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Classical Dance in India
Classical dance in India is an eloquent
expression of an ancient civilization. Shiva, the god of dance
represents both creation and destruction, while
the dance itself nurtured in the precincts of the
temple
and dedicated to the divine, is the highest form
of worship. In ancient India, the arts of dance,
drama, and music were fused into one, as seen in
the treatise called the Natya
Shastra-the Science of Dramatics, written by the sage Bharata around
the second century BC in Sanskrit.
Bharatanatyam
The dance style known today as Bharatanatyam flourished
in the areas around the current state of Tamil
Nadu. Adhering most closely to the principles laid
down
in Bharata's Natya Shastra, Bharatanatyam was nurtured
over the ages in the temples of South India. This
style is one of the most
ancient and arguably the best-known classical dance
form of India. Graceful
movement, mime, and music contribute in equal measure
to this traditional and beautiful dance. Speaking
a universal language of gestures, replete with
diverse moods and emotions and portraying rhythmic
precision,
the dance essentially brings to life the glorious
sculptures of the temples as well as the mythology
of the land. In the word Bharata are the three
components of the dance: Bha for Bhava (expression),
Ra for
raga (melody), and Ta for tala (rhythm). Bharatanatyam
is a highly complex and stylized combination of
these three features .
The distinguishing features of Bharatanatyam are the
almost geometrical angularity
of line, precise and
forceful footwork, and the varied
facial expressions.
The music is of the Carnatic
style, while the rhythm
is kept by the cymbals and the mridangam -(horizontal
drum). The dancer wears anklets of small bells to emphasize
the rhythm.
Proficiency in the art is attained only after several
years of intensive training, at which point a student
is ready to 'ascend the stage' (arangetram) and present
a concert-length solo recital to the public.
The objective of all Indian dance is to evoke
in the performer and the beholder, aesthetic enjoyment
of the highest order – rasa.
Whither the hand goes there the glances
follows,
Whither the glances lead there the mind folllows,
Whither the mind goes there the mood follows,
Whither the mood goes, there is 'rasa' born.
Read "Bharatanatyam-Random
Thoughts"
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Abhinaya supports the teaching activities of Kuchipudi
and Odissi artists as well.
Kuchipudi
The Kuchipudi style of dance
has its origins in the village of Kuchelapuram, in
Andhra Pradesh, where
dancers would present themes from the Puranas in
a village
setting. In the narration of Hindu religious folklore
in Kuchipudi, the dramatic
element is strongly emphasized and the artists participate by singing
and speaking
along with the dance.
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Odissi
Odissi developed as a distinct dance style from the
traditions in the state of Orissa.
The art form was kept alive through the Gotipuas
and Maharis (temple dancers) who dedicated their
art to
the Divine. The characteristic feature of this
style is a hip deflection, giving rise to the tribhanga
or 3-bend posture of the body. Odissi is known
for its lyrical and
sinuous quality, and abounds with sculpturesque
poses from the temples of Orissa.
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