Sattriya dance
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Sattriya dance or Sattriya Nritya is one among the eight principal classical dance traditions of India. The others are Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, Mohini Attam, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Kathak and Manipuri. The dance has its origin in Assam. According to historians Sattriya dance is a creation of the great Vaishnavite (bhakti) guru Srimanta Sankardeva considered the lead architect of Assamese literature and culture. He created this mangificent Sattriya dance to accompany the Ankiya Naat (a form of Assamese one-act play, another creation of Sankardeva) which was usually performed in Satras (Assamese monastries). Since the dance developed and grew within the Satras, it is named after these religious institutions.
The content of Sattriya Nritya has usually been mythological stories. This dance is an attractive way to present mythological teachings in front of common people in a enjoyble form.
Sattriya dance is accompanied by classical raga based compositions called borgeets (yet another creation from Sankardeva) and music. Instruments that accompany a performance are khols (drums), taals (cymbals), flute and violin etc. The ornaments and costumes used in this dance have a very distinct Assamese flavour.
Traditionally, Sattriya dance is performed by bhokots (male monks) in monastries as part of their daily rituals or special festivals. Today, in addition to this practice, Sattriya dance is performed on stage by men and women who are not part of the Satras. Dances are performed either solo or in groups.
This dance require great physical exercise. Dance movements need body flexibility and intense practice.
Sattriya dance is divided into many genres: Apsara Nritya, Behar Nritya, Chali Nritya, Dasavatara Nritya, Gosai Prabesh, Jhumura, Nadu Bhangi, Manchok Nritya, Bar prabesha, Natua Nritya, Gopi Pravesha, Rasa Nritya, Rajaghariya Chali Nritya, Sutradhara etc.