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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.
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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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Dance
related Web Sites
Sites
maintained by Saigan Connection
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Narthaki
http://www.narthaki.com
A
web directory of Classical Indian
Dances - Addresses of artistes of
classical Indian dance forms,
current
events, articles, interviews,
reviews, profiles, snippets,
diduknow, new
releases... |
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Arangham
http://www.arangham.com
To
explore, enrich and promote the
performing and visual arts of India
and to contemporize the rich
tapestry
of Indian creativity for modern
audiences |
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Bharata
Kalanjali
http://www.bharatakalaanjali.org
Bharata
Kalaanjali - Premier Academy
of Indian Classical Dance, Music
& Allied Arts
-
All
about the Dhananjayans -
V.P.Dhananjayan
& Shanta Dhananjayan as dancers,
choreographers, teachers...&
Bhaaskara
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Ektaa
Center
http://www.ektaacenter.org
Ektaa
in Sanskrit means oneness
or unity. Ektaa Center is committed
to create an awareness and
understanding
of the traditional arts of India,
using diverse medium such as dance,
music,
theater and other related arts to
help build better communities in
Southern
California. |
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Ipshita Rajesh
http://www.ipshitarajesh.com
An upcoming talent, Ipshita is currently completing a degree in
Bharatanatyam from SASTRA University under Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam. She
is also a faculty at Sanskriti Academy of Fine Arts, Thane, Maharashtra.
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Dr. Janaki Rangarajan (disciple of Padma Subrahmanyam)
http://www.janakirangarajan.com
Janaki's refreshing approach to
Bharatanatyam has won her many accolades and praise from dance lovers
around the world. Being a firm believer in maintaining the integrity of
tradition, Janaki explores her creativity without compromising on the
classicism of the dance form.
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Shantala
Shivalingappa
http://www.shantalashivalingappa.com
Born
in India, brought up in Paris,
Shantala is the child of east and
west. She grew up in a world filled
with
dance and music, initiated at a
tender age by her mother, dancer
Savitry
Nair. (Kuchipudi, Contemporary
dance, Theatre) |
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Vasanth JJ
http://www.vasanthjj.com
A
freelance dancer eager to explore various dance forms underwent
training in Bharatanataym, Yoga, Gymnastics, Contemporary dance,
Kalaripayattu and Silambam, the martial arts of Southern India.
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