Bharathanatyam


Bharatanatyam is a classical dance form that originated in Tamil Nadu, a state in South India. This popular South Indian dance form is a 20th century reconstruction of Sadir, the art of temple dancers. Sadir in turn, is derived from ancient dance forms. Bharatanatyam is usually accompanied by the classical Carnatic music.  Bharatanatyam traces its origins to the Natya Shastra written by Sage Bharatha.  In ancient times it was performed as Dasiattam by temple Devadasis. Many of the ancient sculptures in Hindu temples are based on Bharathanatyam dance postures karanas. In fact, it is the celestial dancers, apsaras, who are depicted in many scriptures dancing the heavenly version of what is known on earth as Bharathanatyam.  Bharathanatyam as a dance form and carnatic music set to it are deeply grounded in Bhakti. Bharathanatyam, it is said, is the embodiment of music in visual form, a ceremony, and an act of devotion. Dance and music are inseparable forms; only with Sangeetam (words or syllables set to raga or melody) can dance be conceptualized.
 
Mohiniyattom

Mohiniyattom is a traditional South Indian dance form from Kerala, India. It is a very graceful dance meant to be performed as a solo recital by women. The term Mohiniyattom comes from the words "Mohini" meaning a woman who enchants onlookers and "aattam" meaning graceful and sensuous body movements. The word "Mohiniyattom" literally means "dance of the enchantress". There are two stories of the Lord Vishnu disguised as a Mohini. In one, he appears as Mohini to lure the asuras (demons) away from the amrita (nectar of immortality) obtained during the churning of the palazhi or Ocean of Milk.  The costume includes white sari embroidered with bright golden brocade (known as kasavu at the edges. The dance follows the classical text of Hastha Lakshanadeepika, which has elaborate description of Mudras (gestural expressions by the hand palm and fingers).  The vocal music of Mohiniyattom involves variations in rhythmic structure known as chollu. The lyrics are in Manipravalam, a mixture of Sanskrit and Malayalam. The Mohiniyattom dance is performed to this accompaniment by the subtle gestures and footwork of the danseuse. The performer uses the eyes in a very coy yet sensual manner, the purpose being to enchant the mind without enticing the senses.
 
Kuchippudi


Kuchippudi is a Classical Indian dance form from Andhra Pradesh, a state of South India. Kuchippudi is the name of a small village in the Krishna district that borders the Bay of Bengal and with resident Brahmins practising this traditional dance form, it acquired the present name.
Siddhendra Yogi is said to be the first scholar to give it the current form of dance drama. Bhamakalapam is one of his celebrated compositions. He also reserved the art to males by teaching it to young Brahmin boys of the village. However, in modern times, the art has been dominated by women.
The performance usually begins with some stage rites, after which each of the character comes on to the stage and introduces him/herself with a daru (a small composition of both song and dance) to introduce the identity, set the mood, of the character in the drama. The drama then begins. The dance is accompanied by song which is typically Carnatic music. The singer is accompanied by mridangam (a classical South Indian percussion instrument), violin, flute and the tambura.
The movements in Kuchippudi are quicksilver and scintillating, rounded and fleet-footed. Performed to classical Carnatic music, it shares many common elements with Bharatanatyam. In its solo exposition Kuchippudi numbers include 'Jatiswaram' and 'Thillana' whereas in nritya it has several lyrical compositions reflecting the desire of a devotee to merge with God - symbolically the union of the soul with the super soul.
Beyond the stylistic differences of Kuchippudi and Bharathanatyam steps, there are certain types of dances that are unique to Kuchippudi. Specifically there is the Tarangam of Kuchippudi which is unique in that the dancer must dance upon a brass plate, placing the feet upon the raised edges.  There are also subtle differences in the costumes of both types of dances.