Dances of Bangalore-About Bangalore Dance-Culcture of Bangalore

Classical Dance

The charms of classical dance are the sensuousness of its movementss and the sensitivity of expressions.Bharatnatyam, yakshagana and Kalaripayettu are some of the dance forms that are very popular in this part of the country.

Bharatnatyam 

Bharatnatyan is one of the oldest classical dance forms in India.The name Bharatnatyam has been derived from bhava(expression), raga(music), tala(rhytham) and natyam(dance).This dance from has its roots in the tradition of devadasis and is around 200 years old.Grace, purity, staturesque and sculpturesque poses characterize this dance form.Bharatnatyam relise on three elements , nion) ritta(rhythmic element), nritya(combition of rhythm with expression) and natya (dramatic element).

Yakshagana

The origin of yakshagana, a folk dance-drama, goes back to the 11th century.The Vaishnova Bhakti

movement led to the birth of this traditional from of theatre.It comprises a distinct style and combination of dance , music,the spoken word,costume, make up and stage setting.

Yakshagana literally means the gana(song) of a Yaksha, a tribe mentioed in the Sanskrit literature of yesteryears.An all-male cast of actors and musicians enact episodes from the Mahabharata epic.Elaborate make-up.spectacular costumers, tall headgear and a profusion of ornaments set apart these actors.

Kalaripayettu

Kalaripayettu is derived from kalari, meaning a place where martial exercise are taught, and payattu, meaning a fencing exercise or trick.

Believed to be the mother of all martial ars, Kalaripayettu originated over 2000 years ago.Its practice can be traced back to the Dhanur Vedic texts.This dance is practised in kerala and in the adjoining areas of Tamil Nadu.Strikes, Kicks, grapples, martial dance, weaponry and healing techniques make up this dance form.Dancers strive to discipline their mind and spirit so as to execute the moves perfectly and display their physical prowess.

Kalaripayattu incorporates three distinct fighting traditions,Northern,Southern and Central.The Northern tradition places emphasis on the use of weapons.The Central tradition follow a sophisticated system of footwork and includes circular movements and spinning teachniques.The Southern tradition emphasize on footwork, movement and the ability to attack the vital points in the opponent,s body.

Folk Dances

The folk dances of Bangalore  are classified in to religious and secular, based on the content and purpose. Religious dances are performed at fairs, festivals and other religious occasions celebrated by natives.Dances like Nandi Dhwaja,Lingada-Berana,Gorava,Veeragase, Beesu,Kamsale and Puravanthike are dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva.Bhagawanthike , Pata Kunitha and Bana Devara Kunitha are dances dedicated to Lord Vishnu.Mariammana Kunitha, Urimarammana Kunita,Puja,karaga,Dollu,Soman Kunita,Harige,Sedere,Bhoota Nrutya, Naga Nrutya, Vatte Kola,Kombat and Billat are folk dances performed to worship incarnations of Shakti, the deity of power.