MUSIC & DANCE Famous Classic Music : Carnatic Music Classical Dances : Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi and Kathakali Folk Trance : Kunitha, Devare Thatte Kunitha, Yellammana Kunitha, Suggi Kunitha Famous Dance Drama : Yakshagana, Togalu Bombeaata

Artist Performing the Classical Bharatnatyam Dance

Music and Dance of Karnataka – Emblem of Tradition and Culture

The music and dance of Karnataka are the two finest forms of expression, combining artistry and refinement in a way which can be rarely portrayed by any other form of art. Karnataka has a rich culture and heritage that is well represented by the famous dances and the famous Carnatic music of the state. The performing arts of Karnataka are famous for their classical influences and slowly taking the lead in generating travel exclusively to experience the classical musical beats and dance performances of great artist.

Carnatic Music – Sweet Melodies

Infused with the devotion of Kanaka Dasa and Purandara Dasa, the credit for the flourishing of Karnataka music goes to the royal patronage of the Vijayanagar Empire and the Wodeyars kings. Carnatic form is one of the most famous music practiced in Karnataka. Belonging to the genre of the Carnatic region of India, this music has been the given the statue of being a classical rag. Historically, the kingdoms of Vijayanaga and Tanjavur were considered to be the main areas which looked after the promotion of this form of music while the royal families of the kingdoms were regarded as the patrons of Carnatic Music. Today Carnatic Music has become such an integral part of the cultural outlook of Karnataka that a tour to Karnataka is considered to be incomplete without enjoying a performance of Carnatic Music.

Dances of Karnataka – Movements in Many Forms

Kathakali Performing on the Stage

Dances of Karnataka are versatile and many dance forms are practiced in the state. The most famous among all is the Bharatnatyam that falls in the classical group. Classical dance of Kathakali and Kuchipudi too are an indispensable performing art of Karnataka. Kunitha, the folk dance of Karnataka deserves a special mention, it is basically a popular dance of Karnataka performed with a music. This dance includes a synchronized movement of the dancers to the accompaniment of drum beats. The other folk dances of Karnataka include forms like Devare Thatte Kunitha, Yellammana Kunitha, Suggi Kunitha. In the coastal areas of Karnataka, tourists should enjoy the dance drama, Yakshagana. The word Yakshagana litreally means celestial music. This dance drama is also performed throughout the night, usually after the winter crop has been reaped. It is marked by perfect blend of dance, music, songs, scholarly dialogues and colorful costumes.