Art of dancing

                             MANIPURI  The manipuri dance form named after its region of origin,'manipur' is also known as 'jogai'. The origion of manipuri dance is mythological which is traced to the celestial dance of siva and parvati all along with 'Gandharva' in the valley of manipur. It was traditionally performed as a dance- drama on devotional songs. Manipuri is a combination of two culture, india and south-east asian.  THEMES-   Mostly influenced by hindu vaishnavism themes. The dance gained fame after the start of vaishnavism. Manipuri showcases the love between radha and krishna though raaslila.  Manipuri also includes themes related to shaivism and shaktism and regional deities.                                                                shavism and shaktism                                                                      Manipuri emphasises on devotion. It includes both tandav and lasya in which major emphasis is given to lasya.    TANDAV- Ma

                                 ODISSI odissi derives its name from 'odra nritya or audramagadhi' mentioned in natya shastra. The long-established dance form in the serene surroundings of shri jagannath temple in odisha is famouse as 'odissi'. It was supported by the jain kings Kharavela and largely performed by maharis. Udayagiri- khandagiri caves offer some of the early examples of odissi dance. In ancient dayes this dance form filled with bhakti rass was a part of warship to god at jagannath temples. Thus we find many sculpture inside the temple. SPECIALITIES-  It has a combination of lasya and tandav. Graceful and mesmerizing, It appears like waves of the ocean. Odissi is famous for itspresentations on poet jayadev's fabulous work. Odissi dance performs natya combined with an element of acting and dancing. It is a unique demonstration of gracefulness, sensuality and beauty. MUDRAS- Mudras and postures for expressing emotions are identical to that of bharatnatya

                  MOHINIYATTAM  DANCE Mohiniyattam means 'mohini', the celestial enchantress of the hindu mythology, is the classical solo dance form of kerala. Mohiniyattam represents the element of Air. According to a puranic story, Lord vishnu took on the guise of a 'mohini' to seduce the asuras, both in connection with churning of the ocean and episode of the slaying of bhasmasur. Mohiniyattam is a lasya predomonates. Mohiniyattam can be found in the texts Vyavaharamala written in 1709 by Mazhamagalam narayanan namputiri and in ghoshayatra, written later by great poet kunjan namiar. DANCE SPECIALITIES-  It is mostly a solo performance by girls with circular movements, subtle                                                   expressions, and delicate footsteps. Movements in mohiniyattam have been borrowed from nangiar koothu and female falk dance the tiruvatirakali and kaikottikoli. This dance has elements of bharatnatyam( grace and elegance) and kathakali (vigour) b

                              KATHAKALI Kathakali classical dance form belongs to ramanattam village, kerala, south india. Kathakali means 'katha'- story or tale, 'kali'- performance and art. Its roots are in ancient 'kitiyattam'(classical sanskrit dance drama) and 'krishnattam' (dance- drama depicting stories of hindu god krishna). Kathakali is a combination of dance, music and acting and dramatizes stories, which are mostly adapted from the indian epics. Movements in kathakali are influenced by ancient martial arts and athletic tradition. It is basically a dance- drama. Kathakali art form developed in the courts and theaters of hindu pricipalities. The traditional performances were used to be as long from dusk to dawn. Modern day presentations are short as per the time limit of the program. KATHAKALI DANCE TRADITIONS-   Kthakali was traditionally a male dominated dance ( tandav-                                                                          p

                                KATHAK                                            FROM THE GANGA- YAMUNA TAHZEEB The graceful dance of north india, origin 'kathak' 'kahave', the one who tells stories is kathakaar or katha. Also known as 'NATWARI NRUTYA'. Kathak is one of the most charming dance fprm of india.  This dance form from uttar pradesh, central india. It's origin- devadasis in mughal court. Kthak evolved during bhakti movement. It includes the childhood and stories of the lord krishna. THEMES- The themes of kathak revolve around stories of RAMAYANA, MAHABHARAT, and                                   KRISHNA. Apart from this, kathak encompasses presentations on manifold subjects. 'Raslila of braj is quite akin to kathak'. ' A solo dance form but group compositions on themes with perfect synchronization steal the heart.  UNIQUE FEATURES-   LASYA PREDOMINATES.           Kathak is world famous for it's spectacular footwork, amazing spins,