Indian dancing dress

Types of Indian dancing dress

A Indian dancing dress varies according to the region of origin and the specific style of dance. These are some commonly known types:

• Bharatanatyam

  The Bharatanatyam dance form originates from Tamil Nadu. The dress worn during performances consists of a full-length cotton skirt that is pleated. It is accompanied by a fitted blouse and a shawl or dupatta. The attire is usually brightly colored, with the predominant hues being red, yellow, and green. The Bharatanatyam dress has numerous ornamentation pieces, such as necklaces and earrings. The dancers’ feet are usually bare, and the dancers can also wear anklets.

• Odissi

  The state of Orissa is the origin of the Odissi dance form. It is performed in a dress that consists of a sari draped in a unique way. The sari is paired with a full-length underskirt and a fitted blouse. The colors of the dress are usually vibrant and earthy, with combinations of orange, white, and red. Additionally, the Odissi dress has different ornaments that the dancers wear on their heads, hands, and feet. These include necklaces, bangles, and earrings.

• Kathak

  Kathak is a dance form from Northern India. The dancers wear different forms of attire, depending on whether they are performing the male or female dance. Women wear long skirts, often referred to as choli and ghagra, which are accompanied by a fitted blouse and a dupatta. The colors of the Kathak dress are vibrant, with red, blue, and green being the most common colors. The men's attire consists of a long tunic, which is also referred to as a kurta, and loose-fitting pants called churidars. The dancers also perform barefoot but can have anklets.

• Manipuri

  The Manipuri dance form is from the state of Manipur. The dress is a unique Indian dancing dress that consists of a short, flared skirt. The skirt is worn over a pair of long, fitted pants. The top is usually a long-sleeved blouse known as a choli, and the dancers may wear a shawl or dupatta. The colors of the Manipuri dress are soft and pastel, with white, pink, and blue being the most common. The dancers also perform barefoot, and like in other dance forms, they use different ornaments.

• Lavani

  The Lavani dance form originates from Maharashtra. The dress for this dance usually consists of a 9-yard sari, which is draped in a distinct way. The sari is vibrant, with many different colors and patterns. The dancers also wear jewelry, which includes necklaces, earrings, and bangles. Their feet are usually bare, and sometimes, they wear anklets. The male dancers wear a kurta, which is a long tunic, and a waist-length scarf.

Design of Indian dancing dress

Indian classical dance forms are numerous, and so are the traditional dresses that go with each form. Indian folk dance forms are numerous, and each has a unique dress. The following are the designs and styles of the dresses.

• Odissi

  Odissi is a dance from Orissa. The Odissi dance costume is an ornate and complex dress, which consists of a blouse, a sari, and an apron-like piece of clothing called the nabhi bandi. This piece of clothing is tied around the dancer's waist. The sari is draped in a special way. The legs are partially covered, and the draping emphasizes the curves of the body. The blouse is short, and it exposes the midriff. The costume is completed with jewelry, bells, and a headpiece. The headpiece is called the chura, and it is made of flowers or metal.

• Bharatanatyam

  Bharatanatyam is a dance from Tamil Nadu. The Bharatanatyam dance costume is a form-fitting dress with a sari wrapped around it. The sari is draped in a specific way. It reveals the dancer's legs. The costume is completed with jewelry and bells. Bharatanatyam dresses for women are red, yellow, and green. They are made of silk or a silk-like material. The men's dress is less colorful, and it consists of a dhoti and a short blouse.

• Kathak

  Kathak is a dance from North India. The Kathak dance costume is a long, flowing dress. It is called a chudidar-kurta. This dress is form-fitting, and it consists of a long tunic and tight pants. The Kathak dress for men has a longer tunic called the kurta. It is worn with loose pants called chudidar. The costume is completed with jewelry and bells.

• Manipuri

  Manipuri is a dance from Manipur. The Manipuri dance costume consists of a short, form-fitting blouse. It also has a long, flowing skirt called a phiran. The skirt is worn with a scarf-like piece of clothing called a meikhala. The costume is completed by a headpiece. The headpiece is called a serwa. It is made of fabric and ornaments.

