BHARATANATYAM, odissi, karakattam and kathakali are some of the Indian classical dances that are well-known in Malaysia.
This is especially so among the local Indian community for which these dances are often part of various events.
Indian classical dance performances are known for their storytelling through eye movements, hand gestures and rhythmic footwork.
However, over the years, these dances – as with cultural dances of other ethnicities – have not been exempt from trends which result in the inclusion of modern styles and steps in traditional choreography.
The performances featured at the Indian Dance Festival 2024 at Komtar Complex, George Town, however, adhered to dance traditions.
This inaugural festival had aimed to raise awareness about the history and meaning behind Indian classical dances.
Organised by the Penang Indian Film Producers Association and supported by Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry and Tourism Malaysia, the event also showcased the genre’s diversity.
Event organiser Viknes Perrabu told Bernama that it was important to preserve original dance forms of the Indian community.
“Indian culture is very rich with various types of dances from different ethnic groups,” he said.
“Indian dance can be divided into classical and traditional styles.
“The seven most well-known classical styles are bharatanatyam, odissi, mohiniattam, kathak, kathakali, kuchipudi and manipuri, most of which are heavily influenced by Hindu religious elements and stories from the ancient Sanskrit text of Natyashastra,” Viknes added.
He said Indian classical dances learned by members of other ethnic groups did not incorporate religious elements.
Viknes added that the authenticity and uniqueness of the dance movements used in the choreography were still preserved.
The festival attracted over 300 people from various races.
The dancers’ movements, accessories and costumes kept the audiences engrossed.
The dances were performed by popular Penang and Kedah groups such as GDA Dancers, Vaanavil Dancers and Eswary Dancers.
The audience’s excitement was evident during the karakattam performance where the performers balanced pots on their heads while dancing to the rhythm.
The mayilaattam (peacock dance), where the dancers mimicked the graceful movements of a peacock, was also mesmerising.
