Dance Theory

Sadir

Aka Bharatnatyam

Angas

All the major limbs of the body

Panchama Vedam

Also know as Natyaveda, it is the fifth Veda created by Brahma

Kartarimukha

Asamyuta Hasthas

Sattriya State

Assam (s is silent)

Natya Shastra

Bharatamuni

Tandava

Brisk movements, rigorous dance. By Shiva

Difference between classical and folk dance

Classical is based on Natyasastra, folk is based on a group of people's beliefs

Nritya

Combination of steps, music, and expressions

How many classical dances in India?

Eight (plus Chauu dance)

Upangas

Face

There are five abhinayas

False (4)

There are six classical dances in India

False (8/9)

Origin of Kuchipudi dance is Tamilnadu.

False (Andhra Pradesh)

Sattriya dance belongs to Kerala

False (Assam)

Arangeram is a first stage performance in dance.

False (Asuraparajayam)

Vempati Chinna Sathyam belongs to Bharatanatyam.

False (Kuchipudi)

Famous Seat in Andhra Pradesh is Mohiniattam

False (Mohiniattam is from Kerala)

Arangetran is a first stage performance in dance.

False, it's the debut performance

Laasya

Gentle and delicate movements

Anchitam

Heel is touching the ground, toes are raised

Soochi Padam

Heel raised, only big toe on the ground

Agratala sancaram

Heel raised, toes on the ground and moving

Udghattitam

Heels raised, toes pressed to the ground and then pressing toes to the ground.

What is the Natyasastra?

It is the book of dance and contains rules and regulations for writing and producing a play (dramas). (Written by Bharatamuni)

Gharana

Kathak

Kuchipudi Dance Form

Kuchipudi originated from a small village called Kuchipudi in the Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh. The founder of the dance was Siddhendra Yogi. This dance contains many diverse expressions and is based mainly on expression and drama. The stories depicted are from epic tales like Mahabharata.

Number of Classical Dances

Kuchipudi, Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Mohiniattam, Chauu, Odissi, Saatriya, Manipuri

Manipuri State

Manipur

Two instruments used in Kathakali

Metallophones and membranophones

Asamyutta Hastas

Mudras depicting items and things to convey the story better. One handed gestures.

Abhinaya Dharpana

Nandikeshvara

Abhinayadarpanam

Nandikeshvara

Samam

Natural position, feet flat

Maharis

Odissi

Odissi State

Orissa

Three Famous Kuchipudi Dancers

Sobha Naidu, Vempati Chinna Satyam, Padma Bhushan

Adavu

Steps, a dance unit

Kuchipudi Dance Instruments

Tambura, Veena, Flute

Natya

The dramatic aspect of a stage performance, including spoken dialogue and mime, to convey meaning and enact narrative.

Origin of Dance (Natyashastra)

The gods and people were really mad and sad because they had to battle with all these asuras and there was no joy for them so Indra confided in Brahma to create something to entertain or cheer the gods. Brahma then creates 5 vedas. Then he went to Bharatamuni so he could teach his disciples (100) and they were taught key attitude for dance (reception, retention etc). Then they made their first play called Asuraparajayam which depicts the defeat of the demons. After that, he presented it to Lord Shiva who added a few things of his own like Tandava. The Bharatas became really proud and arrogant and boasted and ridiculed other people. They were cursed by the sages and Bharata sent them to Earth. They then taught humans how to dance since it was all they knew.

Hastas (Mudras)

They depict objects and people to further convey the meaning of the story

Kunchitam

Toes are touching the ground, heel raised

Kapota hasta belongs to Samyutha hastas.

True

Nattuvangam is a compulsory accompaniment for dance concert.

True

Pataka hasta belongs to Asamyutha hastas.

True

Pratyangas

Upper body

Kuchipudi meaning

Village in Krishna district in Andhra Pradesh, means "village of actors".

Abhinaya

expressions towards the audience

Nritta

pure dance, combination of steps