Folk Dance

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

Explore The Spectacular Folk Dances Of Goa

kuntala · October 21, 2019

Goa, a picturesque state in the western part of India, is popular for its spectacular beaches and enchanting liveliness of the locals. It is embellished with a mix of myriad cultures and historical influences of different rulers of India and the Portuguese. The folk dances of Goa have emerged out of the blend of various musical forms and lifestyles. Populated by immensely talented and skillful musicians and dance performers, the land attracts thousands of visitors across the world every year.

Spectacular Folk Dances Of Goa

Photo of ‘Goff dance, Goa’ by Joegoauk Goa under CC BY-SA 2.0

1. Dhalo

Dhalo is a dance form full of zest and charm. Performed by rural women, it is one of the most prominent dances of Goa. The dance is conducted every year during the month of “Pausha”. It is usually celebrated with energy and delight at night after dinner. The village women assemble at a predefined place and arrange themselves in groups of 12 in two rows facing each other. They tuck their hands at each other back to maintain a neat sequence. The songs accompanying the dance are mainly sung in Konkani or Marathi and are full of enthusiasm and energy. The rhythmic movements of the ladies in tune with the music are entertaining to watch and appreciate.

2. Corredinho

Corredinho is essentially a couple dance performed by a maximum of six pairs. The couple drape themselves with flashy and brilliantly colored western attires. The dance is significant especially due to its foot-tapping style and pulsating musical beats. It is quite popular among the aristocrat society of Goa.

4. Dekhni

The concept of Devdasi had been followed in India for quite a long time. As part of this belief, a woman is typically married to God. She is supposed to dedicate her entire life to serving and worshipping God. She often had to perform dances during festivals and certain religious and social occassions. The dance form of Dekhni portrays the life of a devadasi. It is performed solo by the womenfolk of Goa. The music is a superb blend of the Indo-western culture.

5. Fugdi

Fugdi is the most vivacious and vibrant dance form of Goa. Performed by the women, it is the most popular dance performed in almost every religious ceremonies and social gatherings. Generally there are no musical instruments associated with the dance. The women group themselves in circles and twirl along in ascending movements. The pace of their movements increase in an exponential manner and illustrate the potential and power of energy concealed within the performers. Fugdi dance is divided into two types. The first one is performed with coconut shells and is known as “Katti Fugdi”. The second one is performed with water pots and is known as “Kalshi Fugdi”.

6. Lamp Dance

Lamp dance symbolizes patience, discipline, dedication and self-control. The dancers balance brass lamps on their heads. It is amazing to watch the performers move in slow swaying movements with the heavy lamps securely balanced. The dance is usually accompanied by different folk musical instruments.

7. Dhangar

Dhangar is dedicated to God “Bira Deva” worshipped mainly by the immigrant shepherd community from Gujarat. The tradition involves a dance by the head of the house during Navratri. The day next, all the members of the family perform the dance of Dhangar with the idols placed at a central place in the village. Both the dance and the music are simple and slow, focusing on the story of Radha and Krishna.

8. Dashavatara

The dance, as the name implies, depicts the ten manifestations of Lord Vishnu. It is performed by both men and women. The men illustrate the Brahmins and the women showcase the rivers.

9. Shigmo

Shigmo dance is generally performed during spring every year. The spring season is significant specially for the farmers due to the advent of the new crops and a rejuvenating climate. It is said that this dance form is also performed to celebrate the victory of soldiers returning from their mission.

10. Kunbi

Kunbi is the earliest form of dance in Goa. Kunbis are old inhabitants of the land. They invented this dance form to be performed during religious and social gatherings. The dance is executed by the women with graceful movements. It is wonderful to watch the women dance at a brilliant and fast speed in unison with elegant moves.

11. Romat

Romat dance show is a musical parade and entertainment show. The performers use drums and cymbals as they move down the streets towards the temple. The procession is adorned with large banners, colorful and ceremonial sunshades and other religious symbols. The dresses sparkle and glitter as the dancers perform along the road, displaying a pompous show of amusements and fun.

12. Goff

Goff is a unique dance form in Goa, performed with cords. The astonishing feature of the dance is the skillful movements of the dances with the cords to form four different patterns of braid. As they dance along they again dismantle the braid formation. The songs accompanying the dance are dedicated to Lord Krishna.

13. Mussal

Mussals are war instruments used by the Kshatriyas. The dance is performed with the Mussals and signifies victory. Celebrated during the month of Falguna at full moon, the verses of the song are mainly composed with twenty two couplets.

14. Ghode Modni

As the name implies in colloquial language, Ghode Modni is a dance form performed through movements like a horse. The dancers usually attach a horse look alike model at their waists. They wear multi-colored dresses with attractive head gears and anklets. At the beats of drums and cymbals, they move around waving a sword in one hand.

The traditional and folk dances of Goa, signify the rich cultural heritage of the state. They also foster unity and goodwill among the people residing within the state.

Featured Photo of ‘Sarhul Dance’ by Joegoauk Goa under CC BY-SA 2.0