Manipuri Dance Form

Manipuri dance form is one of the six classical dance styles of India flourished in the mountainous region of north east state of Manipur. It is purely based on religious scriptures and have a spiritual essence. Manipuri dance is not only a medium for socio-culture demonstration but it also an indispensable for worship and enjoyment. From the religious point of view this dance form is one of the modest, softest, mildest and most importantly most meaningful dance form in the world. Generally dance form is classified into six modes well suitable for six seasons. They are Vasantrasa; Kunjarasa; Nataras; Divarasa; and Maharasa. Widely dance mode of modern time is Lay Haruba. The Manipuri dance is the most spiritual dance form based on motley of strange ritual, folklore and mythology. The typical dance form that has gained immense popularity is Raas Lila, which portrays various scenes from the life of Lord Krishna. Other important dance forms are Pung Cholom, which is a soul of Manipuri Sankritana music and classical regional dance and another one is Khamba Thoibi Dance, which is a duet dance of male and female partners.

The Manipuri dance is popular because of its slow and lyrical dance movements. The round movements with elegance avoid any jerks, sharp edges or straight lines. It gives a soft appearance though it seems like easy movement but require high body balance and impeccable control. Unlike any other classical dance, feet never strike the ground hard as this hinder the smooth movement. Every time how much the steps are vigorous the front part of the feet always strike the ground first and the ankle and joint act as a shock absorbers. Dancers do no wear ankle bells in contrast to other Indian forms where the dances are to punctuate the beats by feet. Like the feet movement, facial expressions are also subtle. The dance form is basically grace of God and composition based on devotion.

The music is an integral part of dance mainly comes from a percussion instrument known as Pung, small cymbals, a pena (stringed instrument) and a flute. The drummer is essentially a male artist. The dance form is known as Pung Cholam. The dance may be performed by either male or female and considered as a prelude to the Raslila. Male dancers play the pung at the same time dancing. Sometimes acrobatics shows their skill in the midst of dance, all without breaking the flow of the music.

The costumes are slightly similar Rajesthani attire of multi-pleaded skirt and jacket. It also generally embroidered with mica pieces gleam and sparkle with every movement of the dancer. A much shorter, stiffer and thinner skirt is worn over the vest, a gossamer star studded veil, draped from a decorative coiffure adding much glamor to the delicate dancers.

Manipuri dance is not only a dance but a religious practice, associated with Vaishnav furor of Hinduism. The art form demonstrate different episodes from the life of Lord Vishnu, styler is feminine although there are some form that show vigorous masculinity. lyrical movement with dignified grace is dazzling. The technique, rhythm and tempo makes this ancient dance form a engrossing experience.











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