What is the Difference Between Classical Dance and Folk Dance

The main difference between classical dance and folk dance is that classical dance is quite complex and technical, whereas folk dance is quite easy to learn.

Both classical dance and folk dance are traditional dance forms of India. Classical dance refers to several of the highly stylized dance forms that can trace their roots to the Sanskrit text on theatre and drama, Natyashastra. Folk dance, on the other hand, is a type of simple dance developed by the people to reflect their lives, often to the local music. There are many dance forms, both classical and folk, originating from different regions of India.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Classical Dance  
     – Definition, Features, Dance Forms
2. What is Folk Dance
    – Definition, Features, Dance Forms
3. Difference Between Classical Dance and Folk Dance
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Classical Dance, Folk Dance

What is Classical Dance

Indian classical dance is a broad term that refers to various dance forms that can trace their roots to the Sanskrit text, Natyashastra. Classical dance is highly stylized and well developed and has evolved over a long period of time. Their technique and execution have been formally taught through Guru-Shishya tradition through centuries. Moreover, it is considered to have developed in high society, in temple complexes and royal courts.

Training in classical dance training is rigorous and demanding since it involves many technical, rhythmic, lyrical, literary, and emotional aspects. Classical dance also involves grace, composure, stance, and abhinaya (expressive techniques conveying a theme, mood, or idea). Highly trained professionals who have received formal training for many years usually perform the classical dance. It may also involve solo performances and group performances.

Figure 1: Kathak Dance Form

In addition, there are several forms of Indian classical dance from different regions of India. These are the 8 most popular classical dance forms:

1. Bharatanatyam, from Tamil Nadu
2. Kathak, from Uttar Pradesh
3. Odissi, from Odisha
4. Kathakali, from Kerala
5. Kuchipudi, from Andhra Pradesh
6. Sattriya, from Assam
7. Manipuri, from Manipur
8. Mohiniyattam, from Kerala

What is Folk Dance

Folk dance is a type of simple dance developed by the people to reflect their lives, often to the local music. People perform folk dances for recreational or celebratory reasons, such as weddings and harvest festivals. Most importantly, folk dances are dances of the common people. Therefore, dancers have no formal or rigorous training and the dance form does not include any technicalities. Moreover, folk dances are all about fun, energy, and enthusiasm.

Figure 2: Garba

Furthermore, some folk dances may be based on folklore and can explore stories of relationships between people and changes of seasons. In addition, there are many folk dances in India. Some of the most popular folk dances are Ghoomer, Garba, Bihu, Lavani, Dandiya, Kalbelia, Rouff, Chari, and Bhangra.

Difference Between Classical Dance and Folk Dance

Definition

Classical dance refers to various dance forms that can trace their roots to the Sanskrit text on theatre and drama, Natyashastra while folk dance is a type of simple dance developed by the people to reflect their lives, often to the local music.

Nature

Classical dance involves many technicalities and requires grace, composure, stance, and abhinaya while folk dance does not involve any technicalities. In fact, folk dance is all about energy, enthusiasm, and fun.

Complexity

Moreover, classical dance is quite complex and technical, whereas folk dance is quite easy to learn.

Dancers

Classical dancers receive many years of formal training, whereas folk dancers have no formal training.  

Performance

While classic dance has both solo and group performances, folk dance has mainly group performances. 

Beginnings

Classical dance is considered to have developed in high society, in temple complexes and royal courts, whereas folk dance developed among common people.

Dance Forms

While there are eight classical dance forms, Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Sattriya, Manipuri, and Mohiniyattam, there are more than 30 folk dances in India, including Ghoomer, Garba, Bihu, Lavani, Dandiya, Kalbelia, Rouff, Chari, and Bhangra.

Conclusion

The main difference between classical dance and folk dance is that classical dance is quite complex and technical, whereas folk dance is quite easy to learn. Moreover, classical dance involves many technicalities and requires grace, composure, stance, and abhinaya while folk dance does not involve any technicalities. In fact, folk dance is all about energy, enthusiasm, and fun.

Reference:

1. “Indian Classical Dance.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 17 Sept. 2021.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Shinjini kathak dance indian classical in traditional attire” By Shinjinikulkarni – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Navratri Garba” By Hardik jadeja – Own work (CC BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia