6 Cultural Dance Forms For Kids: Kathak, Bharatanatyam, And More

Go Back By Kaushiki Gangully

Kathak

[{ "selector": "#anim1", "keyframes": { "opacity": [0, 1] }, "delay": 0, "duration": 600, "easing": "cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)", "fill": "both" }] A dance form originating in Uttar Pradesh, kathak comes from the Hindi word ‘katha’ meaning ‘story’.

Bharatnatyam

[{ "selector": "#anim2", "keyframes": { "opacity": [0, 1] }, "delay": 0, "duration": 600, "easing": "cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)", "fill": "both" }] Birthed in Tamil Nadu thousands of years ago, Bharatnatyam employs the use of facial expressions and mudras.

Odissi

[{ "selector": "#anim3", "keyframes": { "opacity": [0, 1] }, "delay": 0, "duration": 600, "easing": "cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)", "fill": "both" }] Belonging to Odisha, this dance form makes use of intricate expressions, hand and foot movements.

Manipuri

[{ "selector": "#anim4", "keyframes": { "opacity": [0, 1] }, "delay": 0, "duration": 600, "easing": "cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)", "fill": "both" }] A beautiful traditional North-East Indian dance form, Manipuri usually depicts the stories of Radha and Krishna.

Kathakali

[{ "selector": "#anim5", "keyframes": { "opacity": [0, 1] }, "delay": 0, "duration": 600, "easing": "cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)", "fill": "both" }] A fascinating dance from Kerala, kathakali is adored for its storytelling pattern and heavy, traditional costumes.

Kuchipudi

[{ "selector": "#anim6", "keyframes": { "opacity": [0, 1] }, "delay": 0, "duration": 600, "easing": "cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)", "fill": "both" }] Hailing from Andhra Pradesh, Kuchipudi is a form of religious dance which is considered the toughest to master here.