Classical Indian dance
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Indian classical dance is a misnomer, and actually refers to Natya, the sacred Hindu musical theatre styles. Its theory can be traced back to the Natya Shastra of Bharata Muni (400 BC). The Sangeet Natak Akademi currently confers classical status on eight "dance" forms:
For lack of any equivalents in the European culture, the British colonial authorities called any performing art forms found in India as "Indian dance". Even though the art of Natya includes nritta, or dance proper, Natya has never been limited to dancing alone. At its best, has the most powerful means to lead its worshippers – the artist – to the Divine. It is a sincere depiction of the Divine. It is a sincere depiction of the realities in life, an embodiment of the imagination and gracefulness, the very soul which thereby creates as it were the “Idol of the Beautiful”.
Indian dance has four main styles: Bharata Natyam, Kathak, Kathakali and Manipuri. The Kathak dance derives its name from the community of Kathaks, who are custodians of the art. It is from this house (ghar) or family that this form has taken its origin. The words Kathak and Kathakali are derived from katha meaning storytelling and kali meaning play. Kathak – storytelling and Kathakali – story play. The Kathak dance style was founded by the master Maharaj Binda Din. Kathak dancing performed by a dancer who stands and moves about and lasya (the aspect) in which the dancer kneels or remains immobile the whole time except for the (gat) a descriptive passage, performed in a gentle rhythm and tells stories with his expressive powers only, with his face and hands. It is astonishing what enchantment such a dancer can weave.
Then we get the tremendous melodramatic Kathakali. On the physical side the dancer must have perfect control of his body and limbs, which is achieved at least 12 years of study. Special massage is given to the feet. The Kathakali technique of using the face expression is a pure marvel of accomplishment. Some ancient masters of this dance have such control of their facial muscles that they can laugh with one side and cry with the other. Every Kathakali must be master of both tandava (vigorous masculine style at changing from one style to another). Lasya is divided into two categories; one suitable for men (for presenting love scenes, displays of sympathy and sentimed and so on) and the other for women who take female roles. Therefore women may study Kathakali but not take part in the pure dance drama which is too vigorous and difficult for them. It is therefore understood that Indian dancing is not just physical movements of hands and legs. It is a form of physical art with body and mind for both men and women alike as well as a form of worship to the Almighty Divine Gods.
[edit] References
- Auntrose, K., Classical Dances and costumes of India
- Banerji, P., Kathak Dance through the ages
In the modern days, Kathakali is also learned and performed by women. There is even a whole women Kathakali group near to Kochi in Kerala.
A very important feature of Indian classical dances is the use of Mudras or hand gestures. Mudras are used by the artists to express their feeling or even the whole story.
[edit] External links
- Indian Classical Dance A Complete learning materials to Learn Bharatanatyam Dance, Kuchupudi Dance and Natya Dwani - All in DVDs & VCDs.
- Classical Indian dance Illustrated article with the largest collection of photos and streaming videos on the Web
- Collection of classical Indian dance DVD trailers from most video productions.
- Indian Dance
- Dance Village Information on Classical Indian Dances
- Dance events in India at EventsInIndia.com site Various dance events in India could be found at EventsInIndia.com site
- Vimoksha - An informative portal on various forms of Indian classical dance, dance schools and teachers and information on Carnatic and Hindustani music
- Indian Dances - Information on Types, Themes, Style, Techniques, Music, Costumes etc. for Indian classical dances
