Origins of South Asian Dance First South Asian Dance in the UK South Asian Dance since 1945 South Asian Dance Forms

Ram Gopal as the Eagle

Bharata Natyam originated in the temples of southern India. The strong lines of the dance are embellished with intricately expressive hand gestures.

Ram Gopal

Kathak is a story-telling form from Northern India. It is characterised by fluid body movements, complex rhythmical footwork and contrasted moments of speed and stillness.

In Kathakali gods, heroes, demons, and spirits are characters in the retelling of the great stories of Hindu literature and legend. The performers wear highly stylised costumes and elaborate make-up to give the impression of a mask.

Uday Shankar

Mudra is the elaborate hand and finger language found in Indian art and dance. The positions of the hands and fingers have a precise meaning – almost everyone knows the gesture of prayer, the hands held at chest height facing upwards with palms and fingers pressed together. Dancers exercise the hands and fingers over many years to achieve amazing flexibility.