MANIPURI

History

This form of dance originates from the North Eastern State of Manipur and derives its name from its native state. This dance form has many different aspects. The original form of Manipuri is known as Lai Harouba. The dance was performed by the Marbis, the dancers perform various steps and weave patterns, involving various choreographic compositions. Manipuri gained popularity in 20th century when Rabindranath Tagore came out with his own dance dramas.

Characteristics

a.	Manipuri dances are a part of daily life of Manipuri people. Essentially presented as a group dance with gorgeous colourful costumes and gentle swaying petal soft movements.
b.	The body movements involved are soft and flowing requiring tremendous inner muscle control. The movement of the limps and torso often represent the figure eight.
c.	The dances are influenced by the religious movement of vaishnavism the worship of Lord Vishnu and have flowered in exquisite Rasdila performances.
d.	Besides rasalilas, there are other dances called Natasankirtana, in which a group of men play cymbals and dance in a circle or in two rows singing praises of God.
e.	In Manipuri, hand movements are used decoratively rather than symbolically