Dance, the most lively art form in the world that requires you to imagine and experience it with your eyes wide open. A song requires some part of your body to come to life but dance requires your entire body and dedication to truly thrive. 

Indian classical dance forms have been around for centuries and are well known for their beauty, grace and strong affinity for details. Considered one of the toughest forms of dance, it can be very well distinguished from its western counterpart by focusing on the attire and intricate make-up alone. In any Indian classical dance form, be it Odissi, Kuchipudi, Kathak, or any of the other eight major Indian classical dance forms, the main focus has always been towards pleasing deities and becoming one with them or telling the tale of significant historical figures of the culture. Hand gestures and facial expressions have always been given more importance in the classical dance forms of the Indian subcontinent than in their western counterpart. And there is nothing more beautiful than seeing today’s dancers keeping the tradition alive but reinterpreting it in their own unique ways. 

The Guru Within- Shreema Upadhyaya and Aditya Sharma

Being a trained Odissi dancer of five years I can completely vouch for the tediously long hours of practice that go into perfecting each mudra (hand gesture) and bhangi (pose/ stance). One might assume the rules would be comparatively more relaxed for kids than adults, but sadly the rules of Indian classical dance forms apply to all, regardless of gender or age. The reason it stresses so much on the importance of discipline is because it tries to unite your different personalities into one by removing all distractions and letting you explore and harness each and all of your personas as and when required. 

Beautifully highlighted in the dance video, “The Guru Within”. Conceptualised and choreographed by Shreema Upadhyaya and Aditya Sharma, this dance piece was a confluence of Bharathanatyam and Kathak both being well-known for their storytelling aspect. The dance consisting of two dancers, one male and one female explored the different emotions that a dancer goes through from joy to fear until they find their groove and become one with their inner guru or teacher that guides them in their journey. 

Anondodhara Bohichhe- Subhaijt Khush Das

Kabiguru Rabindranath Tagore is very well-known in Indian history as a poet and freedom fighter. Being a lover of art and believing in the power of different forms of art in uniting us, it’s no wonder that Subhaijt Khush Das conceptualised and choreographed a confluence of three Indian classical Dance forms, i.e., Bharatanatyam, Odissi and Kathakali, to the tunes of Anondodhara Bohichhe by Rabindranath Tagore as a tribute to him on his 161st birth anniversary. The song that reminds people of the bliss that is flowing around the world is brought to life by the harmonious tap of dancers performing three different Indian classical dance forms together but at the same time telling one tale.

Mere Dholna- Purnima Garg

The different Indian classical dance forms are deeply rooted in the customs and culture of each part of the Indian state they originate from. And being dance forms that rely heavily on elaborate costumes and makeup it’s not always feasible for today’s crowd to get their hands on each piece of jewellery for the perfect dance ensemble all the time, thus, came modern interpretation of classical dance forms. Infused with Bollywood beats and lighter clothing and jewellery it kept the essence of the classical form alive but gave it a modern twist. 

Perfectly captured by Purnima Garg who portrays two personas, one in white and another in black, in her Kathak cover of the catchy and ever-green classic song “Mere Dholna” from the movie, “Bhool Bhulaiyaa”, fully complete with light makeup. Her devotion to her art cannot go unnoticed as she doesn’t miss a beat as she switches from one persona to another. The way her eyes move shows how engrossed she was in the beats of the song, just like a true dancer. 

Aayat- Eshna Benegal and Eeshani Mitra 

Another example of such a beautiful fusion can be seen in the Kathak cover of the famous song “Aayat” from the movie “Bajirao Mastani” performed by Eshna Benegal and Eeshani Mitra. Given that it is a song from a Bollywood movie and not necessarily a traditional classical dance, the way the classical dancers incorporated their traditional art form with it shows the beauty and flexibility Indian classical dance forms hold. By sharply and gracefully doing different mudras and poses of Kathak as they tapped their feet to the tunes of this modern song, the dancer kept it authentic and gave it a twist of their own.

As the popularity of fusion dances keeps increasing day by day the concern regarding the loss of pure Indian classical dance forms also worries many. But given the intricate gestures and significance that each move holds in each Indian classical dance form, there’s hardly ever a chance that it will ever lose its essence to any form of dance in the modern world.  

Dance expresses art in way of movements channelling ways of emotions. A form presented by an individual to show devotion, joy or a depiction of a lyrical beauty of music and feelings in a visual way. Presenting you with a set of artists showcasing some amazing dances. The fluidity of their moves blends easily with the flow of music. Making the festive season more lively, they bring so much joy through their passion for dance and performances. Emerging dancers show their skills and passion in their own format of customized art. 

