Describing each style in brief, one may note that Kathak is a result of synthesis of 2 cultures – Hindu and Moslem (during the Moslem rule in the Northen regions of India); it was influenced by Persian dance (movements, costumes, decorations) – like North Indian music was influenced by correspondent music (more info on that style – in the chapter Kathak). Manipuri also has 2 basic sources – Indian and Tibetan-Burman cultures. In this style, the male and female manner of dance differs a lot (in contrary to other classical traditions where they are more or less the same) – very mild and gracious for women and very energetic for men. Besides, men’s dance could include nearly acrobatic tricks with drums on which the performer is playing as well. Considering Odissi, people usually call it the most lyrical dance tradition as the subjects of lots of dances are based on Gita Govinda – an ancient poem by Jayadeva. It’s very sensuous on the one hand, but the background is glorifying not just the love between man and woman; it’s the love of Radha to Lord Krishna, of the human soul that is striving for union with God. Being far from Him, the human soul feels all that a lover could feel – happiness when the beloved comes, jealousy, worry when He is not near, sorrow when separated from Him etc. That tradition took its inspiration in ancient sculptures of Orissa. Bharatnatyam (see the chapter Bharatnatyam) started to develop as a part of temple ritual. As other South Indian styles, it’s based on South Indian music tradition. It’s one of the brightest and most energetic styles. Kuchipudi originally was a dance drama of Vishnuits, where only males could take part. However, with the course of time, it transformed into a dance tradition with many perfect female exponents, too. The plot of Kuchipudi dances often is dedicated to Vishnu and Krishna. One of the most interesting items of Kuchipudi programme is a dance performed on a metal plate while holding a jug on the head. Kathakali is a dance-drama where all the characters – male and female – are performed by men only. The means of expressions are very broad here; the dancer/actor with minimal means can achieve maximal effect. The performers wear very original and bright costumes with big crinolines, wooden crowns and masks; they also use very bright make-up. The literary basis of Kathakali are two ancient eposes – Ramayana and Mahabharata. Another one style from Kerala – Mohini Attam – is, in its turn, a dance for women only (the translation of its name is “the dance of divine temptresses‿). The movements here remind the movements of the wave; the dance is considered to be very sensuous and even erotic as most of the subjects are Radha-Krishna episodes. Though, the thing that prevails here is bhakti – religious feelings, love to God.