TRADITIONAL DANCES OF NAGAS

Dance is the mode of communication through body language, face expression and gesture of hands. Dance lover finds it as a means of relaxation and distancing from the mundane life. Dance comes to it's ultimate perfection when ancient tradition and cultural heritage blend with music and rhythm in equal proportion. For the people of Nagaland, dance is the extreme heightened of pleasure, zest and joy. They enjoy every moment of this wonderful experience that is derived from dance.

*CHANSANG: Changsang dance is performed in praise of the birth-place of mankind and the earth. Prayer runs neck to neck along with the dance during the festival to which the dance is associated in order to propitiate the sky god. A colourful outfit accompanied by matching songs goes on full throttle during the period of Puanglem/Nknyulum festival.

*MONYU ASHO: This dance is performed by Phom NAGAS during the Monyu. It marks the end of the winter and beginning of summer. It is also a time of prayer and dedication for the seed sown and are already sprouting.

*MELO PHITA: Melo Phita is performed by the Angami Nagas during the Sekreni festival. People of all ages and sex dressed in full traditional attire, sing folk songs for 3 days.

*ANGUSHU KIGHIKHE: This dance is a war-dance performed by the menfolk of Sumi tribe during the festival.

*RUKHYO-SHARU: The word "Rukhyou-Sharu" literally means 'victory dance' which is performed by the Lotha tribe of Nagaland.

*AKOK-KHI: This dance is performed by the Shangtam tribe during the Amongmong festival. People come out in their best Traditional attire to the open field and join the dances with enthusiasm beyond any comparison.

*MODSE: A folk dance performed by Ao Nagas. It is usually performed during the Moatsu festival, which is celebrated every year in the first week of May to mark the completion of the sowing season.

*BUTTERFLY DANCE: This dance is performed by the Zeliangrong Nagas. This dance involve young boys and girls with movement expressing like bees and butterfly.