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have been done with the Indian dances
to adapt them to modern ballets by great Indian and
foreign artists. But, they have still remained close to
their traditional classical form and do not generally
attempt to portray contemporary themes. They are now
performed in the various parts of India as well as in
abroad, far from their places of their origin and
attracts a large group of people. Some young people in
the western countries have also started learning the
techniques of Indian dances. Its excellent quality and
rhythm have caught the imagination of the people.
Indian dance has also developed a
rich classical tradition. It has become the medium of
expression of emotions, of telling a story and of drama.
The story of Indian dance can be seen in the temple
sculptures of ancient and medieval times. The popular
image of Shiva in the form of Nataraja symbolizes the
influence this art form on the life of the Indian
people. It received the patronage of emperors and kings
as also of the common people. Some styles of classical
dance that have evolved through the centuries are
Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Bharat Natyam, Kathak and
Manipuri. All these styles have developed over a long
period of time. Practically every region and area in the
country has also developed rich traditions of folk
dances. The rich variety in music and dance forms,
classical and folk, is a major component of India’s
cultural heritage. Through their music and dance, North
Indian people have expressed their joys and sorrows,
their struggles and aspirations, and a myriad other
emotions. While at work and during their hours of
leisure, they have danced, sung and played music. These
art forms have been inspired by life and in turn have
enriched life.
Indian Classical Dances
In Indian dance, the Rasas or the aesthetic mood holds
the central place. There are Nine rasas in the Indian
Dances which are the Shringara Rasa or love, devotion,
humour, pathos, heroism, fury, terror, disgust, wonder
and peace. These dances of India are performed for more
than 3,000 years. The various themes of the dances are
the myth, legend and ancient literature with which it
has been associated through its long history. The Natya
Shashtra, India’s canonical treaty on dramaturgy was
written in the 3rd century B.C. This Shastra is
generally recognized as the most authoritative work on
the subject. According to the Indian history, dance is a
part of drama and the classical dancer is like a
storyteller. For this purpose, the dancers use the hand
gesture. A hastamudra or the hand gesture is used to
convey a wide range of meanings like pearl, fragrance, a
drop of water, silence, salvation, generosity, testing
medicine, and calling the beloved. There are various
mudras and there are various possibilities of expression
through the different combinations. In the dance there
is use of intricate patterns of rhythm which is evident
in the footwork and is also emphasized by the jingling
ankle-bells. |
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of the
drums. Light footwork and ankle bells are accompanied by
the beats on the table (drum) and the dancer brings out
the most intricate patterns in the perfect time and
rhythm. To the dancers it is the most natural medium of
self-expression. There are two schools or Gharana of the
the Kathak dance, which are the Jaipur Gharana, that
focus on the Layakari or rhythmic wizardry and the
Lucknow Gharana that focus on the Bhava or moods and
emotions.
Folk Dances
The folk dances of India are very old, but the prestige
associated with them is new. Now, these dances form the
most colourful part of India’s Republic Day parade.
These dances have now travelled from rural to urban
areas. The dancers from the Himalayan regions sway and
bend and thus recreate the vast and undulating ranges of
the Himalayas. The agitated movements and abrupt changes
of posture with the rhythms in the folk dances of Assam
signify violent storms and the uprooting of trees. The
tense and watchful attitudes in the dances of the Nagas
and the Gonds tribes denote the perils of the jungle.
The dances of the fishermen of Bombay suggest the
roaring, mounting waves of the sea. The folk dances of
the people in North India impart a sense of peace and
harmony. |
