 |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |
 |
Swara Nritya Cambridge
Classes offered
Odissi also referred to as Orissi in old literature, is a major ancient Indian classical dance that originated in the temples of Odisha – an eastern coastal state of India.Odissi, in its history, was performed predominantly by women, and expressed religious stories and spiritual ideas, particularly of Vaishnavism through songs written and composed according to the ragas & talas of Odissi music by ancient poets of the state.
Bollywood dancing is a colourful, dynamic and highly theatrical dance style seen in Indian films. It combines classical forms of dance including traditional Indian, folk, salsa, belly-dance while also incorporating more contemporary western forms such as hip hop, jazz and funk. Having no set rules, Bollywood dancing is the perfect means to encourage freedom of expression.
The word ‘Bollywood’ is the name given to the Indian film industry, originally deriving from ‘Bombay’ (now ‘Mumbai’) and ‘Hollywood’. Mumbai is the home of the Hindi (Indian) film industry which produces more than 1,000 films a year, attracting a much larger audience than Hollywood.
With no set rules, fitness requirement or age restrictions, Bollywood dancing is the perfect way to enjoy freedom of expression and connection with others.
Bharatanatyam word was derived by joining two Sanskrit words: 'Natyam' meaning dance and 'Bharata' which is a mnemonic containing 'Bha' (bhava/emotions), 'Ra' (raga/melody), and 'Ta' (tala/rhythm). Thus the term Bharatanatyam means a dance that expresses Bhava, Raga, and Tala.
​
Bharatanatyam is known for its rich cultural and spiritual significance, with roots traced back to ancient texts like Natya Shastra. Bharatanatyam is characterized by its intricate footwork, expressive hand gestures (mudras), facial expressions, and vibrant costumes. The dance typically follows a structured format, including the invocation (Alarippu), followed by pure dance sequences (Jatiswaram and Shabdam), expressive pieces (Varnam), and finally, the concluding pieces (Padams and Tillana). Through its graceful movements and storytelling, Bharatanatyam communicates mythological tales, religious themes, and emotions, making it a revered and captivating art form.
Carnatic music, rooted in the rich cultural heritage of southern India, is a classical tradition celebrated for its melodic intricacies and rhythmic precision. Characterized by the exploration of ragas and talas, this vocal-centric art form showcases a seamless blend of devotion and artistic expression.