Performing Arts of India
Performing Arts are various nuanced art forms and disciplines performed with rhythmic movements using one’s whole or partial body, limbs, voice, or facial expressions. These are majorly divided into the categories of Dance, Theatre and Music. These performing art forms are much deeper than physical aspects as they play an important role in shaping and understanding the culture of a society. Usually, these performing arts connect us to the roots of a civilization.
India’s performing arts encompass a rich and diverse tradition, reflecting the country’s cultural heritage. Classical dance forms such as Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Odissi, along with classical music, are integral to India’s artistic expression. Theatre, including traditional forms like Kathakali and Yakshagana, showcases storytelling through dance, drama, and music. One of the most unique and treasured performing arts of India is Kalaripayattu, an ancient martial art from Kerala, blending physical training with intricate body moves, unique traditional character, and spiritual elements. It is known for its fluid, dynamic movements, and intricate footwork, symbolizing strength, agility, and discipline while preserving the cultural essence of India.
kalaripayattu stage show team Delhi
Various Types of Performing Arts in India
India being one of the oldest civilizations is a haven for numerous unique performing arts. The Government of India diligently focuses on the preservation of its rich culture and heritage in various forms like arts, crafts, religion, philosophy, and tradition. Some, dating back to as old as 1st millennium CE like Koodiyattam and Kalaripayattu.
Enlisting below some of the renowned performing arts of India:
- Kalaripayattu
- Yoga
- Sankirtana
- Kalbelia
- Chhau
- Mudiyettu
- Bharatnatyam
- Kathak
- Mohiniattam
- Kathakali
- Koodiyattam
- Yakshgana
Kalaripayattu as a Performing Arts of India
Kerala being home to some of the most ancient performing arts of India which have also been recognized as nation’s intangible cultural heritage is also the birthplace of the most ancient and battlefield art in India, Kalaripayattu.
Kalaripayattu is an art born in Malabar region of India around 4th century B.C.E and is known to be one of the most powerful and scientific martial art in ancient times. Founded by Lord Parshurama, Kalaripayattu is known to be a perfect amalgamation of body, mind and soul training. Hence, it is often referred to as a complete guide to an authentic way of life.
Kalaripayattu, commonly referred to as Kalari is based on the survival instincts and fighting techniques of wild animals and follows the laws of nature. Thus, the initial lesson is to prepare a body that is as agile, flexible and strong, mind that is vigilant and instincts as sharpened as an animal who hunts their own food in the wilderness. Only through practicing these flexibility and stamina building body movements of Gaja(the elephant), ashwa(the horse), varaha(the boar), sarpa(the snake),Matsya(the fish) one can experience the precision and depth of this ancient performing art. Regular practice of this performing art of India can enhance the control and balance in the mind and body of an artist by multifold and it teaches its abhyasi the art of mental discipline and breath control that improves the overall fitness of one’s body by killing all the doshas while activating the chakras of the body.
Kalaripayattu having a historical base in Southern India and being a legendary art which is relevant even in today’s time to be called as a mother of all martial arts is now one of the most exhilarating act of performance on stage in events and shows all over the world. Kalari fights are demonstrated and showcased in its original glory through choreographed movements of performers that leaves the audience awestruck with its grandeur and unique moves.
once an art of battlefield, kalari today I widely practiced as an Indian Martial Art as conserved by a few learned Gurus of Kalaripayattu alive today. It has been admiringly also widely spread as a performing art only with a single aim to conserve it from extinction and create awareness amongst the future generation about the rich heritage and roots of the nation they’re born into.
Kalari Kendram, the 1st Performing Arts Centre for Kalaripayattu in Delhi
Kalari Kendram Delhi’s stage show is demonstrated by a strong team of hard-working senior artists, who have given their complete integrity to the teachings of this ancient art and are joined together by the common passion for Kalaripayattu martial art. We have been successfully demonstrating our Indigenous art through scintillating and jaw-dropping kalari stage shows all over the world in various cultural, corporate, and sports events, leaving an indelible mark of our country at an international level.
It is important to state that, Kalari Kendram is known to deliver Kalaripayattu in its “martial arts shows and events” in the most authentic taste and manner due to the deep and thorough training under the best gurus of this ancient art who have kept this treasure of India intact with their monumental efforts and zeal to spread this martial art worldwide. So far, Kalari Kendram has participated in and performed at several events of national and international significance. Some of them are listed below:
- Represented India at the World Martial Arts Festival held on 31st March 2016 in Purwakarta, Indonesia
- Participated in India-Japan Sports Exchange Program held on 16th December 2017 in New Delhi, India
- Presentation -cum- workshop @ Indian cultural center in South Korea held on 1st of August 2016
- Participated in Aswan International Festival for Arts and Culture 2017 from 14th to 25th February 2017 in Egypt
- Associated with ‘Yoga Parva’ celebrating the 4th International Day of Yoga from 21-24 June 2018 in New Delhi, India
- Onam festival celebration, Houston, America
- Performed stage shows at various Corporate events like DLF, HCL, Seimens etc
- Performed Cultural events for Government Institutions like IAF, Indian Coast Guard, DRDO, ONGC, etc
We are open to performing at cultural events, corporate events, private parties, and martial arts festivals.
Contact us: click here