Mere Sohneya – Kalpita Kachroo

The dance choreography is acing an attempt to embody the lyrical beauty of the song. Kalpita looks stunning while presenting a semi-classical dance on the song Mere Sohneya. Her choreography paired with the song is pleasing to the eyes and shows her skills, doing absolute justice to this song. The synchronization of her steps and coordination highlights the choice of music. Her expression truly captivates you with a smile throughout her sequence. This small dance performance manages to show Kalpita has so much potential to deliver through dance in future.  

Ram Leela – Mouveen Sharma

A powerful performance bringing a compilation of all songs from Ram Leela. A tribute to the film with a commendable and diversified music range, she takes every beat of the music her own. The scenic beauty in the video with amazing cinematography with some focus on Mouveen moves and her expression is a visual to see. The variation in her dance ranges from performance in three different songs, showing a different form of dancing. A completely different persona of Mouveen in every song changes. Her talent to captivate the audience with subtle moves and portrayal of art in her way is beautiful. A piece to watch as she gracefully moves and adorns the song.

Dholida- Srija Ramakrishna

Embracing and celebrating the Navratri season, Srija presents a spiralling performance on Dholida. A complex choreography is presented appealingly. Grooving to Dholida and adding the Garba sequence, will make you excited and get your dance nerves tingle. Srija’s expression throughout expressing the song and the joy of the festive season is visible. She uses the floor to its maximum while performing and swiftly gliding with her moves. A fun performance to watch and hopefully learn for the coming festive season.

Saiyaan – ShruNetra 

ShruNetra presentation of her devotion to her Guru through a fascinating dance rendition. As part of her Bhakti series, she presents her art through the medium of art in different locations as devotion. The scenic beauty, the cinematography and her dance moves, all together make this beautiful peaceful piece. ShruNetra’s passion is seen as she completely makes the song her own and moves gracefully according to the rhythm and lyrics. ShruNetra’s portrayal of art and devotion is inspiring and shows the beauty in discovering passion and its acting as a driving force to progress in life. A performance to watch as the song Saiyaan comes to life visually through her dance moves.

Rabindra Sangeet, most commonly known as Tagore Songs, as the name suggests, are the songs penned by the Nobel laureate, Rabindranath Tagore. With a collection of more than 2000 songs, Tagore maintained his position in society as not only just a writer but also a lyricist. His depth of writing, with intense themes, has rendered everyone in deep awe. Apart from the mesmerising flow of the lyrics, the music of his songs was heavily influenced by classical Indian, Folk music, as well as international music. The perfect balance between the poetry and musicality in Rabindra Sangeet renders all other music dull in its presence. Tagore has immortalised himself with his passionate art. Here are some equally heart-touching dance covers on Rabindra Sangeet, reminding everyone of the liveliness and vigour of the Indian culture and dances. 

Monomor Meghero Sangi – Bidipta Sharma

Bidipta Sharma performs a soulful dance on the song, ‘Monomor Meghero Sangi,’ and exudes perfection and grace in every step of hers. She adds her own hypnotising trance to the song, which is already so absorbing and enthralling. Adorned in a blue saree, with pleasant expressions, the dance cover successfully delivers a splendid performance, wanting for more. Rabindra Sangeet is surely empty without its dancers. 

Jagorane Jay Bibhabori – Sharmistha 

Another magnificent Rabindra Nritya performance is of Sharmistha’s. The dance performance is brimmed with elegance and sharp steps, which play the rhythm to each and every beat of the song, Jagorane Jay Bibhabori. Sharmistha justifies the performance with her beautiful red outfit, which makes the entire performance even more resplendent. The ending of the dance cover will definitely be everyone’s favourite part, since the ending dance steps, along with her expressions, add one final beautiful dance movement, which complements the lyrics of the song and its profound music.

Bhalobeshe Shokhi Nibhrite – Payel

Payel and Dwaipayan perform a very beautiful and composed dance cover on the song, Bhalobeshe Shokhi Nibhrite. The duo, with each elegant and poised dance step, elevate the charm of the song. What’s more striking about this performance is that the dance duo also highlights the culture and traditions of India. The wedding ceremony, the surrounding architect, the attires, all encompasses the unique sculpture of the country. 

Bhenge More Ghorer – Nritya Chandraja

Namrat Chakraborty and Chandraja Guha come together to give an energetic, resplendent and vigorous dance cover. Choreographed by Chandraja, the dance cover exudes the dance skills of Chandraja. Matching to the rhythms of the songs, the dancers do not miss enjoying every moment of this performance. Accompanied by the perfect expressions, Namrat and Chandraja remind us of the wholesomeness of a dance cover. Moreover, with the sync and coordination that two are in, the dance becomes even more distinguished, and effortless. 

When it comes to music and dance, there is never “enough,” especially with playful, upbeat and catchy beats. Dancing is a way of livening up the spirits, lifting your mood to a better state, and cheering up the surrounding atmosphere. A good choreography requires sensitivity to music, because without it, how then can a person create dance steps completely from his imagination which syncs with the rhythms of the song as if it were its own? The choreographer is the medium through which two arts: dance and music meet. Here are some original dance covers with exceptional moves and an exuberant energy, which are a must watch if you love some dynamite like performances!

