South Asian Dance Styles

Click the headings below to view more about each South Asian dance style. Alternatively browse the guide by clicking to open or close  all sections.

• Bharata Natyam
  • Bharata Natyam is a classical dance style that originates from South India, but which is now very much a trans-national art form. It is performed primarily in a deep plié position (‘aramandi’) and involves a lot of vigorous movement and footwork.
    
    There is also a strong element of expressional movement or ‘abhinaya’ in the form.
    
    
• Kathak
  • Kathak is a classical dance style originally from the north of India and present day Pakistan, but now, as with Bharata Natyam is practised and performed internationally. The form is performed mainly in an upright position, with legs straight and involves a lot of fast, rhythmic footwork combined with flowing arm movements and fast spins.
    
    It also features a strong element of expressional movement and storytelling (abhinaya).
    
    
• Odissi
  • This classical dance form originates from the East Indian state of Orissa.
    
    It has many similarities with Bharata Natyam - but rather than the straight back position of that style, Odissi features the ‘tribhang’ or ‘three bended’ body position, accentuating the natural female curvature - and is considered to be a softer style. It originates from the eastern coastal state of Orissa and is a temple dance which has a relation to the squarish image of Vishnu in the Jagannath temple at Puri.
    
    Arm movements are soft and the upper torso is extremely flexible with a rotational movement. Costumes are brightly coloured with silver jewellery and hair ornaments made from Shola, white wood pith. A favourite theme celebrates the love of Radha and Krishna.
    
    
• Mohini Attam
  • ‘The Dance of the Enchantress’ is originally from the south Indian state of Kerala and was originally only performed by women. As a style it emphasises flowing movement over precise lines and footwork, highlighting its lyrical quality.
    
    
• Kandyan Dance
  • A dance of Sri Lanka from the Kadyan region. The low country dances are popularly known as ‘devil dances’. These include: Kolam, a masked folk dance traditional drama. Kandyan dance refers only to classical dance forms, which distinguish themselves by great refinement and systemised movement. The dance is faithful to intricate drumming patterns. Kandyan dance is evidently influenced by Bharata Natyam and Kathakali. Distinguishing characteristics are whirling movements, acrobatic somersaults, shuddering movements of the shoulders and side-ward movements of the head.
    
    
• Kathakali
  • 16th Century Classical Indian dance from Kerala, performed by males. It originates from a martial art background requiring 12 years of rigorous training. It is distinguished by parshwapada, a wide turnout stance of the legs with the weight of the body on the outside of the feet. The most complex hand gesture language from all the classical styles. An eight hour application of make-up gives the illusion of masks animated by extraordinary control of facial muscles.
    
    Kathakali is traditionally performed as a dance-drama, accompanied with drums, cymbals, vocals, chenda and maddala.
    
    
• Kalari
  • Kalari is an ancient Indian martial art which can be incorporated into both classical and contemporary dance. Its vocabulary consists of graceful poses, steps, kicks and jumps.
    
    
• Kuchipudi
  • A form of dance drama from Andhra Pradesh. It is similar to Bharata Natyam but is distinguished by its lightness, vivacity and different body grammar. Costumes can range from a sari to divided loose, pleated pants, worn with a tight bodice and bust-covering over the shoulder or across the chest. Accompanying instruments are mridangam, maddala and thiti (flute). A quaint characteristic lies in the dancer singing her piece through.
    
    
• Filmi, Bollywood
  • A routine of old and modern dance. Very energetic and an ideal way to keep fit. This type of dance can be used at discos and parties and is seen being performed in Asian films.