Video: The Chhau Dance of Eastern India
A look at the Chhau dance of eastern India, which depicts mythical and religious themes with the help of skilled dancers and ornate costumes.
Chhau is a folk dance with many different forms found primarily in the eastern states of India. Typically performed by male dancers, each Chhau performance is tailored to its community. That means dancers might depict warriors from India’s past, mythical figures, or religious subjects, often using moves that allude to everyday chores or animals. One common feature between all of these variations is the use of elaborate, colorful masks and costumes. Like the dance itself, masks come in all kinds of visual styles and portray any number of characters.
Chhau is a living tradition and is still widely performed during spring festivals and other major events in eastern India. It has, however, also found a home in more formal theater, leading to full stage productions of its most popular dances.
This video, courtesy of UNESCO, shows off not only Chhau dance in its many iterations, but also the rigorous practice and training of its dancers. The final product is a beautiful and expressive performance well worth watching and appreciating.
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