Introduction

Whether you’re new to Indian dance, or you’ve been studying for years, there are a few things you need to have an authentic and traditional Indian dance class.

1. A good teacher

You need a teacher who is trained and experienced. A good teacher will be able to explain the movements and steps and understand your background so that they can explain the meaning of the dance to you. The history of the traditional Indian dance will also be explained by such an educator in a way that ensures you are getting as much as possible out of your lessons.

Finding a dance teacher can be difficult, but there are ways to make the process easier.

-One way to find a good dance teacher is by asking friends and family for referrals.

-Another way to find a dance teacher is by looking online. There are many websites that list teachers in different areas.

-Once you have found a few potential teachers, it is important to interview them before making a decision.

-Some things you may want to ask during the interview include their teaching experience, what style of dance they teach, how they structure their classes, and what type of student they cater to.

2. The right costumes

It’s important to have the right costume for your dance form and your body type. Your teacher will guide you about your costume.

Some examples of traditional Indian dance costumes are:

-Ghagra Choli: This is a long skirt that is worn by dancers in some parts of India. It is typically made from bright colors and has many layers to give it volume. The ghagra choli is often decorated with sequins or other embellishments. This costume is worn in Kathak.

2. Anarkali Salwar Kameez: This outfit includes a fitted top and loose pants with an elastic waistband (salwar). It is typically worn by female performers during performances or ceremonies because it looks great on stage!

3. Banarasi Saree: The costume worn in Indian dance Bharat Natyam is called a “sari”. The sari is usually around 5 feet long, and it wraps around the body in many ways. The most common style of wrapping is called the “drape”, where the end of the sari is tucked into itself and then wrapped around the waist.

Also, consider whether you plan on performing in the future when selecting your costume(s). If so, make sure they are durable enough to withstand multiple performances and easy to maintain between practices.

3. Jewelry

Jewelry is an important part of traditional Indian dance, and it is worn by both men and women. The jewelry can be made of a variety of materials ranging from silver to gold, brass, and copper to semi-precious stones like pearl or turquoise. It may be very simple or very elaborate—this depends on your taste as well as the type of dance you’re learning.

Some main jewelry pieces used in traditional Indian dance are :

-Choker- A thin band of gold or silver worn around the neck. The choker may be plain or have a design carved into it.

-Nose Ring – A small circular ring worn on the nose and often studded with gems. Depending on the type of dance, it can be made from either gold or silver. Nose rings are also worn by both men and women. The nose ring is usually made of a single piece of gold or silver wire that goes through one nostril and out the other side. This type of jewelry is called a ‘nath’ in India.

-chains are worn around the neck, arms, and waist

-earrings (usually a large hoop or stud)

-bracelets

-bindi. An Indian bindi is a small, round, red dot that is worn on the forehead.   Bindis are also worn by both men and women for dance purposes. The size and color of the bindi can vary, but the most important thing is that it is placed in the center of the forehead. Bindis are made from a variety of materials, including metal, glass, and pearl. They are usually decorated with intricate designs, and some bindis even have jewels embedded in them.

-Gungroo – A small bell is worn around the ankle. It is usually made of silver or gold and is often studded with gems. Gungroo is commonly used in dances from the southern regions, such as Kathakali, Kuchipudi, and Bharatanatyam.

-Mang Tikka – A small metal stud worn in the center of the forehead. It is usually made of silver or gold and is often studded with gems. Mang Tikka is commonly used in dances from the southern regions, such as Kathakali, Kuchipudi, and Bharatanatyam.

Additionally, there are many region-specific types of costumes and jewelry.

4. Dance appropriate music

Traditional Indian dance is accompanied by music. The type of music depends on the type of dance, but all forms of Indian dance require some kind of musical instrument. The type of music played depends on the dance form.

Some examples of music and instruments used in traditional Indian dance :

-the classical Indian dance form of Kathak is accompanied by the tabla and Sarangi. The music for Kathak is much more upbeat.

– Bharatanatyam’s music is slow and melodic. The music for Bharatanatyam is a combination of vocal, instrumental, and rhythmic elements. Bharatnatyam music is based on classical Indian music

-Folk dance forms use instruments like dholak (drums), harmonium, tabla (percussion), and flute.

-Bhangra dance is accompanied by dhol

5. Water to stay hydrated during the dance

Dance is an aerobic activity and therefore requires you to be well hydrated. If you are dancing for long periods of time, it is a good idea to drink plenty of water before and after your dance class.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to try a fun new hobby, or want to learn more about Indian culture, then Indian dance classes are a great option. There are many different styles of dance available, depending on where you live and what your interests are. It may take some time before you find the right class for you but once it happens—you won’t regret it!

Looking for Indian Dance classes in your area? Browse our directory here.

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Disclaimer: The information and advice contained in our articles are intended for general informational purposes only. The content on our site does not provide any medical advice or established facts, and only reflects the opinion of writers.