among the dance forms is “Chang Lo”, performed to symbolize the victory of warriors over their enemies. The attires worn by the dancers are those of warriors, portraying the different war strategies and movements through their dance moves. The dances are conducted during the Poanglem festival. The women folk also participate in the dance wearing impressive and attractive costumes.

The other dances of the state of Nagaland are the dances performed by the Lotha Naga tribe and the Khiamniungan tribe. “Jamhang Tsouthong Dance” is one of the significant tribal dances of Nagaland, presented by the Khiamniungan tribe.

Tribal Dances of Sikkim

In Sikkim, the dances and songs signify the sensational beauty of Mother Nature with its phenomenal wonders and incredible mystic charm. Many of their dances are performed to celebrate the rich harvest. The dances are usually accompanied by the beats of the traditional musical instruments.

The famous dance of the state of Sikkim is “Maruni”. Both men and women participate in this dance, performing mainly during weddings. The fun part of the dance is the presence of a clown in the dance. The clown known as Dharu Warray performs various funny and entertaining acts to amuse the audience. The dance has been initially started in Nepal and now being followed in Sikkim. The dance is accompanied by the beats of 9 different traditional musical instruments.

The tribal dances of North East India reflect the old traditions and rich culture of the tribes. It also portrays the unity and liveliness between them, embracing all through their jubilant acts.

Featured Photo of ‘knot, bonerpukur’ by nevil zaveri under CC BY 2.0