A Brief Introduction to the Classical, Folk, and Bollywood Dance Forms

Classical, Folk, and Bollywood dances are all distinct and require various techniques to master. Though there is one thing that all three dance styles have in common; each dance style conveys a story through movements, facial expressions, gestures, eye movements, and other more.

This article will teach you about the intricacies and nuances of these beautiful and one-of-a-kind dancing forms.

A Brief Introduction To The Classical Dance

1. The Classical dance evolved from Natya Shastra, and two aspects of the dance are Lasya and Tandava. Lasya denotes grace, beauty, and bliss in the framework of Hindu mythology, whereas Tandava represents the beginning of creation, restoration, and devastation.

2. According to the traditions and culture, these dance forms have originated from different parts of India. To convey the tale of Hindu Gods, these dance genres necessitate precise methods and discipline. Spirituality and grace are connected with these dances.

3. The classical dance consists of three fundamental parts. The first is Nritta, which means that the artist only does the basic dance steps with no expression or mood. The second is Natya, which indicates that a performer conveys a story through dramatic expressions, and the third is Nritya, which means that a performer expresses sentiments and emotions through complicated dance Mudras.

4. These dances include 9 Rasas. Rasas are emotions that are represented in the dance form. Those 9 Rasas are Shringaara — Love, Veera — Heroism, Roudra — Anger, Shaant — Peace, Bibhatsa — Disgust, Hasya — Laughter, Bhayanak — Horror, Karuna — Tragedy, and Adbhuta — Wonder.

5. There are 8 Classical dances Bharatnatyam — Tamil Nadu, Kathak — Northern India, Kathakali- Kerela, Kuchipudi — Andhra Pradesh, Manipuri — Manipur, Mohiniyattam — Kerela, Odissi — Odisha, and Sattriya — Assam.

A Brief Introduction To The Folk Dances

1. People conduct folk dances in groups to show their culture and customs through dancing. The goal of folk dances is to convey traditional stories and promote ethnic heritage and values.

2. Folk dances are also performed during changing of seasons, welcoming festivals, harvesting, and traditional rituals. They are usually performed by young people or children. People dance to traditional music verses which tell a story. These folk dances are passed down through generations, as part of their culture.

3. Folk dances can be traced back to a time when the dance was used to distinguish between different social classes: ordinary and country folk versus high society, monarchy, and elitists. The word “folk dance” was coined as a pejorative term by high society elitists to demean the common people. However, It’s a method of showing appreciation for common people’s culture and traditions, as well as bringing people together to share their culture in a friendly and supportive environment.

4. Folk dances are also done by people in villages for societal festivals such as marriages, childbirth, agricultural events, and other gatherings.

5. Some of the folk dances are Bhangra ( Punjab ) which celebrates harvest season, Baredi ( Madhya Pradesh ) People dance to celebrate cattle-farm culture, Oppana ( Kerela ) A dance performed by Muslim girls of the region on wedding occasions, Ghoomar ( Rajasthan ) Performed by girls of border areas at various festivals like Holi, and Teej, Daang ( Gujarat ) revolve upon community interaction, meals, carnivals, festivities, rituals, and rituals, and Garba ( Gujarat ) Performed during Navratri & weddings. There are many more folk dances in every region that represent happiness and positivity.

6. Furthermore, these dances are free and do not adhere to rigid and disciplined techniques. They are all about power, zeal, devotion to their culture, and pride.

A Brief Introduction To The Bollywood Dance

1. Bollywood dance is a combination of classical and folk dances, as well as western dance. Such dances are not restricted to a single or a particular style.

2. In the 1970s, Mumbai, India, gave birth to the Bollywood dance style. Previously, classical dances such as Indian Bharatnatyam, Kathak, and other folk dance types were integrated into vintage Bollywood films. Thus, in the 1980s, the Bollywood style was affected by Western culture and completely blended into a new style.

3. Many other dance styles, such as classical and folk, have fused with these and developed into new genres, such as freestyle Bollywood dances, Hip-Hop, Arabic, and Jazz. Bollywood dancing is a perfect blend of many other dances and is less rigorous than classical dances.

4. In earlier times, Bollywood music and dance were very different, simple, and sober.

Though with the advent of Western influence and people’s interest in western culture, the confined Bollywood culture was westernized.

5. Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, and Kuchipudi dances were combined with Arabic, Hip-Hop, Tap dance, and Jazz. The dance style was altered and evolved as a result of the fusion. Furthermore, not only did dance techniques and music change during these centuries, but so did costumes, makeup, props, jewellery, and other accessories.

Final Words

Each dance style has its intricacies and is unique, but each dance style reflects a story and emotions of happiness, pain, grief, and more. Dance is a beautiful art that doesn’t require any words to express the story. The mudras, expressions, movements, gestures do it all. If you’re looking for online dance classes for kids, check out PiggyRide’s website. It’s a leading platform that provides unlimited online dance classes of various genres and styles. Visit PiggyRide and take a FREE demo class from one of the top instructors!

Author -

Hi Friends! I am Nidhi Arora. I am working as a content writer with PiggyRide. I earned a bachelor’s degree in literature from Delhi University and am currently pursuing an MA in Literature. I’m the founder of spiritbulb.com, and I enjoy writing about everyday issues that will inspire you all to have a more fulfilling life. I’m probably happiest when I’m writing or reading.