Indian Classical Dance

#Khajuraho #India🇮🇳 

#DanceFestival

#MrinaliniSarabhai ⭐

Though South India and South Indian Temples conduct the finest & most pure Indian Classical Dance Festivals.... #Khajuraho was set up to initiate an alternate outreach forum of Indian Classical Dance .... by the Iconic Tamil  Danceuse Mrinalini Swaminathan  Sarabhai ....

⏺️The #KhajurahoDanceFestival was pioneered by the Indian Classical Dance Icon Mrinalini Sarabhai. She was a renowned dancer, choreographer &  teacher who was passionate about promoting Indian classical Dance forms. She believed that the Khajuraho Temples, with their intricate carvings of heritage sculptures, were a perfect setting for classical dance performances.

⏺️The first Khajuraho Dance Festival was held in 1975 and was inaugurated by the then Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi. The Festival was an instant success and has been held every year since then. It has become one of the most important cultural events in India and has helped to promote Indian Classical Dance forms to a wider audience.

⏺️The Festival features performances by some of the best Classical Dancers from India and around the world. The dances are performed in an open-air auditorium, usually in front of the Chitragupta Temple dedicated to Lord #Surya (the Sun God) and the #Vishvanatha Temple dedicated to Lord #Shiva, belonging to the Western Group of Temples. The backdrop of the Temples adds to the beauty and atmosphere of The Festival.

⏺️The Khajuraho Dance Festival is a celebration of Indian Classical Dance and culture. It is a must-visit for anyone interested in Indian art and heritage.

🤔What is Indian Classical Dance?

👉Indian Classical Dance also known as "Shastriya Nritya", is an umbrella term for a variety of distinct dance traditions that originated in different regions of India. 

These Dances are characterized by their sophisticated and complex rhythms, intricate footwork, and expressive hand gestures. They are deeply rooted in Indian mythology, religion, and cultural traditions.

There are 8 main forms of Indian Classical Dance, each with its own unique style and repertoire:

*️⃣Bharatanatyam:This dance form originated in Tamil Nadu in southern India. It is known for its graceful movements, expressive eyes, and intricate footwork. Bharatanatyam is traditionally performed by women, and its themes often draw from Hindu mythology and devotional poetry.

*️⃣Kathak: This dance form originated in northern India and is known for its storytelling elements, rhythmic footwork, and use of whirling movements. Kathak was traditionally performed by traveling storytellers, and its themes often draw from Sufi and Islamic traditions.

*️⃣Kathakali: This dance form originated in Kerala in southwestern India. It is known for its elaborate costumes, dramatic makeup, and stylized gestures. Kathakali is traditionally performed by men, and its themes often draw from Hindu epics such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

*️⃣Kuchipudi: This dance form originated in Andhra Pradesh in southeastern India. It is known for its vigorous footwork, acrobatic leaps, and expressive hand gestures. Kuchipudi is traditionally performed by both men and women, and its themes often draw from Hindu mythology and devotional poetry.

 

*️⃣Manipuri: This dance form originated in Manipur in northeastern India. It is known for its graceful movements, lyrical quality, and use of rhythmic clapping. Manipuri is traditionally performed by both men and women, and its themes often draw from Vaishnavism and Manipuri mythology.

*️⃣Mohiniyattam: This dance form originated in Kerala in southwestern India. It is known for its graceful movements, flowing lines, and expressive hand gestures. Mohiniyattam is traditionally performed by women, and its themes often draw from Hindu mythology and devotional poetry.

*️⃣Odissi: This dance form originated in Odisha in eastern India. It is known for its sculpturesque poses, lyrical quality, and use of intricate hand gestures. Odissi is traditionally performed by both men and women, and its themes often draw from Hindu mythology and devotional poetry.

*️⃣Sattriya: This dance form originated in Assam in northeastern India. It is known for its vigorous footwork, acrobatic leaps, and use of martial arts techniques. Sattriya is traditionally performed by men, and its themes often draw from Vaishnavism and Assamese mythology.

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