Bharatanatyam

• Characteristics:
  • Known for its fixed upper torso, bent legs, and intricate footwork.
  • Utilizes expressive hand gestures (mudras), facial expressions, and eye movements.
  • Performed as a solo dance, often by women.
  • Accompanied by Carnatic music.
• Cultural Reflection:
  • Strongly rooted in Hindu religious themes and mythology.
  • Often tells stories of gods and goddesses, particularly Shiva and Vishnu.
  • Originated in the temples and later popularized on stage.

Kathak

• Characteristics:
  • Features intricate footwork, spins (chakkars), and expressive gestures.
  • Accompanied by classical Hindustani music.
  • Influences from Mughal culture are evident.
  • Divided into three main gharanas (schools): Jaipur, Lucknow, and Banaras.
• Cultural Reflection:
  • Initially a temple dance, later influenced by Persian and Mughal cultures.
  • Themes range from mythological and spiritual stories to courtly love.
  • Known for its narrative form, often performed as dance-dramas.

Odissi

• Characteristics:
  • Known for its fluid movements, sculpturesque poses, and intricate expressions.
  • Dancers often depict stories from the life of Lord Jagannath, Krishna, and Radha.
• Cultural Reflection:
  • Deeply rooted in the devotional dance traditions of the temples of Odisha.
  • Themes often revolve around spirituality and divine love.