The Indian classical dances have two basic aspects:
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Tandava (movement and rhythm) and
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Lasya (grace, bhava and rasa).
The three main components of them are:
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Natya: the dramatic element of the dance i.e. the imitation of characters.
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Nritta: the dance movements in their basic form.
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Nritya: expressional component i.e. mudras or gestures.
The nine rasas are:
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Love
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Heroism
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Pathos
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Humour
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Anger
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Fear
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Disgust
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Wonder and
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Peace.
The Natya Shastra written by Bharat Muni is the most prominent source for the Indian aestheticians for establishing the characteristics of the dances.
There are 8 classical dances in India:
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Bharatnatyam (Tamil Nadu)
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Kathak (North India)
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Kathakali (Kerala)
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Mohiniyattam (Kerala)
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Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh)
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Odissi (Odisha)
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Sattriya (Assam)
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Manipuri (Manipur)
Contemporary classical dance forms have evolved out of the musical play or sangeet-nataka performed from the 12th century to the 19th century.