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CLASSICAL DANCES OF INDIA
India can boast of an innumerable
number of folk dances, each dance forming a specialty of
a particular region or tribe. Each form will have its
own specialty & grace, along with a set pattern of
costumes & make-up.
The classical dance forms which have
developed, have set rules that have been followed
traditionally over the years. On the basic model,
various gurus incorporate their own imaginative
innovations, leading to various schools within a
particular dance form. Apart from the gracious hand
& leg postures & movements, the dancers have to
acquire the skill of portraying various emotions
faithfully in each expression on their face & each
fluid movement of their hand, legs & in fact their
whole body. Every part conveys some meaning in their
graceful motion.
The various dance forms have also
developed a particular form of make-up for the
performance, which is a skill by itself. Several dance
schools today, incorporate costume designing &
make-up as special section of the curriculum. The
costumes for all forms are elaborate & rich, but
each form & style have their own traditional
patterns set down. Jewels for the dancers are also
specially created to suit their purpose. Flowers adorn
their hair & in the case of portrayal of Gods, their
necks as garlands. The hall is also richly decorated
with flowers. Application of mehendi in various styles
is also an essential part of the make-up in most forms.
Jan 2012 - last update Jul 2012
Excerpts of
Articles by VP Dhananjayan from his book
"beyond Performing: Art and Culture" Published by
B.R.Rhythms, Delhi
The book contains articles on art, culture, social
issues, politics, lectures, profiles and letters
to editors and administrative heads.
Foreword by Cho Ramaswamy & illustrations by
Cartoonist Sarathy |
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