Dance

Displaying the inherent essence of various ecstatic expressions, the heritage of Dance speaks of an ancient tradition of Bengal. Rabindranath Tagore and Uday Shankar, the two famous figures of the past century, played a dynamic role in bringing the various Dance forms of Bengal into the forefront.

The present day Dance forms in Bengal represent an enticing range of expressive art skill that is performed by veteran Dancers of the state. While nritya-natya or Dance drama and classical Dances claim a special mention, there are many other equally captivating forms that are seen in the districts of Bengal.

For one Chhau Dance is an excellent example of one of the popular Dances of Purulia district in Bengal. The Chhau performers use various masks each of which resembles a particular mythical character.

Tusu Parab is another enchanting Dance variety of Bengal which is performed by the females of Birbhum region of the state. In order to celebrate the auspicious occasion of makar sankranti, clay idols of Goddess Tusu is carried by the girls to a nearby river where worshipping ceremony is conducted by performing the Tusu Parab Dance.

Yet another beautiful Dance version which is found in the rural corners of Bengal is Jhumar. Performed in the Bengali month of chaitra, Jhumar involves both males and females. At the time of sowing the paddy into the fields this Dance is presented by the local people.

Mastered by the veterans of Birbhum and Burdawan, Raibense Dance involves the deft movement of artificial weaponries of historic wars. Dancing with staves and shields, the performers of this Dance try to bring a unified look.

The age-old culture of Dance in Bengal has helped in creating a pulsating platform of art which is growing by making strokes of enticement with each passing day.

The link indicating the various Dance forms of Bengal is provided below: