Traditional
Theme: The stories enacted by Chau dancers were mainly sourced from the epics of Ramayan and Mahabharata. Mahishasur Mardini remains an all-time favourite play for Chau dancers. Themes were also sourced from mythological stories like Narasimha Avatar, Sabitri Satyaban, Shivapurana, Hiranyakashipu and Sri Krishna. Every dance performance starts with Ganesh Vandana.
Style: Dancers used to perform following the three styles of Purulia Chau — Barabazar Gharana, Chilkigarh Gharana and Bagmundi Gharana. Earlier Chau was also performed by a solo performer. Various dance movements were involved in the dance including Danab chal (movements of the demons), Deb chal (movements of the Gods) and Pashu chal (movements of different animals).
Mask & Costumes: Chau dancers traditionally wear ornate and elaborate masks and dazzling costumes made of tinsel and brocade. The masks are made of clay and paper mache with ornamentation in the headgear. These masks are made in Charida village of Baghmundi block in Purulia. Charida is now a Rural Craft Hub (RCH). The traditional costumes are dhoti, saree, belts. Props like toy swords and other toy versions of weapons used in wars are also there. All these are sourced locally.
Instrument: The traditional musical instruments include dhol, dhamsa, charchari, tikra and nagra, mahuri, sanai and flute. These folk instruments are sourced from Muturdih and Baghadih in Balarampur and Paradda.
Contemporary
Theme: All traditional themes are still there. In addition, the dance is being used to disseminate social messages on burning social issues like child marriage, Kanyashree Prakalpa, sanitation, pollution control, alcoholism, cleanliness, school enrolment, gender sensitivity, and Yuvashree Prakalpa, among others.
Style: Chau is no more performed by one person. It is presented as a group. Baghmundi Gharana of Chau is very popular. However, the good old days have ended for Barabazar and Chikligarh Gharana. New steps and moves have also come up. To enthral audiences, somersaults and gymnastics are also being incorporated by some groups.
Mask & Costumes: Chau masks have become colourful and lighter. The bead and zari work on the mask and head gear have become finer and more intricate. To cut costs, sometimes cotton masks are also being used. Costumes have become more elaborate and colourful in general.
Instruments: Traditional musical instruments are still in use. Some groups are also using electronic keyboards.
