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The land of
Karnataka is well known for its dances as several types of dances are
performed here. These dances reflect the rich cultural background of
this southern state of India. Dances from both the genre; classical and
folk, have reach traditions in various parts of Karnataka.
There is a
long tradition of classical dances in Karnataka including Bharatanatyam
of Mysore style, which is most popular here. Kuchipudi and Kathak are
other classical dances which are being performed here.
Mysore
Bharatnatayam
Bharatnatayam
has been a classical dance with higher notes of aesthetic appeal. It
started with Bharta muni who described it thoroughly in Natyashashtra.
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But there have been
various distinct styles of its performance with the change of time and
places. The Bharatnatayam of Mysore consist many features of classical
Bharatnatayam like emphasis on theatrical impersonation of passionate
women. It has its background in art of rajadasi’s and that’s why
Bharatnatayam of Mysore is being preserved for such long time. There is
a plethora of poses and movements with symbolic gesturres and facial
expressions in this classical dance of Karnataka.
Kunitha:
Ritual Dances of Karnataka
Besides Mysore
Bharatnatayam, there is a huge range of ritual dances in Karnataka
which are well known as Kunitha and is performed in various forms.
Indigenous communities have preserved their folk dances with their
culture.
Dollu Kunitha is a
type of these ritual dances which is accompanied by singing and beats
of well decorated drums. The dance is well known for energetic drum
beats with quick movements of dancers and group formations in
synchronization. Dollu Kunitha is performed by men of Kuruba Community
(shepherd community) mainly and it is well associated with worship of
god Beereshwara. Dolu is decorated in various colourfull ways to please
the god for the betterment of people. This dance is synthesis of
spirituality and entertainment and it has been main attraction of
religious ceremonies and festivals in North Karnataka for a long time.
There are many more
types of Kunitha including Puja Kunitha, Yellammana Kunitha, Devare
Thatte Kunitha, Suggi Kunitha, Pata Kunitha and Gorava Kunitha which
are performed in festivals and religious ceremonies.
Yakshagana:
a dance drama
Yakshagana is a type
of folk which features stories from puranas and epics. This dance drama
is a blend of music, dance, songs, interesting dialogues and
multicolored costumes. It is performed usually after reaping the winter
crop in coastal areas of Karnataka.
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