Mohit Gupta – You are My Soniya 

Well, who hasn’t had the classic ‘You Are My Soniya’ from the movie ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham’ in their music playlists? Sung by the talented Sonu Nigam and Alka Yagnik, it is still one of the favourites of all, both to groove and listen to. Mohit Gupta makes a lively freestyle and hip hop dance choreography to match the song’s vibes. Accompanied by two other dances, the trip lineup and coordination make the cover even more fun and lively to watch it. Mohit Gupta’s catchy and quick paced steps are a must watch, and will definitely make you want to dance around your own house. 

Kavindu Madushan and Paristha Smith – Manali 

The power duo, Kavindu Madushan and Paristha Smith dance along to Yuki Nawaratne & Ravi Jay’s song, Manali. The talented Kavindu Madushan has choreographed the hypnotic and exuberant dance performance. Throughout the dance, the two have maintained the perfect synchronisation. The moves of the dance cover are subtle, but full of vigour and vivacity. The dancers have incorporated real vibrance in their dance, which makes it so contagious and fun to watch to.

Mitali – Ghoomar 

Mitali choreographed a beautiful Rajasthani dance cover on the song Ghoomar by Kapil Jangir. This dance cover is especially for the auspicious occasion of Teej. In their beautiful attires and jewelleries, both Mitali and Janki maintain alluring expressions along with their graceful and mellow dance movements. Like every Indian classical dance, which is dripped in elegance and propriety, Mitali’s choreography is in the same magnificent category. The dance has also been choreographed, keeping in mind that the women and girls could learn the steps easily for the festival. Mitali does an exceptional job in delivering such a simpl yet a beguiling dance, perfect for the monsoon festival of Teej. 

Yash and Avi – Bhool Bhulaiya Part 2

The title track of the movie, ‘Bhool Bhulaiya Part 2,’ is similar to the previous movie’s title track. Undoubtedly, this title song is one of the favourite jams, especially when it comes to dancing along with your friends or at other celebratory events. Yash and Avi, decked up in their all black outfits, groove to this song in full zeal and vivacity. The choreography has been done by Yash, who has incorporated free style and hip hop steps which match the vibe of the song fully. The beats of the song are quite fast paced, but the dancing duo knows how to race up to the beats length to length.

Youtube has managed to garner a large audience appreciating dance performances. Significant pouring support from the masses is an encouraging sign for dancers to excel in their choreography and further elevate the songs they choose to perform. A collaboration of dance and music together magnifies the essence of songs and graceful moves the dancers sway, in the process creating a greatly soothing and appealing video production setting the standards of performative art so high. The expressions and dance styles delivered by the dancers make you groove to the rhythm and beats and lose yourself in their fascinating world.

Here are some amazing dancers who have definitely made their presence known on Youtube.

Sreetama gracefully delivers a Holi special with colours smeared across her face complementing the elaborate facial expressions in contrast to a dim white scenic setting. Swaying to Shreya Ghosal’s Neel Digante from the Gotro Album, she presents an immaculate performance elevating the lyrical beauty of the song through her elegant moves. Dancers like Sreetama never fail to channel the inner poise and captivate the viewers.

Mohe Rang Do Laal – Neelam Patel

Neelam Patel’s dance cover on Mohe Rang Do Laal is a phenomenal presentation of semi-classical dance immersed in the music. Her dance moves mould and flow so well according to the rhythm making her choreography so flawlessly put together and doing justice to the music. Throughout the dance, there is a lurking presence of ease and an inviting aura that you can feel. Energetic delivery by Neelam to show her potential and collect viewers’ love. As it turns out to be an apt source of entertainment derived from indulging in this beautiful portrayal of art.

Ek Dil Ek Jaan – Sadhwi Majumde

The raw portrayal of emotions and lyrics through her expressions creates a dynamic hard to ignore. In other words, dynamic forcing viewers to dwell more on the essence of the song emphasised by Sadhwi’s striking moves. Sadhwi Majumde, a well-known figure in Indian dance realities show states the difficulty of shooting the dance in one shot because of the gravity the lyrics hold and the courage she had to muster. The effort to do justice and express the wrenching lyrics is clearly visible in this dance cover. Sole focus on her with the black background does not fail to capture viewers’ thoughts and make them exposed to what she wants to convey.

Manike Mage Hithe – Sreetma Baidya

Sreetma Baidya inclines towards a folk dancing style keeping with the cover of popular Manike Mage Hithe folk mashup by Anirban Sur. Her delicate moves with neat hand gesture midst the pale green field and run-down building gives the video a rustic element as she moves with the flow. The video cinematography is so well done further adding and accentuating her dancing skills. In addition, to uplift the video her traditional attire change accompanied by her bold clear expression easily lures the viewers providing serenity.