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Guru Amubi was the first winner of Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1956) from Manipur state. Rajkumar Singhajit Singh is a leading exponent of Manipuri dance, awarded Sangeet Natak Akademi Puraskar in 1984.
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India has 8 classical dance forms: Bharatanatyam (Tamil Nadu), Kathak (Uttar Pradesh), Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh), Odissi (Odisha), Kathakali (Kerala), Manipuri (Manipur), Mohiniyattam (Kerala), and Sattriya (Assam). These are based on Natya Shastra by Bharata Muni and are asked in UPSC and SSC exams.
Bharatanatyam originates from Tamil Nadu and is one of India's oldest classical dance forms. It was traditionally performed in Hindu temples by devadasis and later popularized by Rukmini Devi Arundale. It expresses devotion through nritta (pure dance), nritya (expressive dance), and natya (dramatic elements).
Kathak is a classical dance form of North India characterized by fast footwork, spins (chakkar), and expressive storytelling. The word Kathak comes from Katha meaning story. It has three main gharanas: Lucknow Gharana (grace), Jaipur Gharana (vigorous footwork), and Banaras Gharana. Famous dancer: Birju Maharaj.
Important folk dances: Bhangra and Giddha (Punjab), Garba and Dandiya (Gujarat), Lavani (Maharashtra), Bihu (Assam), Chhau (Jharkhand/Odisha/West Bengal), Kalbelia and Ghoomar (Rajasthan), Yakshagana (Karnataka), Cheraw Bamboo Dance (Mizoram), Mohiniyattam (Kerala).
Kathakali is a classical dance-drama from Kerala known for its elaborate makeup, colorful costumes, and headdresses. It depicts stories from Ramayana and Mahabharata. The elaborate facial makeup uses natural colors: green for noble heroes, red and white for evil characters. The training starts in childhood and takes many years to master.
