Manipuri Dance
Unique Features


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A brief description of the characteristics of Manipuri Dance that make it the easy-to-watch but tough-to-learn dance style.


The tandava style
Nanichuri by Poushali

Tandav & Lasya

Manipuri has two distinct styles, Tandava, or masculine which is forceful and vigorous and Lasya or feminine, which is graceful and lyrical. The difference between the two is more pronounced than in other dance styles - so much so that dancers have to wear different costumes to perform them. Within Tandava, there is Gunthanam which is the direct counterpart of Lasya and performed in the famous Rasleelas. Chalanam is performed in Sankirtan in Pung Cholom and Kartal Cholom (dances with drums and cymbals) - it is more vigorous, involving acrobatic movements. Prasaranam is the Martial Arts of Manipur called Thant-ta - it's an extremely vigourous and stylised form of Tandava. In Lasya, a lot of emphasis is laid on the undulating torso movements - this is easy to look at but extremely difficult to master!

Lasya, the feminine dance form
Poushali performing lasya

Some other unique features

The flowing river - All movements in Manipuri Dance are like the waves of the sea, one merging into the other, without any sharp breaks. The hand movements are rounded, maintaining a 45 degree angle.

The Natural Aspect: All the movements are stylised and subtle, while representing their natural counterpart - no excess, no exaggeration. The same goes for abhinaya too - it's completely natural, with no overt facial expressions or eye movements like other dance styles. Control is the essence of Manipuri dance, whether it is pure dance or abhinaya. Even after a vigorous jump, the dancer lands softly on the ground, without making any sound.

The Devotional Element: Bhakti is the guiding force of Manipuri dance and it is expressed through the dancer's grace and humility, even on stage. The movements and expressions should not have any lightness or cheapness about them. They should be subtle, controlled and stylised, maintaining poise and elegance.



Costumes - A Visual Extravaganza

The costumes of the Manipuri Rasleela are some of the most resplendent among Indian dances. The peacock feather mukut or crown adorning Krishna's head or the glittering round skirts worn by Radha and the Gopies create a spectacular sight - almost like paradise on earth. It is believed that Maharaja Bhagyachandra, the propounder of Vaishnavism in Manipur and the founder of Rasleela and Sankirtan, saw the costumes in his dream and got them made accordingly.
 
The costumes for Lai Haraoba are however, different. They are inspired by the motifs and designs of the primitive Manipuri culture. The women's attire is composed of phaneks (Manipuri wraparound skirts), velvet blouses and decorative headgear called Kajinglei. The men wear a dhoti called khamenchetpa and very elaborate headgear.
 
For modern stage presentations, various forms of these costumes are being used.

Guru Bipin Singh: The Maestro of Manipuri
 
A dancer, scholar, teacher, choreographer, all rolled into one, Guru Bipin Singh was the pioneering mind behind establishing the scientific tenets of Manipuri Dancing. Having received training from various gurus of Manipur, he combined his practical knowledge with an extensive knowledge of the Vaishnavite Sangeet Shastras to devise a scientific base for Manipuri Dance, which has come down through the ages as an oral tradition. He also contributed immensely towards making Manipuri Dance suitable for the modern stage, infusing new life and vigour into the dance style.

He set up Manipuri Nartanalaya in 1972, where he taught Manipuri Dance according to the scientific system and trained many disciples who have now become the leading lights of Manipuri Dance in India. He has also published a number of books on the subject which are reservoirs of knowledge for both students and scholars. Of the numerous awards he received, the Hanjaba from the Maharaja of Manipur, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and the Kalidas Samman are specially noteworthy. His sad demise in 2000 left a wide gap in the field of Manipuri Dance universe.