English Paper on Indian Classical Dancing
Indian Classical Dance
Friedrich Nietzsche once said “I would only believe in a God who knows how to dance.” This quote shows the power of dancing and all it has to offer. There are many different dance forms throughout the world. Most of us are accustomed to the most popular forms such as Salsa, Break dancing, Ballroom dancing, Ballet, Hip-Hop dancing but apart from all these dancing there are many other dance forms that are not so known. History has proven that dancing has always been the main source of entertainment. As time progresses, dancing is becoming more and more significant. This one type of dance form began in sacred Hindu temples and is now applauded in theaters all over the world. There are eight types of unique elegant dances in India, Bharatnayatam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Kathak, Manipuri, Odissi, Mohiniyattam, and Sattriya. Of these eight, Bharatnatayam is the leading form of dance which disciplines you in not only skill but also in life. This dance form has a lot of cultural and religious value which is what makes it important in just not the Indian community but in every other community. When people are researching Indian culture or the Hindu religion, Bharatnatayam is considered to be a great source. This dance is originated in Southern India, Tamil Nadu in the late 19th and 20th century. It is complimented for its beautiful costumes, dance techniques, and powerful make-up that emerges you into the dance. Bharatnayatam is a classical Indian dance form which allows you to learn life lessons through body language such as hand movements, feet work, and facial expressions. Bharatnatayam gives much emphasis to hand gestures. Each hand movement has a specific meaning and a reason behind it. There are many hand gestures that are used to show these stories such as the Pataka which is used to represent clouds, forest, or wind, the Anjali is used to greet other people, the Kapota is used to show a sign of obedience and acceptance, the Katarimukha is
Friedrich Nietzsche once said “I would only believe in a God who knows how to dance.” This quote shows the power of dancing and all it has to offer. There are many different dance forms throughout the world. Most of us are accustomed to the most popular forms such as Salsa, Break dancing, Ballroom dancing, Ballet, Hip-Hop dancing but apart from all these dancing there are many other dance forms that are not so known. History has proven that dancing has always been the main source of entertainment. As time progresses, dancing is becoming more and more significant. This one type of dance form began in sacred Hindu temples and is now applauded in theaters all over the world. There are eight types of unique elegant dances in India, Bharatnayatam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Kathak, Manipuri, Odissi, Mohiniyattam, and Sattriya. Of these eight, Bharatnatayam is the leading form of dance which disciplines you in not only skill but also in life. This dance form has a lot of cultural and religious value which is what makes it important in just not the Indian community but in every other community. When people are researching Indian culture or the Hindu religion, Bharatnatayam is considered to be a great source. This dance is originated in Southern India, Tamil Nadu in the late 19th and 20th century. It is complimented for its beautiful costumes, dance techniques, and powerful make-up that emerges you into the dance. Bharatnayatam is a classical Indian dance form which allows you to learn life lessons through body language such as hand movements, feet work, and facial expressions. Bharatnatayam gives much emphasis to hand gestures. Each hand movement has a specific meaning and a reason behind it. There are many hand gestures that are used to show these stories such as the Pataka which is used to represent clouds, forest, or wind, the Anjali is used to greet other people, the Kapota is used to show a sign of obedience and acceptance, the Katarimukha is
Cited: Lopez, Alessandra. "A Sacred Art." Journal of Hindu Studies 3.1 (2010): 114-23. Web. Hunt, Ellen M. "Don 't Call It Fusion." Dance Magazine 5 Nov. 2005: 22. Print. Schulman, Jennie. "Swati G. Bhise in East Indian Classical Dance." Back Stage 42.47 (2001): 11. Web. Acocella, Joan. "Hard and Fast." New York Times Oct.-Nov. 2006: 90-91. Print. Authentic Bharatnatyam Indian dance- “Savita Sastry Bharatnatayam Performance.” Youtube. Youtube, June 10, 2009. Web. 28 Oct. 2012. Gupta, Roxanne K. A Yoga of Indian Classical Dance. Rochester, Vermont: Roxanne Poorman Gupta, 2000. Print.