There are many North-East Dance Forms that I will discuss in the following paragraphs. The dances of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura are the most popular in North East India. Dance is the language of the soul’s freedom, and the sky is the limit when it comes to folk dances since they lack the sophisticated grammar of conventional and classical dance styles. Folk Dances of North East India so unmistakably identify the dance as a representation of the common people’s natural, unprompted, and spontaneous lives.
Different North East Indian Folk Dances
North East India is noted for its diverse dance traditions and intriguing culture. The following are the many North East Indian folk dances:
Bihu Dance: This is a joyful dance performed by both men and women. The Bihu dance is an Assamese traditional dance that is closely associated with the Bihu festival. All of the dancers are dressed in traditional Assamese clothing, which adds to the overall attractiveness of the performance. The dance is characterized by modest motions of the hips, wrists, and arms, as well as squats and bends, but no leaps. The dance is performed to the accompaniment of lovely Bihu music.
The members of the ‘Zeliang’ tribe allow its female members to participate in dancing with the men. Nagaland’s Zeliang is a one-of-a-kind dancing form. The members join the dance floor with some peculiar maneuvers that are distinguished by the sound of their feet thumping. In this dance, the dancers alter their beats often, and the performance is punctuated with strange shouts and hand-clapping sounds.
Hojagiri Dance: The ‘Riang’ clan of Tripura tribes performs the Hojagiri dance. Only women are allowed to participate in this Puja, and each dancing team has 5-7 members. On the auspicious day of the Hojagiri Lakshmi Puja, it is usually done.
The Pung Chalom Dance is a well-known Manipuri dance. This is a one-of-a-kind dance that serves as a prelude to the famed ‘Ras Lila Dance.’ Dancers dance to the beat of a hand-operated drum known as a ‘pungi.’ Acrobatics are executed without disrupting the dance’s speed.
Singhi Chham Dance:
In Sikkim, Singhi Chham is a sort of masked dance. The Snow Lion, Sikkim’s emblem, is the focus of this dance. As instructed by spiritual Guru Padmasambhava, the Snow Lion is constitutionally designated as the state symbol of Sikkim. This lovely dance is done every September and is a wonderful representation of Sikkimese culture.
Nongkrem Dance:
‘Nongkrem’ is a traditional Meghalayan folk dance. Dances and songs are performed by the ‘Khasi’ tribe of Meghalaya to commemorate the development of paddy for threshing. During the fall, the ‘Nongkrem’ dance is performed in Meghalaya.
Dhol-Cholom Dance:
Dhol Cholom is a Manipuri drum dance that is done during Holi. The dance is thrilling, and young guys with swords and shields execute it.
Bagurumba Dance:
Bagurumba is a folk dance from Assam and Northeast India performed by the native ‘Bodo’ tribe. It is a traditional dance that has been passed down from generation to generation. With their colorful ‘dokhna’, ‘jwmgra’ (fasra), and ‘aronai,’ the ‘Bodo’ ladies offer the ‘Bagurumba’ dance.
Cheraw Dance:
In Mizoram, Cheraw Dance is the main attraction at all festive events. Cheraw dance is a combination of technique and rhythm. On the ground, four individuals hold two pairs of long bamboos across each other. The main dancers in traditional dress weave patterns in tune with the beat as the bamboo sticks are clapped together.
Chang Lo Dance:
In the past, it was performed to celebrate victory over foes. It is now a component of all community events, including ‘Poanglem.’ There are classic Naga warrior theatre costumes as well as beautiful women’s clothing. The ‘Chang Lo’ is a Nagaland dance performed by the ‘Chang’ tribe.
Laho Dance:
Laho Dance is a Meghalayan traditional dance. Laho dance is performed by people from Meghalaya, mainly the ‘Pnar’ Tribe, who dress in multi-coloured clothing. Two guys stand on opposite sides of a lady, connecting their arms to present in certain stages.
Manipur’s Thang-Ta Dance
Manipur’s Thang-Ta Dance is primarily a martial art. It consists of a sword, spear, dagger, and other outside weapons, as well as an inner discipline of self-control. The dancers make delicate motions in time with their breathing.
Bardo Chham Dance :-
Arunachal Pradesh’s Bardo Chham Dance is a folk dance. Wearing colorful masks, the dancers create a dramatic performance between these two parts to promote pleasure and harmony. This dance is performed by both men and women.