• Mohiniyattam

  Mohiniyattam is a dance from Kerala. The Mohiniyattam dance costume consists of a white and gold sari. The sari is draped in a specific way. It is worn with a short blouse. The Mohiniyattam dress for men consists of a dhoti and a short blouse. The costume is completed with jewelry and a headpiece called a mudi.

Wearing/Matching suggestions of Indian dancing dress

Women’s Indian classical dance costumes can be combined and worn in many diverse ways. The following are some of these combinations:

• Top and Skirt

  Pairing a sleeveless blouse with a long flowing skirt makes for an elegant Indian dancing dress. The tight-fitting blouse can be worn with a colorful skirt that has a lot of movement to it. This combination is suitable for solo performances. It gives the dancer freedom and space to do her moves, and the audience can see the full body movements. It can be enhanced with jewelry pieces that are traditionally worn on the head and feet, and a dupatta.

• Dhoti Pants and Crop Top

  A crop top and dhoti pants make for a modern, comfortable, and flexible Indian dancing outfit. The loose dhoti pants are perfect for full-body dances, while the fitted crop top is great for all hand movements. This style is contemporary and can be worn for any casual get-together. Wearing a pair of jutti (Indian footwear) and a statement necklace will complement this look perfectly.

• Lehenga Choli with Fusion

  Combining a lehenga choli with Western elements is a great way to honor Indian culture and still embrace modernity. This is perfect for occasions like weddings, where one can dress up in traditional attire but still be comfortable. Adding a denim jacket to the lehenga choli makes it look chic. To complete the look, one can wear high heels and a dangling earring.

• Kalidar with Bell Bottoms

  Anarkali kalidar with bell-bottom pants is another flowing and colorful Indian dancing dress option. This combination is beautiful and worth watching. The kalidar's flare is accentuated by the bell-bottoms, and the colors and patterns are vibrant. This outfit is for group performances. Wearing a pair of statement earrings and a dupatta will complement this look.

• Saree with a Twist

  Wearing a saree with a draped design and a different blouse is a beautiful and bold Indian dancing dress. This is for the daring and adventurous, but it's also a way to honor tradition and embrace modernity. A statement necklace and high heels will complement the draped saree.

Q&A

Q1: What are the different styles of Indian dance dresses?

A1: Various Indian dance forms have given rise to diverse styles of dance dresses, each with unique characteristics. For instance, Bharatanatyam dancers wear saree-style dresses with a fitted blouse and a pleated fan-shaped design at the back, while Kathak dancers prefer long, flowing skirts that can create circular movements. Odissi dancers don a distinctive costume with a waist-length blouse and a traditional Sari draped in a specific style, and folk dance dresses vary widely across regions, reflecting local traditions and vibrant patterns.

Q2: What fabrics are Indian classical dance dresses made from?

A2: Indian classical dance dresses are crafted from a range of fabrics, each chosen for its specific qualities. Cotton is popular for its breathability and comfort, particularly in Bharatanatyam, while silk is favored for its luxurious appearance and drape, adding elegance to performances. Synthetic blends may be used for their durability and ease of maintenance. The choice of fabric is essential to ensure the dancer's comfort and freedom of movement during intricate performances.

Q3: Are Indian dance dresses worn outside of performances?

A3: Yes, Indian dance dresses are sometimes worn outside of performances, especially during cultural events, festivals, and celebrations. The intricate designs and vibrant colors make them suitable for special occasions and traditional gatherings. While some dresses may be adapted for everyday wear, they are primarily designed for performances. However, modifications can be made to make them more casual and comfortable for daily use.

Q4: How are Indian dance dresses cared for?

A4:Caring for Indian classical dance dresses requires attention to detail to preserve their intricate embellishments and fabrics. Handwashing is often recommended to avoid damaging delicate sequins, beads, or embroidery. Mild detergents should be used to maintain the fabric's quality, and air drying is preferred to prevent shrinkage or distortion. It's essential to store these dresses in a cool, dry place, preferably covered with a cotton cloth, to protect them from dust and moisture.