Which Dance Form is Known as the 'Ballad of the East' of India?

Dance is one of the oldest forms of human art. Research suggests that early humans used dance to bond and communicate before spoken language existed.

Archaeologists have found dancing figures in the Bhimbetka rock shelters in India that are between 10,000 and 30,000 years old. Early tribes probably danced to share stories, find partners, and strengthen their communities.

Dancing in rhythm helps our brains release chemicals that make us feel happy and connected to others. Today, new styles like Robot Dancing and viral internet challenges continue this tradition.

Do you know which Indian dance is called the 'Ballad of the East'? In this article, we will explore the rich history and dramatic storytelling of this famous art form.

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Which Dance is Known as the Ballad of the East?

Source: Britannica

Kathakali, often called the 'Ballad of the East' or the ‘Ballet of the East', is a classical dance-drama from Kerala in South India. It began in the 17th century, around 1650 to 1660 AD.

Kathakali developed from earlier ritual arts such as Krishnanattam and Ramanattam. It is known for its 'total theatre' style, which brings together literature, music, painting, acting, and dance.

A typical Kathakali performance uses 24 basic mudras, or hand gestures, that can express more than 470 different meanings. Performers train intensely for 8 to 10 years to gain full control of their muscles.

The detailed makeup, known as Veshams, is made from natural minerals and takes three to five hours to put on. Through its stylised movements, Kathakali keeps ancient Vedic stories alive.

7+ Lesser-Known Facts About Kathakali

• Kathakali dancers undergo "Netra Vyayamam" (eye exercises) to move their eyes in 9 distinct directions. Science shows this increases the neuroplasticity of the oculomotor nerves.
• The green colour (Paccha) used for hero characters is made from Manayola (arsenic sulphide) and indigo, while the red is from Cinnabar (mercuric sulphide).
• Performances traditionally use the Chenda, a drum that produces sound at a frequency of 250 to 500 Hz, which is scientifically proven to create high physiological arousal in an audience.
• There are exactly 101 traditional Kathakali plays (Attakkathas) written over the centuries, though only about 30 are commonly performed today.
• It is the only Indian classical dance where the actors never speak; the story is told through 100% non-verbal communication, engaging the brain's "mirror neurones" in the audience.
• Traditional performances begin at sunset and last 8 to 10 hours until dawn, aligning with the body's natural circadian rhythm for storytelling.
• Dancers place a small seed of the Chundappoo (Solanum pubescens) flower under their lower eyelids to turn the whites of their eyes red, enhancing the emotional intensity of the character.
• The basic stance of a Kathakali dancer requires the feet to be placed on their outer edges. This lowers the centre of gravity, providing the balance needed for heavy headgear weighing up to 5 to 10 kg.

Which Dance is Called the Saga of the East?

Kathakali is often called the 'Saga of the East', a name that shows its importance as a powerful storytelling art form. Unlike most other dances, Kathakali is a full dance-drama that tells ancient Indian stories using detailed facial expressions and hand movements.

What is the Kathakali Dance Also Known As?

Source: Britannica

Kathakali is often called the 'Ballad of the East' because of its special form as a musical poem that tells a story. In the 17th century, it was closely connected to Ramanattam and Krishnanattam, which were earlier dance-dramas about Hindu deities.

What is the Other Name Of Kathakali?

Kathakali is often called the ‘Story-Play’ because ‘Katha’ means 'story' and ‘Kali’ means 'play' in Malayalam. People also refer to it as ‘Total Theatre' since it combines five fine arts: literature, music, painting (makeup), acting, and dance. In the past, it was sometimes known as the ‘Dance of the Gods’ because it shows divine and demonic characters from ancient scriptures.

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