D06143 Lesson 3 Classical Dances

This lesson describes classical dance forms such as the Baratanatyam, Kathakali, Mohini Aattam, Kuchipidi, Bagavatha Melam and Manipuri. It discusses the nuances and techniques of these dances and throws light on the training, make-up and musical accompaniments appropriate to each. The lesson also offers a comparative study of these dances. Baratnatyam is the classical dance form of Tamil Nadu. This ancient dance form has its origin in the “sadir” or “dasiattam” performed by the devadasis in the temples. There is a reference to this dance form in the Tamil epic “Silappathigaaram”. In the early 19th century, 4 brothers, known today as the “Tanjore Quartet”, organized all the basic baratnatyam movements into a progressive series, called the adavus. After elaborate training in the adavus, the dancers learn the other movements such as ‘adal urupadigal’, ‘jathiswaram’, ‘sabtham’, ‘varnam’, ‘patham’ and ‘thillana’. Baratnatyam requires extensive training in the gurukula tradition. The dancers are usually attired in splendid silks of bright hues with appropriate jewellery. Kathakali is the most famous classical dance of Kerala. The term “katha” signifies “story” and the suffix “kali” is used to denote “dance”. Hence kathakali is a dance that narrates a story. It weaves dance and drama together. Abinaya is very important to Kathakali. There are 4 types of abinaya in kathakali. The costumes and make-up for kathakali are elaborate. The dance is usually performed in the night to the accompaniment of mathalam, chendai, semangalam and kai ilaithaalam. Kathakali training also follows the gurukula tradition. Mohini aattam, another classical dance of Kerala, is believed to have been danced by Lord Vishnu when he appeared as Mohini. The term “mohini aattam” was first coined by the Thiruvaangur King Swati Thirunaal. Shringara is the key emotion in Mohiniaattam. The danseuse is attired in pure white and wears jasmine flowers around her hair which is coiled into a “kondai” at the side of her head. The dance is performed to the beats of classical carnatic music. Kuchupidi has its origin in Andrapradesh. The kuchupidi dancers are called “Bagavathulu”. Though the make-up and ornaments of this dance are similar to Baratnatyam, there are differences in the costume and the style. Bagavata Melam, a form of dance drama, is traced to the villages around Tanjore. This dance drama was brought to Tamilnadu by Telugu immigrants from Andhrapradesh. The main aim of bagavata mela is to spread the spiritual and philosophical truths among the common man. A bagavata mela performance begins with ‘Ganapathi Varugai’, in which a young man dressed as Lord Ganapathy appears on stage to bless the performance. This is followed by ‘Aranga poojai’ during which pooja is performed for the stage. The narrator or the Soothradari appears after this and briefs the audience about the story. Finally the characters introduce themselves and the play begins. Melattoor Venkatrama Sastry popularized the bagavata mela and composed 12 plays in this tradition. Manipuri is the classical dance of Manipur. The Manipuri dance performed by men is called thandavam and the one performed by women is called lasiyam. The dance is performed to the accompaniment of musical instruments such as the tolgi, flute and manjira.